Yarsagumba

Yarsagumba is a parasitic fungus that grows on caterpillars in the Himalayas. In Nepali, this “herb” is called Yarsagumba (meaning “summer grass, winter worm”). In English, it is known as the Himalayan caterpillar fungus or simply called Cordyceps sinensis.

It is a rare fungus that infects ghost-moth larvae in alpine meadows above 3,000-5,000 meters. Over winter, the fungus mummifies the caterpillar; in spring, a slender mushroom-like stalk (the fruiting body or stroma) comes out from the caterpillar’s head. The dark mushroom stalk, not the underground caterpillar, is the part harvested and used as medicine.

Yarsagumba’s scientific name is Ophiocordyceps sinensis (formerly Cordyceps sinensis), a species of entomopathogenic fungus. It belongs to the Ascomycota (sac fungi) and the family Ophiocordycipitaceae. Because it infects insects, Cordyceps sinensis is classified as an entomopathogenic (insect-pathogenic) fungus.

In traditional nomenclature it’s known by many names: in Tibet and Nepal as Yartsa Gunbu or Yarsha Gumba, in Chinese as Dong Chong Xia Cao, and in English roughly as the “caterpillar fungus”. By whatever name, Ophiocordyceps sinensis is often called “Himalayan gold” for its rarity and value, and even dubbed the “Himalayan Viagra” due to its reputed sexual and vitality benefits. To see Yarsagumba harvesting lands, you can go for the Upper Dolpo Trek or the Lower Dolpo Trek.

What is Yarsagumba? How Does It Grow?

Yarsagumba is a herbal medicine that is a mix of a dead caterpillar and a fungus. Starting in late spring and early summer, thousands of people search for this tiny treasure, trekking to alpine pastures in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and India each year. The lifecycle begins when Cordyceps spores (from the previous year’s fruiting bodies) infect the larvae of certain ghost moths (Thitarodes genus) buried in the high-altitude grass.

The fungus slowly consumes the living caterpillar over winter. When spring comes and temperatures rise, a long, dark stalk sprouts from the head of the now-mummified caterpillar. That stalk we see on the surface is called Yarsagumba. It is a cord-like mushroom that releases new spores to continue the cycle. Therefore, the body of Yarsagumba is half animal (the dead caterpillar) and half fungus (the stalk).

Yarsagumba Scientific Name Classification:

The scientific name of it is Ophiocordyceps sinensis. It is the official scientific name used by botanists and medical researchers. Older texts often call it Cordyceps sinensis. (In fact, Cordyceps refers to a larger genus of about 400 species of insect-infecting fungi, but in recent classification, it is called Ophiocordyceps.)

The term “sinensis” originates from China and the Himalayas. Key point: In English, it’s also referred to as caterpillar fungus or Himalayan caterpillar fungus. The Nepali name Yarsagumba means “summer grass, winter worm.”

Which Part of Yarsagumb is Used as Medicine?

The above-ground stalk is only used as a medicine in herbal remedies. The dead caterpillar buried in the ground should not be eaten. Herbal traditions harvest the dark mushroom stalk (which may have a tiny bulb at its base) immediately after digging it up. This stroma contains the active compounds (nucleosides like cordycepin and adenosine, peptides, sterols, etc.) that confer health effects.

What are the Yarsagumba Benefits?

Ophiocordyceps sinensis has a wide range of health benefits, and that’s why they are expensive and hard to harvest. Some of the Yarsagumba benefits are given below:

