Yarsagumba with its Latin name Ophiocordyceps sinensis literally means summer plant and winter insect in Tibetan. Before the rainy season begins, spores of the cordyceps mushroom settle on the heads of caterpillars that live underground. The fungus gets so much into the body of the caterpillar that it grows out through its head and drains all the energy from the insect and ultimately it dies.
Yarsagumba/Yarshagumba (यार्सागुम्बा), or Yarchagumba (यार्चागुम्बा) is a rare and unique herb that grows in meadows above 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) in the Himalayan region of Nepal. There are various types of famous medicinal plants found in Nepal but the popularity of yarsagumba is simply overwhelming. For the last couple of years, the trade of yarsagumba is increasing and it has been regarded as an expensive life-saving tonic. Headache, toothache, or any other disease – yarsagumba is the remedy. And not only that, it is also believed to be a cure for sexual impotency – a Himalayan Herbal Viagra.
| Origin | Nepal (North-West regions and North-East regions) mostly Dolpo (NW region) – other regions include Dolpa (NW), Jumla (NW), Mugu (NW), Kalikot (NW), Darchula (NW), Bajhang (NW) and Sankhuwasabha(NE) |
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| Availability | Limited Supply (available until 3/4 months after Harvest season) |
Watch a documentary video about the famous Cordyceps from Nepal – the organic gold