What Is Caterpillar fungus And Its Benefits?

Some of you might be wondering what these worm-looking organisms might be? As the Nepalese call it "Yarsagumba", it is a type of parasite that grows on worms. The parasite lives off the nutrients from caterpillars until the worm ultimately meets its fate.

This parasite is known by its scientific name Ophiocordyceps sinensis and it is rarely found out there. It mostly grows in high mountainous areas such as in Nepal, India, Tibet, and Bhutan. Some of the locals call it "Keeda Jadi".

ADVERT

Also Known As The Himalayas Viagra

The caterpillar fungus is searched by certain individuals who believe that it brings many health benefits to them. It is commonly used by the locals as a traditional medicine and there have been records of its use in the Chinese and Tibetian past historical notes.

It is believed that by consuming Yarsagumba, you will gain energy and have a longer lifetime. It also promotes a better immune system, strengthens the heart and kidneys, as well as alleviating asthma and cancer.

Aside from these benefits, Yarsagumba can also reduce your blood cholesterol level and ease up your headache and tooth pain. However, it is mostly known as the Himalayas Viagra due to it improving your sexual drive.

Can Only Be Obtain In High Altitudes

Interestingly enough, getting your hands on a Yargasumba is no easy task. It can only be found in high altitude areas or more specifically at the altitude of 3200 - 4000 meters above sea level. Not just that, it only thrives during certain seasons.

Before the arrival of the monsoon, the parasitic spores will attach itself to a living caterpillar. This fungus will obtain all the energy and nutrients needed from the caterpillar until it reaches its death.

ADVERT

During winter, the fungus will start to grow on this caterpillar. The length of the fungus is estimated to be around 5 - 7 cm in height. The time before the monsoon rain which is in spring between the month of March and May will be the best time to search for these fungi.

It is definitely a risky job as you will have to carefully search for them at the hillside of the mountain and face the unpredictable weather.

More Expensive Than Gold

So why would someone risk their lives in searching for this caterpillar fungus? Aside from its health benefits, the price of caterpillar fungus is overwhelmingly expensive. On top of that, China is the most popular destination for this fungus export.

Generally, the middlemen or suppliers can sell it for as high as $100 per gram in Shanghai making caterpillar fungus, the most expensive fungus in the world. They will gather them from local villagers who will sell them for $18 per gram. The caterpillar fungus will first be dried first before weighing.

ADVERT

After the drying process, the fungus will lose half of its original weight. The collectors will generally get $18,000 per kg for their hard efforts while the supplier can typically generate a sell them at $100,000 per kg.

Ever since the export of this fungus was permitted by the Nepalese government in 2001, the price has skyrocketed by 2,300% in just 10 years. The export of Yarsagumba reached its highest in 2009 when 2,442 kg were sold in the market.

However, that number quickly declined in 2011 as only around 1,170kg of Yargasumba were traded. The locals mostly blamed the tourists who left many plastic and trash in the Himalayas making it much harder to find the Yargasumba.

Another factor will be the change of climate making it harder for the caterpillar fungus to thrive.

Source: