Why is the efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis closely related to its growing altitude?

The efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis is closely related to its growth altitude. In other words, the growth altitude largely determines the strength of the effect and efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis. Why is this? The reasons are as follows:

1. The quality of Cordyceps sinensis is closely related to the growth of its host, the larvae of the Cordyceps bat moth. A good host is a prerequisite for the formation of high-quality Cordyceps sinensis, and the larvae of the bat moth prefer cold and fear heat. The higher the altitude of the production area, the lower the annual average temperature, which is more suitable for the growth of the larvae of the bat moth, and the more conducive to the formation of high-quality Cordyceps sinensis under natural conditions.

2. The adverse factors that affect the growth of Cordyceps sinensis in high-altitude production areas (mainly environmental pollution and the degree of human activities) are relatively fewer, which is more conducive to the parasitism and reproduction of Cordyceps sinensis fungi in the Cordyceps sinensis host - the Cordyceps bat moth larvae, and the Cordyceps sinensis formed contains higher levels of beneficial ingredients.

3. The higher the altitude at which Cordyceps sinensis grows, the harsher the natural environment of the production area. Of course, the "harsh" mentioned here is only from a human perspective, and may not be the case from the perspective of Cordyceps sinensis. But no matter what, the various active ingredients contained in Cordyceps sinensis are formed under special natural conditions. We can think of them as actively generated by Cordyceps sinensis in response to the harsh natural environment, or as passively produced after Cordyceps sinensis is "carved and polished" by the harsh natural environment. Without this environment, many ingredients may not be generated or the amount generated will be greatly reduced. The higher the altitude of the production area, the more special its natural environment, and the more it can stimulate Cordyceps sinensis to form various beneficial ingredients during its growth.

4. The Cordyceps produced in high-altitude production areas has a smaller proportion of the fruiting body (grass head) in the whole Cordyceps (that is, weight of the fruiting body ÷ weight of the Cordyceps) than the Cordyceps produced in medium and low altitudes, and the medicinal value of the insect body is higher than the fruiting body. The Cordyceps with smaller fruiting bodies has a larger weight, and the efficacy and function of the Cordyceps will be stronger. We have already introduced this in the article "Why are Cordyceps with short grass heads more expensive" published in the "Cordyceps Knowledge" column of this website, and will not repeat it here.

To sum up, I believe everyone can understand that the efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis is closely related to the altitude at which it grows. The higher the altitude at which the Cordyceps sinensis grows, the stronger its effects and the better the effect of taking it. Conversely, the effect will be worse.