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Dong Chong Xia Cao is formed from the Cordyceps parasiting on
larva of the swift moth of Hepialidae. In winter, this fungus
lives inside the larva's body which is hibernating inside the
soil, whereas in the summer, the fruiting body of Cordyceps
inside the larva's body protrudes from the soil. This explains
the name "Dong Chong Xia Cao" meaning "worm in winter and grass
in summer".
 Dong
Chong Xia Cao is a precious nourishing medicinal material and
is cherished as one of the three rare nourishing TCM delicacies
along with Panax ginseng and Pilose Antler. Previous investigations
suggest that Dong Chong Xia Cao has reliable medicinal applications
without any known side effects, making it an ideal health food
supplement.
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| Wild
Cordyceps grows only as a parasite on the larva of the swift moth,
which lives in cold areas at high altitudes of 3,500 meters. It
demands a specific range of temperature, light, air and dampness
to grow. There are many adulterants in the open market, therefore
scientific authentication is difficult. As a result of overpicking
by people, Wild Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps) has become harder
to obtain and exports are not permitted outside of PRC, thereby
raising its price. To make up for the scarcity of the supply of
the authentic Cordyceps, biologists and medicinal professionals
in Hong Kong, PRC and abroad have initiated research and development
on the artificial cultivation of Cordyceps. Studies have indicated
that cultivated Cordyceps (mycelia and fruiting bodies) have similar
or better chemical ingredients and pharmacological functions to
that of the Wild Cordyceps. |
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