Polyrhachis ant benefits include strengthening and improving the nervous system, digestive functions, detoxification functions, and sexual health. It has been named the “Herb of Kings” and for good reason. Polyrhachis ants is a nutrient-dense superfood, containing a large amount of protein, vitamins, minerals, and potent antioxidants (1).
Chinese medicine, one of the oldest and most successful forms of medicine known, considers the consumption of these hard-working creatures to improve the energy and strength of those who consume them.
Over 400 known species of ants have been studied in China, and Polyrhachis Vicina Roger is the only species that the China Ministry of Public Health has approved as a dietary supplement. Polyrhachis Ant (Polyrhachis vicina) live up high in the mountains and are often found among ginseng roots.
Ancient texts including the Chinese Medicinal Classics mention polyrhachis ant benefits as a significant energy increasing tonic. They are rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Eating ants, as gross as it seems, benefits our bodies and our world in many ways (2).
Polyrhachis Ant Benefits
Improves Physical Strength
A 3.5-ounce serving of polyrhachis ants supplies about 14 grams of protein, according to the National Geographic website. The same serving of red ants also supplies 6 milligrams of iron, which is 71 percent of the 8 milligrams men need each day and about one-third of the 18 milligrams women require on a daily basis.
Polyrhachis ants have strong strength and stamina attributes that can be obtained through consuming. They contain more than 8 kinds of amino acids that are crucial for maintaining a strong and resilient body, and as much as 67% of the dry weight of Polyrhachis Ant (3).
Improves Immune System
Antioxidants found in polyrhachis ants protect your cells from the effects of free radicals and can help reduce an overabundance of inflammation in your body. This important property — part of nearly 200 biochemical reactions in your body — is critical in how your immune system functions.
Loaded with the essential vitamins B12. B12 plays an important role in white blood cell production, and white blood cells are essential for proper immune system functioning
Improve Brain and Memory Health
Polyrhachis ants are loaded with zinc. Research conducted at the University of Toronto and published in the journal Neuron suggested that zinc has a crucial role in regulating how neurons communicate with one another, affecting how memories are formed and how we learn.
They are also a source of B12. A B12 deficiency has been associated with memory loss, especially in older adults. This vitamin may play a role in preventing brain atrophy, which is the loss of neurons in the brain and often associated with memory loss or dementia.
Increased Energy
Polyrhachis ants are loaded with essential vitamins B1, B2, B12, D, E, and is rich in more than 20 trace minerals including magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, selenium, and many other essential enzymes. Vitamin B12 is involved in energy production in your body. Iron has a role in creating energy from nutrients. It also contributes to the transmission of nerve impulses — the signals that coordinate the actions of different parts of your body (4).
Sexual Health
As mentioned earlier, polyrhachis ants are also a source of Zinc. Zinc plays a significant role in our growth and development, immune potential, brainpower, libido, and many other functions in the body. In 2009, a study concluded that in males, zinc has a positive effect on arousal and maintaining an erection. The vitamins and minerals in polyrhachis ants are necessary for sexual performance and overall health.
Other Polyrhachis Ant Benefits
In Chinese medicine polyrhachis ant is also touted for other benefits that have been known to improve overall health:
- Kidney and adrenal system
- Digestive system
- Nervous system
- Accelerated aging
- Mental fogginess
How to Consume Polyrhachis Ant
Polyrhachis Ant is usually consumed in powdered form. The extract can be purchased from online vendors. The powder can easily be mixed with water, juice, or blended in a shake.
Polyrhachis Ant History in Chinese Medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a polyrhachis ant tonic is considered as a Jing tonic. Jing tonics are taken to boost energy in the body. Polyrachis ant has been used for ages as a tonic herb to improve the jing energy in the body.
Jing is that which is the physical basis for our life, which can be adapted and converted into a new life through the means of procreation. Jing is the most highly cultivated substance in our body, the source for all of our tissues, especially the male and female sexual fluids.
It is our ability to create, maintain, and conserve this jing energy that determines our freedom from degenerative disease as well as our possible lifespan.
Jing energy deficency can be observed in;
- the luster and texture of the skin, hair, nails, and tongue
- sexual prowess
- creativity
- drive
- courage
- will
- inspiration
- athletic power
Jing energy is depleted by the process of living itself, and also by stress, excessive behavior, and overwork. However, with proper exercise, diet, and taking herbal supplements like, polyrhachis ant, we can replenish and conserve this energy.