Is Cordyceps Best for Winter Tonification?
Purchasing tonics at pharmacies, Cordyceps Sinensis is nearly sold out. Some say it’s best taken in spring, with specific consumption guidelines. Yesterday, Ms. Wen from Wuchang called to ask: Is this scientific?<pstyle="TEXT-INDENT:2em">Dr. Zhang Yuejun, Chief Pharmacist at the Department of Pharmacy, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, explained that Cordyceps Sinensis is a premium tonic herb capable of nourishing lungs and kidneys. It is sweet in taste and slightly warm in nature. For those seeking tonification due to deficiency, winter is the optimal season.
<pstyle="TEXT-INDENT:2em">Dr. Zhang cautioned that not everyone is suitable for direct tonification with this herb. Tonics focus on treating root causes. If one experiences symptoms like colds, coughs, rashes, or high blood pressure, one must treat the symptoms first before tonifying—otherwise, it may delay recovery and impair drug efficacy.
<pstyle="TEXT-INDENT:2em">Dr. Song Enfeng, Head of the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Wuhan University People’s Hospital, pointed out that “all medicine carries toxicity.” Even tonifying herbs must be taken under medical supervision. If medically necessary, Cordyceps can be consumed regardless of season.