• Increased energy and reduced fatigue: Cordyceps is great at enhancing cellular energy production. Laboratory studies show it raises levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s primary energy molecule, in tissues. This boost in ATP (especially in muscles and the liver) helps improve exercise endurance and fight fatigue. For example, one animal study found that Cordyceps extract significantly increased the ATP/Pi ratio in the liver and raised heart muscle ATP production by 30%, correlating with better endurance. This mechanistic proof explains why Yarsagumba is used as an energy-booster herbal medicine. It helps cells make more energy.
• Improved stamina and exercise performance: The Cordyceps helps to improve oxygen uptake during exercise. Some athletes also eat this to prevent muscle damage and recover faster. This means Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a great source to increase stamina. (However, note that most studies are small or in animals; evidence in healthy people is not definitive.) Still, the chronic fatigue-reducing effect is a major reason athletes and active people consume Yarsagumba as a tonic.
• Immune support: Traditionally, Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a general immune tonic. Many laboratory studies say, Cordyceps contains polysaccharides and compounds that work to modulate the immune system. It has been shown to stimulate certain immune cells (like macrophages and T-cells) and produce cytokines. This helps in enhancing resistance to infections. It also has antioxidant properties (contains polyphenols) that protect cells from damage. As a result, many users take Ophiocordyceps sinensis to strengthen their immunity and aid recovery from illness.
• Anti-aging effects: Ophiocordyceps sinensis’s antioxidants (and perhaps its energy-boosting) are thought to slow down aging processes. Studies indicate it helps the body cope with oxidative stress and cellular damage, potentially mitigating age-related decline. Some traditional claims include improved skin health and longevity.
• Respiratory and lung health: In TCM, Cordyceps is a classic remedy for lung conditions (like cough or asthma). By modern accounts, it seems to improve oxygen efficiency and may support lung function, which is why mountain climbers and people at high altitude use it to prevent hypoxia. (One study in mice found Cordyceps improved survival under hypoxic conditions by enabling more efficient oxygen use.)
• Kidney and cardiac support: Ophiocordyceps sinensis is used for chronic kidney disorders in Asia, and some small trials show it may help renal function. It may also benefit heart health: components like adenosine can protect heart muscle, reduce inflammation, and improve blood lipids.
• Sexual health: As noted, it’s a reputed aphrodisiac. Animal experiments show Cordyceps extracts can raise testosterone or sperm count; this likely underlies the “Himalayan Viagra” tradition.
• Mood and mental function: Some users report better mood or cognitive focus. Cordyceps may have mild antidepressant-like effects and improve blood flow in the brain. Traditional texts also list it for debility and mental fatigue.

In sum, Yarsagumba benefits span energy, immunity, sexual function, and more. Modern sources summarize these potential effects, noting evidence is preliminary. For example, Drugs.com notes Cordyceps is valued for restoring energy, promoting longevity, and improving quality of life, though it cautions that data are limited.

Healthline likewise lists benefits like anti-aging and immune boost, backed by some animal and lab studies. The key takeaway: Many people use Yarsagumba to boost vitality and resilience.

Top Benefits and Uses of Yarsagumba (Traditional/Research-backed):

• Energy & Stamina: Boosts ATP production for better endurance.
• Immune Support: Stimulates immune cells and antioxidants to fight infections.
• Sexual Function: Acts as an aphrodisiac, may increase libido and sperm count.
• Respiratory Health: Improves oxygen use, supports lungs (used for cough/asthma).
• Kidney/Heart Health: May protect kidneys and heart from stress/inflammation.
• Anti-aging & Vitality: Fights oxidative stress and fatigue; users feel more youthful and vigorous.

Scientific studies generally confirm potential anti-fatigue and cardioprotective properties. However, as a precaution, any herbal remedy should be taken sensibly. Because quality control can vary, and because high doses are not well tested, experts recommend consulting a healthcare provider before long-term use.

How to Eat Yarsagumba?

There are several ways to eat Ophiocordyceps, ranging from traditional decoctions to modern supplements. Many Himalayan people simply eat the dried fungus whole, biting off the caterpillar head along with the stalk, often in the morning like a medicinal snack. Others crush or powder the dried Ophiocordyceps and mix it into tea, milk, or soup.

For example, a common method is to simmer a few Ophiocordyceps mushrooms in warm milk or water to make a tonic-like beverage. Because the taste is earthy and musty, it is often combined with sweeteners (honey) or other herbs (ginseng, saffron).

In Himalayan folk medicine, Yarsagumba is sometimes cooked with ghee (clarified butter) and herbal mixtures; Ayurvedic formulas may grind it into a paste with honey and Arjuna bark.

Recommended dose: Traditional sources suggest a small amount per day. For adults, about 0.3 to 0.7 grams of Yarsagumba (roughly a pinch or a couple of caterpillars) is often cited as a daily dose. One Dolpo region trekking guide notes that 0.3-0.7 g (a few mushroom pieces) is typical. (This tiny dose is sufficient given how potent it is.) It is usually taken in the morning on an empty stomach or with meals.

