Tonify Yang: Dong Chong Xia Cao

dong chong xia cao = winter bug summer herb (or "vegetable caterpillar")

冬虫夏草 cordyceps chinensis

Lung and Kidney

Sweet
Warm

Dosage: 3 - 9 grams

Dong Chong Xia Cao is a bug-eating plant! It is a parasite, growing by way of killing and digesting caterpillar larvae (larvae that would eventually transform into a moth). The actual herb grows inside the now-hollowed-out shell of the larvae, and then extends beyond the shell (the part that looks like a tail is the fungus coming out). So, it's part bug, part fungus.

This herb is also quite expensive because of the most particular way in which it grows. It is a mountainous species that grows only in southwest China. It functions are similar to those of Ge Jie.

Primarily, it is used to augment the kidneys and tonify yang for impotence, and other KD yang deficiency symptoms such as weak lower back and lower extremities.

Secondarily, in tonifying the KD yang, it is also augmenting the Lung yin, and therefore is good for chronic coughs that have blood streaked sputum / phlegm.

Dong Chong Xia Cao tonifies both yang and yin, and therefore is safe for long term use. And long term use just might be necessary - it is slow acting because it is so gentle.

It differs from Gecko in that while Ge Jie helps the Kidney to grasp the lung qi, Dong Chong serves the cough settling function by way of directing rebellious lung qi downward. This tells me that Ge Jie is better for asthma, while Dong Chong Xia Cao would be better for a chronic, consumptive cough.

Caution in those with exterior patterns, because it is fortifying.

As far as being used for sexual function, my guess is that you could compare Lu Rong to viagra--fast and furious success--while Dong Chong Xia Cao might be compared to going on a retreat...slowly helping you to get your groove back through rest, relaxation, and nourishment.