Fatigue is often described as tiredness, lethargy and listlessness both physically and mentally. It is a common symptom that develops over time due to lack of sleep and physical activity, emotional stress and so forth. Although it is not cause by serious disease, it is a good indicator for underlying mental or physical condition.   

Fatigue vs Tiredness

Is fatigue and tired the same? Both are being described as a feeling of decreased energy and they are often being used interchangeably. The truth is, they are NOT the same. When one is tired, it can usually be relieved by taking a break, doing something relaxing and taking a good night’s sleep. Many people confused fatigue with tired, forcing themselves to sleep longer at night, hoping that they would feel refreshed in the morning. However, this is usually not the case. Fatigue does not recover easily with rest and it unusually lasts longer than being tired.

How do I know I have fatigue?

Fatigue can affect all ages, impacting your daily quality of life. If you are getting enough sleep, having regular exercise and on a healthy diet and yet you are still feeling tired and hard to concentrate, it is possible that you might be experiencing fatigue.

Some of the signs and symptoms of fatigue include:

• Always feeling exhausted
• Poor immune system
• Lack of motivation
• Difficulty in concentrating
• GI irritation – bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, etc
• Muscle ache
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Sleepy
• Slow reflexes

What causes fatigue?

Fatigue can be a result of endless causes; some can be as obvious as not getting enough sleep while in other cases the cause cannot be explained.  Some causes of fatigue might be due to:

• Stressful life
• Lack of exercise
• On medication
• Poor diet
• Underlying mental or physical condition
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Thyroid
  • Anaemia
  • Sleeping disorder
  • Depression
  • Anxiety 

Borsch Med 100% 2 in 1 Lingzhi & Cordyceps Powder Capsule is a natural remedy that combines the essences of Lingzhi, Cordyceps and Vitamins, giving you the ENERGY RECHARGE to start off your day. This product is specially formulated to

• Enhance energy and stamina
• Relieve fatigue by targeting underlying disease
• Improve physical performance and mental alertness
• Improve immune function  and respiratory health
• Tonify Qi & Strengthen Liver
• Promote healthy blood circulation and metabolism
• Aids digestion and improve appetite

1. Lingzhi

 Lingzhi is an excellent adaptogenic herb that helps our body resists stress, supports metabolic function and restores balance. Although it can provide wonderful health benefits, it is not a medicine that can provide instant effect. Instead it is a natural herb regulates the body overtime and brings balance back to our body.

Apart from that, Lingzhi is a natural source of many valuable bioactive components that provides numerous health benefits without interfering with our body’s system.  Research has shown that Lingzhi contains many active components such as:

• Polysaccharides (Beta-glucan)
• Triterpenes (Ganoderic Acid)
• Protein (Lingzhi-8)protein
• Nucleoside (Adenosine) 
• Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids
• Minerals (K, Mg, Ca, Na, Mn, Zn, etc)

What they do?

• Strengthening our immune system
• Provide body with strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect
• Protects our liver and helps with detoxification
• Restore health cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar level
• Aid post-recovery from surgery and cancer therapy
• Increase metabolism, digestion and mental alertness

To learn more about Ganoderma lucidum, please click here, here.

2. Cordyceps

Like Lingzhi, Cordyceps is also another excellent adaptogenic herb that can be taken daily to improve your overall health. Cordyceps is safe for consumption, able to adapt or resist to chronic fatigue, trauma and stress and is versatile in treating variety of conditions.  For example, Cordyceps can adapt either to decrease fatigue or increase physical endurance.

Studies on the chemical composition of Cordyceps sinensis and there are repeated reports on the health benefits of this medicinal fungus in the form of powders, extracts or liquid concentrate. C.sinensis has rich source of bioactive components such as:

• Polysaccharides (Cordycepic Acid)
• Nucleosides (Adenosine & Cordycepin)
• Sterols (Ergosterol)
• Proteins
• Peptides
• Polyamines 
• Vitamins ( B, E and etc)
• Minerals (K, Na, Ca, Mg and etc)

What they do?