Aside from home recipes, Ophiocordyceps sinensis is widely available in capsule or tablet form as a supplement. Many health shops and pharmacies in Nepal and globally sell Cordyceps sinensis capsules. For example, a Nepali product called “Nepal’s Yarsagumba Capsule” markets itself for male vitality. These capsules typically contain powdered Cordyceps (sometimes blended with other herbs).

Similarly, “Himali Yarsagumba” or “Himalayan Yarsagumba” capsule products use the herb’s name to attract customers. Note that capsule quality can vary (many brands use cultured Cordyceps, not wild fungus).

How to eat Yarsagumba safely: Whatever the form (powder, extract, etc.), moderation is key. Overconsumption may cause minor side effects (dry mouth, mild digestive upset). Because it is very scarce, some sellers adulterate Ophiocordyceps sinensis with other mushrooms (like Cordyceps militaris) or fillers, so buyers should choose reputable suppliers. Always start with a low dose to test tolerance. As with any tonic herb, consult a doctor if you have serious health conditions or are on medications.

Yarsagumba Price in Nepal and Market Value

Yarsagumba is very expensive. It’s often called the most expensive natural substance on Earth. The price has two parts: what collectors (villagers) get paid, and what traders get on the international market.

In recent years, Nepalese traders routinely fetch millions of Nepali rupees per kilogram. For example, after China re-opened its borders in 2023, traders reported paying villagers about Rs 1.8 million per kg and selling to Chinese buyers in Kathmandu at around Rs 2.8 million per kg. This 2.8 million NPR/kg price ($23,000 USD) is one of the highest ever recorded for Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Prices skyrocket when demand (especially from China) is high, and fall when borders close or harvests are large. Before the pandemic, the price of 1 kg of Yarsagumba was sold for roughly NPR 1.0 to 1.2 million.

Because collectors pick thousands of tiny stalks to make a kilo (it can take 3,000 pieces for 1 kg), they are paid per piece. In 2024, a typical piece of Ophiocordyceps sinensis fetched around Rs 600 to 1,000 in remote areas, depending on size and quality. Before COVID, the rate was only Rs 300 to 500 per piece. (To put this in perspective, 3,000 pieces at Rs 500 each is Rs 1.5M/kg.) Thus, local villagers can earn a substantial income; one family reported $3,000 to $4,000 USD for a season, which is huge in those mountain regions.

Current pricing summary: As of 2025, the Yarsagumba price in Nepal’s markets is on the order of NPR 2 to 3 million per kg. For comparison, Healthline notes Cordyceps can cost $20,000 per kg globally, which aligns with the NPR figure.) Retail prices outside Nepal (e.g., in the USA or Europe) can be even higher due to import and rarity, often quoted at $4,000 to $5,000 yarsagumba price 1 kg per. In India, one report cited Rs 1.5 million/kg (NPR prices).

Why so expensive? The scarcity (only in remote high altitudes), the labor-intensive harvest, and the intense demand drive the cost. Yarsagumba is considered a “biological gold”. Every summer, thousands of Nepali highlanders undertake dangerous, exhausting “Yarsagumba treks” to earn this income, likened to a gold rush.

Yarsagumba Harvesting and Market in Nepal

Nepal is one of the world’s leading sources of Yarsagumba. The fungus grows naturally in the high Himalaya of Nepal, especially in districts like Dolpa, Darchula, Humla, Manang, Mustang, and Mugu. Distribution covers about 27 of Nepal’s 77 districts, mostly in the far-western and mid-western regions.

The collection season runs roughly May through July when the snow is melting and the little black stalks can be spotted on the grass. Local communities (even entire villages) migrate to high camps for weeks to gather Ophiocordyceps as their main livelihood. It is colloquially known there as “looking for a needle in a haystack”.

Harvesting is done by hand; workers must crouch and scan the ground inch by inch to find the small, dark sprouts. Once spotted, the fungus (with a bit of the soil and caterpillar intact) is carefully dug up with tools or fingers and cleaned with a brush. Brightness, color, and intact size determine its grade.

From children to adults, all go to harvest, and often, villages close schools during the Yarsagumba season. The work is arduous and cold; people cook and sleep in tents at 4,000+ meters.

