Born in the stativity of coldness and hard climate, the Yarsagumba is a wonder of nature which not only amortizes science but also proves to be a boon for the needy. With its Latin name Cordyceps Sinensis(CS), it is believed to be cure for sexual impotency and considered as a Himalayan Herbal Viagra.
Literally, meaning summer plant and winter insect in Tibetan language, the Yarsagumba is only found at an altitude above 4000 Meters in the highlands of Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan where it drives people to its existence in far remote corners prioritizing its image with the new passion of gold rush. Like such, it is prized as an aphrodisiac (sex stimulant) and tonic. In Chinese medicine, it is used as an aphrodisiac and further used in treatment of ailments from fatigue to cancer. Especially in countries like China, Thailand, Korea and Japan, the demand is swelling up giving the existence of this species to quantify the findings of new amenities of science and technology.
Getting back to the technical aspect, Yarsagumba is a type of fungus which grows on Thitarodes caterpillar larva that feeds underground on the roots of trees and shrubs. Once infected, the body cavity of the larva fills with fungal mycelia and grows out killing the host. With in days, a finger-like mushroom grows out from the larva above the ground during the spring and summer. This fungus- caterpillar organism is called Yarsagumba which is then collected during the time.
Normally, it is found as 2500 plants per hectare with in the balanced PH soil level of 7-7.5. The Yarsagumba is mainly found in plants of Rhododendron, Anemone sp, Anaphalis sp, Carese sp, etc. where the germination time starts from April . June/July and is collected from May . June/July. Moreover on average it is found in 0.3 to 0.5gm per plant. Looking back to its export data, the trade of Yarsagumba has increased so much that it has been regarded as an expensive exportable herb and not only that, rumors has it that it is exported through different channels to various European countries where it is used as an essential ingredient for sex enhancement drug like Viagra. Every year during May and June season, thousands of villagers from remote areas and across boarder from India come to this region for collecting Yarsagumba risking their lives. Moreover, Almost 50% of the annual supply of Yarsagumba comes from Dolpa alone. Dolpa is a remote district in western Nepal with high steep valleys and dry climate. During the rush not only adults but school goers also take unofficial holidays in search of Yarsagumba. Looking back to its legal status, collection of Yarsagumba was illegal until 2001.
Literally, meaning summer plant and winter insect in Tibetan language, the Yarsagumba is only found at an altitude above 4000 Meters in the highlands of Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan where it drives people to its existence in far remote corners prioritizing its image with the new passion of gold rush. Like such, it is prized as an aphrodisiac (sex stimulant) and tonic. In Chinese medicine, it is used as an aphrodisiac and further used in treatment of ailments from fatigue to cancer. Especially in countries like China, Thailand, Korea and Japan, the demand is swelling up giving the existence of this species to quantify the findings of new amenities of science and technology.
Getting back to the technical aspect, Yarsagumba is a type of fungus which grows on Thitarodes caterpillar larva that feeds underground on the roots of trees and shrubs. Once infected, the body cavity of the larva fills with fungal mycelia and grows out killing the host. With in days, a finger-like mushroom grows out from the larva above the ground during the spring and summer. This fungus- caterpillar organism is called Yarsagumba which is then collected during the time.
Normally, it is found as 2500 plants per hectare with in the balanced PH soil level of 7-7.5. The Yarsagumba is mainly found in plants of Rhododendron, Anemone sp, Anaphalis sp, Carese sp, etc. where the germination time starts from April . June/July and is collected from May . June/July. Moreover on average it is found in 0.3 to 0.5gm per plant. Looking back to its export data, the trade of Yarsagumba has increased so much that it has been regarded as an expensive exportable herb and not only that, rumors has it that it is exported through different channels to various European countries where it is used as an essential ingredient for sex enhancement drug like Viagra. Every year during May and June season, thousands of villagers from remote areas and across boarder from India come to this region for collecting Yarsagumba risking their lives. Moreover, Almost 50% of the annual supply of Yarsagumba comes from Dolpa alone. Dolpa is a remote district in western Nepal with high steep valleys and dry climate. During the rush not only adults but school goers also take unofficial holidays in search of Yarsagumba. Looking back to its legal status, collection of Yarsagumba was illegal until 2001.