• Protects and boosts kidneys and lungs
• Increases energy level, exercise capacity and reduce fatigue
• Improves immune system
• Supports liver function
• Good anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory
• Promotes blood circulation and protects heart
• Anti-diabetes and  regulates cholesterol

To learn more about Cordyceps sinensis, please click here.

3. Vitamin Bs –B2 & B6

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a yellow-orange solid compound found naturally in foods such as organ meat, eggs, green leafy vegetables, soybeans, milk, almonds, mushrooms, etc.  It is responsible for boosting energy levels, a strong antioxidant that helps the body to fight off free radicals and facilitate healthy metabolism.

What it does?

1. Its main function is to serve as a coenzyme. For example, it helps enzymes break down protein, fats and carbohydrate into energy forms that our body needed, a great ENERYGY FUELS for our body.  And also it helps to convert vitamins such as B6 and folic acid into their activated forms which is important for growth and red blood cell production.

2. It SUPPORTS ANTIOXIDANT functions that neutralized the free radicals in our body. Its biggest contribution is the conversion of Glutathione. Glutathione, produced naturally by the liver, is a potent antioxidant that increases strength and endurance, slows aging process, improves immune system, detoxify the body and so forth. B2 helps to convert glutathione to the reduced form (active form) to carry its necessary function.

Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine can be found in wide variety of foods such as seeds and nuts, fish, meat, fruits, green leafy vegetables, etc. As part of the Vitamin B complex, it is necessary for maintaining healthy red blood cells, immune function, nervous system, etc. 

What it does?

1. Similar to B2, B6 acts as a coenzyme to PROVIDE ENERGY by breaking down glycogen to glucose, a process call glycogen metabolism. Glucose is then further broken down into ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Oxygen is needed for ATP metabolism which is the main energy source for our body. B6, which is essential to red blood cells production, produces blood and transports oxygen to complete ATP process. In other words, B6 indirectly helps our body generate energy.

2. It HELPS COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT by helping our body to produce neurotransmitters (chemicals that carry signals between nerve cells), such as serotonin and taurine, to activate and speed up communication between nerve cells. This in turn aids brain development, influences our mood and regulates our body clock.

Vitamin C, commonly known as ascorbic acid, is a water soluble vitamin that can be found abundant in fruits and vegetables. It needs to be supplied through our diet in order for us to meet our daily requirements. Foods that contains high source of vitamin C includes, chilli peppers, bell peppers, kale, kiwi, papaya, broccoli and strawberry.  Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and essential nutrients required for maintaining strong immune system, heal our wounds, anti aging, etc.

What it does?

1. It STRENGTHENS OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM by supporting and providing immune stimulating effect. It is highly concentrated in immune cells and is quickly used up when infection occur. For example, vitamin C aids in the production of interferon, a type of defensive proteins that are produced by the host cell during the presence of pathogens. Vitamin C also helps to enhance production and functions of white blood cells (lymphocyte) and antibodies. Studies showed that people who had regular intake of vitamin C-rich foods are less prone to catching common cold and they have milder symptoms.     

2. It is an EFFECTIVE ANTIOXIDANT that reduces oxidative stress by acting as an electron donor to neutralizing free radicals in our body. Free radicals are the result of stress, radiation, pollution, etc and they increase the risk of diseases and speeds up aging. Thus being an effective antioxidant, vitamin C helps to protect against variety of carcinogens, heart diseases and other diseases where by oxidative stress plays a crucial role such as cataract.

Study 1: C.sinensis and G. lucidum can reduce fatigue and protect athletes from oxidative stress.

Overtraining syndrome (OTS) is a common condition for athletes whereby they are unable to recover from their training and gradually become fatigue and suffer from prolonged underperformance. OTS can be the result of excessive exercising without enough rest, stress from peers, competition and during training and the athlete’s poor recovery ability. OTS disrupts our body system and athletes whom are potentially suffering from OTS undergo oxidative stress.

Studies had been done to understand the mechanisms behind OTS and one of the methods for evaluation is the ratio between the levels of testosterone and cortisol (T/C). Cortisol and Testosterone are hormones necessary for normal metabolic function, influencing health, mood and body composition and performances.  Testosterone aids muscle building (anabolic) while cortisol causes muscle breakdown (catabolic).  In other words, a high T/C ratio indicates that your body is in an environment conducive to muscle building and recovery, leading to better performance.