As noted, the medicinally active part is the stalk, so harvesters preserve that whole length. The root (the caterpillar carcass in dirt) is usually discarded after cleaning. By late summer, the dried Yarsagumba is sold to traders.

Market Dynamics and Trade

The Nepal-China connection is key. Most Yarsagumba ends up in Chinese traditional medicine markets and supplement makers. Chinese buyers dominate Kathmandu auctions. For years, Chinese traders would cross the Himalayas to buy directly at collection sites like Nakchen (Mugu) or Hilsa (Humla) and pay top price.

When borders are closed (as in pandemic 2020-22), Nepali farmers had no buyers and prices plummeted; when reopened, prices surged again. Currently, Chinese buyers charter flights to bring tons of Yarsagumba into Tibet and China, where it sells for even higher profit.

Nepal’s government also regulates the trade. Collection was illegal until 2001; now it’s controlled by permit systems. Each kilogram exported requires a fee (about NPR 30,000 to 51,000 per kg, depending on classification).

For example, the Annapurna Conservation Area charged NPR 51,000 per kg of Yarsagumba export. Nevertheless, most Yarsagumba trade in Nepal still goes through informal channels. MyRepublica reported that Manang’s collectors paid an official fee of Rs 51,000/kg, yet a kilogram ultimately earns over an order of magnitude more on the open market.

Because of its value, Yarsagumba has sometimes been traded illegally or smuggled. The high profit encourages black-market activity. It’s estimated that up to 90% of Nepal’s Yarsagumba is exported to China (often through unofficial routes). That foreign demand is what underlies the high price in Nepal, Chinese buyers will pay top price for high-quality Yarsagumba. Locals often compare collecting Yarsagumba to “a gold rush”.

Conservation and Sustainability

This intense hunting has raised sustainability concerns. Overharvesting has led some scientists to warn that Cordyceps sinensis could become endangered. Due to this, Nepal has imposed regulations: only adults (>16) may collect, and they need permits and must follow designated trails. Licenses are limited, and collectors pay fees (e.g. NPR 35,000 per person permit). Still, enforcement is difficult in remote areas. Some reports even list Cordyceps as a threatened species due to habitat loss and overcollection.

Local authorities hope that controlling access and limiting the season will let populations recover. The high price has a paradox: it provides vital income for Himalayan villages but also drives ecological pressure. Efforts have been made to study the fungus’s biology and possibly develop sustainable cultivation, but to date, all wild Yarsagumba is still hand-harvested.

Yarsagumba Tablets

For consumers worldwide, Yarsagumba is often consumed as a supplement rather than raw caterpillar pieces. There are lots of uses of yarsagumba in the health sector. Many health stores sell Cordyceps capsules/tablets. These can be made from ground wild-harvested Cordyceps or (more commonly) from cultured mycelium grown in labs (to reduce cost). In Nepal and India, Ayurvedic and herbal companies sell Yarsagumba powders and tablets, usually combined with other herbs like Ashwagandha or saffron.

For example, one Himalayan-brand product called Nepal’s Yarsagumba Capsule advertises benefits for men’s health: “made from Himalayan herbs, beneficial for sexual health and can boost stamina… can also boost energy levels”. Another label might brand it as Himali Yarsagumba Capsules, underscoring its Himalayan origin. Though such marketing uses folklore claims, it shows an interest in Yarsagumba-based herbal medicine products.

When buying Yarsagumba tablets, it’s crucial to check the ingredients: some contain only cultured Cordyceps sinensis (strain Cs-4) rather than the wild O. sinensis. As Healthline notes, most commercial supplements are actually Cordyceps CS-4, a lab-grown form, because the wild product costs $20,000/kg. Pure wild Yarsagumba tablets would be extremely expensive and rare.

Conclusion

Cordyceps truly lives up to its reputation as a Himalayan miracle herb. It is a fascinating biological phenomenon, a parasitic caterpillar fungus, and an extremely valuable medicinal fungus. People use Yarsagumba for its wide-ranging health benefits: enhancing energy, immunity, and sexual vigor, among others. Its role as an “energy booster herbal medicine” has some scientific backing: it can raise the body’s ATP levels and reduce fatigue. For those intrigued by natural remedies, Yarsagumba remains a potent and exotic option, whether consumed raw, as a tea, or in supplement form.

