Caterpillar fungus, which is known as Himalayan Viagra, is an herb that grows in the pastures between 3,300 meters and 4000 meters in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, Bhutan, India and Tibet.

Known locally as the yarsagumba, this small herb is an exceptional combination of a yellow caterpillar and a mushroom (fungus). As temperature increases and the snow melts, yarsagumba emerges. During the rains, the herb is often swept away.

Caterpillar fungus goes under the scientific name of Cordyceps Sinensis. Just prior to the rainy season, spores of cordyceps fungus infect Himalayan caterpillars that live on moist grass and hollow soil. Once buried inside the caterpillar’s body, the fungus works its way out through the insect’s head. The parasite gets the energy from the caterpillar and leaves it to die.

The caterpillar fungus is a slim, brownish yellow, 2cm long plant that protrudes stem-like and sticks out of the earth. Depending on the size and quality, the caterpillar fungi are sold for 25 to 35 Yuan each, or about 40,000 Yuan per kilogram.

Cordyceps Sinensis is rich with a variety of beneficial nutrients and minerals including cordycepin acid, cordycepin, D-mannitol, polysaccharide, SOD, fatty acid, nucleocide protein, vitamin A, vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, serien, zinc, copper, carbohydrates etc.

High medicinal and commercial value attributed to this plant has earned it the reputation as “Himalayan Gold” or “Himalayan Viagra”. The herb is used to treat many ailments affecting children, adults and the aged. Listed below are seven major benefits of the herb:

1. As the name suggests, the Himalyan Viagra is mainly used as a treatment for impotency in many countries. It is believed to address premature ejaculation and sexual incapacity through gradually empowering internal energy of our body in a natural way. But these claims are highly disputed

2. Studies reveal that caterpillar fungus has antibiotic properties. The herb is used to treat lung and respiratory infection

3. Cordyceps Sinensis also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to alleviate common pains and aches such as sciatica and backache

4. Yarsagumba also provides vitality and increases physical stamina of the body

5. It is used by the Chinese to cure chronic Hepatitis-B and liver ailments

6. Cordyceptin has been found effective against tuberculosis as well as in the treatment of leprosy

7. Cordyceps Sinensis has also been found to be useful to address certain symptoms and conditions associated with leukemia.