Athletes were given a 3 months supplements of Cordyceps sinensis plus Ganoderma lucidum and they were being assessed just before and after physical exertion.  T/C ratio and antioxidant activity were tested and there is a significant increase in both results before and after exercise. Dietary supplements of C.sinensis and G. lucidum prevent athletes from OTS, reduce fatigue and protect them from oxidative stress.

Study 2: C. sinensis is non toxic; improve hepatic blood flow that increases energy level, making one less fatigued.

Research were conducted to see the effects of Cordyceps extracts on the energy state in the liver by measuring the ATP:Pi (adenosine triphosphate : inorganic phosphate) ratio. ATP plays an essential role by providing energy to the cells. The mice livers were examined using in vivo NMR spectroscopy and results showed that C. sinensis is non toxic to the liver and the increase in ATP:Pi ratio proved that it increases  energy level, making one less fatigued.

A follow up study was done to confirm if Cordyceps had the ability to increase hepatic blood flow as blood flow and energy were thought to be linked. Once again, experiment results showed that C. sinensis is non toxic even taken at high level and it helps to increase hepatic blood flow, which in turn increase the energy level, making one less fatigue.

Study 3: C. sinensis is a superior anti-fatigue supplement.

C. sinensis was also examined on its effectiveness for increasing endurance in human during prolonged exercising. Before and after consumption of C. sinensis, volunteers were asked to run on the treadmill. Tests done during exercising includes oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide output (VCO2), ventilatory volume (VE), lactic acid (LA), urine, etc. C. sinensis appears to be a superior anti-fatigue supplement, enabling higher endurance performance by effectively utilising oxygen to increase energy metabolism and reduce recovery time.

 Study 4: Lingzhi polysaccharides activate our immune response to protect our body against disease. 

A 14-day treatment of Lingzhi polysaccharides of different dosage level were given to mice subjects injected with tumor growing cells like Murine Sarcoma 180. Comparing with controlled group, all levels of Lingzhi polysaccharide treated mice inhibited tumor cells proliferation and promoted spleen lymphocytes proliferation. They also have increased NK cytotoxic activity (a type of white blood cell that kills virally infected cells).

 Study 5: Triterpenes in Lingzhi have strong anti-viral properties. 

Triterpenes were isolated from the spores of Lingzhi by repeated column chromatography using alcohol and acid fractions. These isolated compounds include major compounds like Ganoderic acid A, Ganoderic acid B and Lucidumol A. They were tested for their inhibitory activities on HIV-1 protease using lab incubated virus. Results showed that they do have significant inhibitory activity against this human immunodeficiency virus.

Study 6: Lingzhi and Cordyceps can prevent and reduce underlying condition.

• Lingzhi aid recovery rates for cancer therapy and chemotherapy.

1. Decreases myelosuppression (decrease in production of cells that provides immune function)
2. Reduces gastro-intestinal injury; which results in nausea and vomiting
3. Enhances immune function, with anti-infection and anti-cancer properties
4. Enhance overall qi of the body to provide improved physical energy and stamina
5. Inhibit tumor angiogenesis (Lingzhi could limit the blood supply to the cancer cell; thereby limiting the growth of the tumor).

• Lingzhi supports treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Lingzhi has been found to enhance the efficacy of conventional oral hypoglycemic drugs on Type 2 diabetes patients. After the treatment, the fasting blood glucose reduced significantly for the group of patients whom consumed Lingzhi together with their diabetes medication. Lingzhi also reduces the side effects of diabetes medication (such as weak legs, dizziness, body aches, etc).

• Lingzhi lowers blood pressure.

The anti-hypertensive effects of Lingzhi showed inhibitory activity on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in the body. High ACE activity could lead to increase in blood pressure. Hence, by suppressing ACE activity, triterpenes could indirectly reduce the symptoms of hypertension.

• Lingzhi helps to reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and total triglycerides level in liver.