However, it’s important to approach Yarsagumba responsibly. The wild fungus is extremely rare and expensive, so ensure any supplement is authentic. Because rigorous human trials are limited, claims of benefits remain partly anecdotal. Always start with a modest dose and consult a healthcare professional if you plan to use Yarsagumba long-term or if you have health conditions or are taking medications.

As Himalayan communities adapt to modern demand, and as research continues on Cordyceps, Yarsagumba’s story is both an ancient tradition and a contemporary health interest. Whether you know it as Yarsagumba, Caterpillar Fungus, or Cordyceps sinensis, its allure is clear: the promise of renewed vigor and health, backed by both tradition and emerging science.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can yarsagumba be cultivated?

No, yarsagumba, or scientifically referred to as Ophiocordyceps sinensis, cannot be cultivated. The reason is that it requires very specific moth larvae, soil type, climate, and altitude; such conditions or environment cannot be replicated outside the natural Himalayan environment.

Can we eat yarsagumba daily?

Yes, it can be eaten daily in small amounts (not more than 0.3 to 0.7 grams). Since it is highly potent, you don’t need to eat high quantities in order to work. It is basically a medicine for energy, stamina, immunity, and sexual health.

Can we eat yarsagumba?

Yes, you can eat it without any worries. In fact, people have been using it for centuries in Nepal, Tibet, and China as a medicine. Eat only a small amount because it is highly potent.

How does yarsagumba grow?

It grows in freezing cold areas in the higher-altitude regions. It grows fascinately with the combination of the fungus and the caterpillar. A special caterpillar living underground gets infected by the fungal spores, then starts eating it from the inside. In the spring season, the fungus produces a small stalk from the dead caterpillar’s head, which in the end is called yarsagumba.

How to eat yarsagumba?

It can be directly chewed by cutting it into smaller pieces. It can also be soaked in warm water and drunk like a herbal tea. Or can also be taken in powered form in milk or water.

What is yarsagumba used for?

It is treated as a powerful natural supplement; it boosts energy, stamina, increases immunity, betters sexual health, and also has anti-aging benefits.

What is yarsagumba in Nepal?

In Nepal, it is simply a rare and highly-priced fungus also referred to as Himalayan gold or caterpillar fungus.

What does yarsagumba do?

It has many benefits, and it helps to revitalize the body and mind.

1) It boosts stamina and energy

2) It improves immunity

3) It improves sexual health

4) It improves overall vitality

When to eat yarsagumba?

It works best if you consume it in the early morning in an empty stomach or in the evening before going to bed. Just remember to eat with caution, in small amounts.

Where is yarsagumba primarily found in Nepal?

It is generally found in cold climates, in the Himalayan ranges in Nepal. You can find them between 3000 to 5000 meters, especially in areas like Rukum, Humla, Mugu, Manang, and Bajhang districts.

In which country can I find yarsagumba?

You can find yarsagumba or Ophiocordyceps sinensis in the Himalayan and Tibetan highlands. It can be seen in countries like Nepal, Tibet (China), India, and Bhutan.

Which part of yarsagumba is used as medicine?

It as a whole acts as a natural tonic for the body. Both the caterpillar (body) and the fungal part, which is growing out of its head, are dried and sold together in the markets. They both contain important medical components and bioactive compounds.

Why is yarsagumba banned in India?

Yarsagumba is banned in India because it is seen as a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. In this region, collecting, selling, or exporting yarsagumba without the government’s approval or consent is purely illegal.

Why is yarsagumba highly valued in Nepal?

Yarsagumba is seen as highly valued because of its rarity and long list of medicinal benefits. It only grows at higher altitudes that too for a short period in a year, and the instant vitality it provides after consuming makes it a real hype.

Why is yarsagumba so expensive?

Yarsagumba is one of the rarest natural medicines in the world, and there are several reasons why the price tag climbs up. It is extremely tough to collect, cannot be cultivated easily, and grows in only a specific climate and conditions. These are the reasons why it is so expensive.

What is the price of 1 kg of yarsagumba?

The price of yarsagumba differs in terms of quality. In Nepalese markets, prices for 1 kg of yarsagumba go from as low as NPR 500,000 (nearly USD 3600) to as high as NPR 2.8 million (USD 20,000) for premium quality.