The first people to discover Cordyceps’ benefits initially observed animals eating the wild fungus and growing strong in the process. Farmers and herders began to use the fungus in powder form and to make tonics and teas. Some of the first uses for these tonics were increasing milk production and improving reproductive capacity of livestock. Later on, people began drying Cordyceps in sunlight to preserve their benefits. It is believed that the many anti-inflammatory benefits of Cordyceps come from their ability to positively affect the immune system, fighting oxidation damage, and stimulating protective cells that keep the body free from infections.