Studies showed that Lingzhi if consumed alone or together with lipid lowering medication could improve hyperlipidemia (elevated levels of lipids or lipoprotein in blood) condition. Not only can Lingzhi polysaccharides reduce “bad” cholesterol (LDL), it increases “good” cholesterol (HDL) and improves antioxidant enzymes activities.

Triterpenes in Lingzhi could suppress cholesterol absorption and also reduce the activity of HMG-CoA reductase (enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the body). The result is reduced cholesterol within the body.

• C. sinensis has anti-inflammatory properties and is a potential herb for prevention and cure for asthma.

Studies were conducted using asthmatic mice to observe the effect of C. sinensis on asthma prevention and treatment. 4 groups of mice were injected with different herbs and drugs and were diagnosed using the animal lung analyzer. A lower value airway resistance and higher white blood cells suggested that C. sinensis has anti-inflammatory properties and is a potential herb for prevention and cure for asthma.

• C. sinensis extract can be a good therapeutic agent for respiratory illnesses.

Pulmonary hypoxia (low oxygen level) occur and increases when there are inadequate air exchange in the lungs due to respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, etc. Mice treated with C. sinensis extract significantly inhibited the accumulation of cell mass in PAMSCs (pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells), inhibiting oncogenes (genes that might transform cells into tumour cells) that are induced by hypoxia which might aid cell proliferation. These evidences proved that C. sinensis extract can be a good therapeutic agent for respiratory illnesses.

To learn more about Ganoderma lucidum, please click here, here.

To learn more about Cordyceps sinensis, please click here.

Q1. What are the benefits of taking Borsch Med 100% 2 in 1 Lingzhi & Cordyceps Powder Capsule?

A1. Borsch Med 100% Cordyceps Sinensis Powder Capsules mainly helps to improve and strengthen your energy and stamina, providing you with a healthy immune system, respiratory health and aids general well being.  

Q2. Where is Borsch Med 2 in 1 Lingzhi & Cordyceps Powder Capsule from?

A2. Borsch Med 100% 2 in 1 Lingzhi & Cordyceps Powder Capsule is cultivated in the lab using advanced technology and manufactured under strict quality control and stringent GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards, to provide customer with a consistent and high quality product.

Q3. For Borsch Med 2 in 1 Lingzhi & Cordyceps, is it more effective to consume the powder directly e.g. by removing it from the capsule?

A3. Not necessary, as the level of absorption is dependent on individual body’s constitution.

Q4. What is the best time to consume Borsch Med 2 in 1 Lingzhi & Cordyceps?

A4. There is no specific time that is best to consume the products.  Also, there is no concrete evidence to prove that products are better absorbed on an empty stomach or in the morning.  It depends greatly on individual’s body constitution. One can consume the product at any time of the day, at individual’s own discretion.

Q5. Do I need to take Borsch Med 2 in 1 Lingzhi & Cordyceps even when I am not sick or feeling fatigue?

A5. All Borsch Med Lingzhi and Cordyceps range are specially formulated to strengthen your immunity and general well-being.  As the saying goes “Prevention is better than cure”. Although you might not be sick at the moment, it is always good to equip your body with strong defensive system before you get sick.  Other than taking supplements, it is also important to stay on a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Q6. Are there any side effects of taking Borsch Med 2 in 1 Lingzhi & Cordyceps Powder Capsule?

A6. According to history, classic literature and research studies, there are currently no known side effects for Lingzhi and Cordyceps and they are safe for consumption over a long period of time. With the addition of vitamins, this formulation further enhances the effect to provide you with the energy and stamina that you require. However, it is always good to consult a qualified health physician if you are not sure.

Q7. Can I take Borsch Med 2 in 1 Lingzhi & Cordyceps together with other medication? 

A7. It is good to consult your doctor before consuming any supplements together with your medication. However as a rule of thumb, herbs and medicine should be taken 3-4 hours apart to avoid any possible contraindication.

Q8. Can my children consume Borsch Med 2 in 1 Lingzhi & Cordyceps too?

A8. Your children can consume Borsch Med Lingzhi and Cordyceps if he or she were 18 and above. If they were below 18 years old, it is recommended to consult a qualified health physician when taking any type of supplements.