Cordyceps sinensis, also known as caterpillar fungus, winter worm summer grass, or Chinese caterpillar fungus, is a composite formed by the fruiting body of the Cordyceps fungus and the sclerotium (larval corpse) of the host insect. Its primary benefits include regulating immune function, anti-tumor effects, combating fatigue, nourishing the lungs and kidneys, stopping bleeding, resolving phlegm, preserving essence and boosting qi, and brightening the complexion while reducing dark spots. Below, we detail the legendary origins of Cordyceps sinensis.
Cordyceps sinensis is a dried composite of the fruiting body and larval corpse formed when the fungus Cordyceps sinensis (family Clavicipitaceae) parasitizes the larvae of moths (family Hepialidae). It is primarily produced in Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, and other regions. The finest specimens are intact, with plump, robust larvae, a bright yellow exterior, a white interior, and a short fruiting body.Also known as Cordyceps sinensis. In 690 AD, Empress Wu Zetian (624–705), in her declining years, suffered from chronic illness and persistent coughing. Even slight exposure to cold exacerbated her condition, especially during winter, when she dared not venture beyond her palace quarters. Court physicians tried every precious medicine to treat her ailments, yet saw little improvement.
Master Kang, the imperial chef who had served Empress Wu for many years, watched with growing concern. He recalled how elders in his hometown used Cordyceps sinensis stewed with chicken to nourish the body. He decided to prepare this dish for Empress Wu. However, chicken was considered a "trigger food" that might provoke a relapse of her ailments, so Master Kang substituted duck instead.After the duck was stewed, Master Kang presented it to Empress Wu for tasting. Unexpectedly, she spotted dark, worm-like substances in the broth. Perplexed and convinced Master Kang intended to harm her, she sought to execute him for attempted murder. However, considering his past loyalty and lack of fault, she had him imprisoned instead of immediately beheaded.Master Li of the imperial kitchen, a fellow villager and close friend of Master Kang, deeply sympathized with his plight. He reasoned that only by curing Empress Wu's illness with cordyceps could Master Kang's innocence be restored. One day, while plucking feathers from a duck, Master Li pondered how to stew it with cordyceps so that Empress Wu wouldn't notice the dark substance.After much deliberation, he devised a clever plan—he pried open the duck's beak, stuffed twenty caterpillar fungi into its belly, then placed it in the pot to stew. When Empress Wu tasted the broth, she found it exquisitely flavorful. She drank two bowls of the stewed duck soup daily thereafter, twice a day.After over a month, Empress Wu's complexion improved and her cough subsided, bringing joy to the entire court.
One day, in high spirits, Empress Wu invited the Imperial Censor to dine. When Chef Li served the cordyceps duck soup, she remarked, "My recovery owes much to this soup."" The Imperial Censor tasted a spoonful and found it truly exquisite. During the meal, Empress Wu inquired about the handling of Master Kang's murder case. At this moment, Master Li boldly interjected: "The dark substance in the duck soup Master Kang stewed was Cordyceps sinensis. His actions were entirely intended to nourish Your Majesty's health..."
Chef Li then demonstrated the entire process of preparing Cordyceps sinensis duck soup, explaining it step by step to Empress Wu and the Imperial Censor. Afterward, he retrieved the dark, sticky Cordyceps sinensis from the duck's belly. Seeing this, Empress Wu immediately ordered Master Kang's release, designating him to prepare Cordyceps sinensis duck soup exclusively for her.From then on, this renowned dish—both a culinary delight and a medicinal remedy—skyrocketed in value, becoming a signature creation of the imperial kitchen. Later spreading to the common people, it has remained popular for over a thousand years.
This concludes our introduction to the legend of Cordyceps sinensis's origins. We trust you now have a clearer understanding. Wishing you good health and happiness.