Prized Medicinal Plants and Animals
Mankind has for thousands of years tapped into the plethora of plants and animals on Earth for medicine and food. We take a look at six of the most valuable natural medicines our planet offers.
Caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis
This queer-looking ingredient usually sold in Chinese medicine shops is actually an entomopathogenic fungus that grows out of caterpillars of the ghost moth, killing it and producing a long, thin mushroom. For this reason, its Chinese name ‘ dong chong xia cao’ reflects its identity as being both a worm and a “grass” in different seasons. It is found mainly in soft soil on mountains or well-drained grassy marshlands above 3,500 meteres in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, Bhutan, India and Tibet. Widely used as a medicine and tonic by Chinese for hundreds of years, the fungus, more commonly known as cordyceps, is taken to increase strength, rejuvenate the body, reduce stress and improve sexual performance. It is also believed to cure heart, respiratory, renal and liver diseases. It can cost from $20,000 to $140,000 per kilogramme.
“For this reason, its Chinese name ‘dong chong xia cao’ reflects its identity as being both a worm and a “grass” in different seasons.”
Ginseng Panax notoginseng
Famous for its various benefits, the root is one of the most well-known and researched herb. There are 11 species of ginseng and common varieties are the American, Asian and Siberian ones. Because they vary in concentration of active compounds, they have different effects on the body. Ginsenosides present in the first two varieties are responsible for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which studies have demonstrated. Ginseng protects the body from free-radical damage and thus prevents cancer. Studies found that taking ginseng boosts the immune system of post-surgery cancer patients, reduces fatigue and increases energy levels. Besides being effective in maintaining blood sugar level and treating erectile dysfunction, ginseng consumption is known to improve mood and mental functions like memory. Ginseng can be eaten raw, steamed or boiled in soups. Many Asian species are extinct or severely endangered due to overharvesting.
Lingzhi Ganoderma lucidum
Also known as reishi, this mushroom has been recognised for its medicinal benefits for over 2000 years. The benefits of lingzhi were recorded in Shen Nong’s Herbal Classics, the first book that describes herbs and their medicinal value written in the Han dynasty, and Ben Cao Gang Mu, the first pharmacopoeia written in China in the Ming dynasty. It is known to increase energy, strengthen cardiac function, improve memory, boost immunity and lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. It has been used to treat dizziness, insomnia, palpitations, shortness of breath as well as infectious diseases such as bronchitis and hepatitis. Wild lingzhi is rare and was something only nobles could afford. It is now cultivated and widely available. They are commonly taken in powder or extract form but can be eaten fresh too.
White Truffles Tuber magnatum Pico
Despite its knobbly and unappetising appearance, this precious fungi is prized around the world for its extraordinary flavour. They usually grow several inches underground near the roots of certain trees and are harvested with the help of pigs or trained dogs. Truffles can be found in Asia, Europe North America and North Africa and efforts have been made to cultivate these valuable mushrooms. Truffles have to be collected when the spores are mature enough for release in order for the chemicals responsible for development of the aroma – and thus flavour – to be produced. Truffles are expensive and the average price of the more sought-after white truffles is EUR2000 to 2500.
Ambergris ambra grisea
Called treasure of the sea and floating gold, ambergris is one of the strangest useful substance of animal origin. Fossilised evidence of the substance dates back 1.75 milion years and What it was and where it came from was a mystery for many years until whalers discovered it came from the sperm whale in the 1800s. When indigestible parts of their prey, cephalopods like cuttlefish and squid, are not spat out before digestion, they accumulate in the whale’s intestines and harden over time to form ambergris
– widely believed to be passed out with the mammal’s faeces. Surprisingly, the prized substance has been used to make perfumes for hundreds of years! Ambrein, an alcohol extracted from ambergris makes a perfume’s scent last longer. Ambergris is rare and a 1.57kg piece discovered three years ago was estimated to be worth USD71,000. Ancient Egyptians, Arabs, Chinese and Japanese used it as prized incense and an aphrodisiac. It was also taken for headaches, colds and epilepsy.
Saffron Crocus Crocus sativus
The coveted spice, saffron, is the dried stigmas of this flower and about 75,000 saffron crocus flowers are needed to produce a single pound of saffron. This together with the fact that it is largely cultivated and harvested by hand one of the world’s most expensive spices – a kilogramme of it costs upwards of $3000. Saffron crocus was depicted in frescos from Crete and Santorini that are as old as 3600 years and studies revealed the species originated from Greece. Papyrus Ebers – among the oldest and most important medical texts of ancient Egypt dating to circa 1500 BC – records the use of saffron to improve eye health and treat menstrual and urinary disorders. The Babylonians used it to treat dyspnea, childbirth disorders and headache among others. Crocin, the red pigment in saffron, is a powerful antioxidant; it protects the brain from stress and improves cognitive functioning, reduces cholesterol and has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases. The natural sedative is not only a good remedy for anxiety and nervousness but also stimulates appetite and digestion. Saffron gives dishes a golden-yellow hue and an aromatic flavour. Iran produces more than 90 percent of the world’s saffron. ag