English Name: Winter worm, Caterpillar Fungus

Scientific Name: Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G.H. Sung.

Nepali Name: Yarsha Gumba यार्चा गुन्बु

Family: Hypocreaceae

Yarsha Gumba, a half caterpillar and half fungus is found in East to West Nepal above 4,200 meter to 5,000 meter from sea level. 5-8 cm in size, it grows in high Himalayan grasslands where annual rainfall is less than 350mm. The collection of Caterpillar Fungus is started from last week of May and end before rainfall started.

The whole golden yellow Caterpillar with light dark head and thin grey Fungus from its head is a traded part.

Uses:

Caterpillar Fungus is used as medicine for energetic, sex stimulant, strengthen memory power and kidney, heart and blood related diseases. Studies show Caterpillar Fungus has property to balance diseases and antibodies. Due this properties, Caterpillar Fungus is believed to be used for the treatment of blood, heart and kidney related diseases, Hepatitis, Impotency, old coughs, swelling respiratory, Asthma, spinal related problems, Joint aches, even AIDs and Cancer.

Supplied country:

Middle East, Gulf, Asia, Asia Pacific, USA, EU, Scandinavian, Canada, China, India