YARSAGUMBA- A natural wonder

Yarshagumba, known as Cordyceps Sinensis , is a wonder of nature which is believed to be a cure for sexual impotency and considered as a Himalayan Herbal Viagra. Yarshagumba is found at an altitude above 4000 meters in the highlands of Nepal , Tibet and Bhutan . In Chinese medicine, it is used as an aphrodisiac (sex stimulant) and treatment of ailments from fatigue to cancer. Yarshagumba 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. A finger like mushroom grows out from the larva above the ground during the spring and summer. This fungus-caterpillar is popularly known as Yarshagumba. Every year during May and June, thousands of villagers from remote areas risking their own lives head for high mountains to collect cordyceps or yarsagumba or yarchagumba. It is estimated that one villager can earn up to Rs. 2,500...