Yarsagumba
with its Latin name cordyceps sinesis 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 lives
underground. The fungus gets so much into the body of the caterpillars’
that it grows out through its head and drains all the energy from the
insect and ultimately it dies.
Yarsagumba, Yarshagumba or Yarchagumba is a rare and unique herb
that grows in the 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.
Every
year during May and June, thousands of villagers from remote areas
risking their own lives head for high mountains to collect yarsagumba.
It is estimated that one villager can earn up to Rs. 2,500
approximately to $35 a day by collecting yarsagumba which is beyond the
monthly salary of many Nepalese households. Dolpa – a remote district
in western Nepal with high steep valleys and dry climate is one of the
foremost areas for collecting yarsagumba. Almost 50% of the annual
supply of yarsagumba comes from Dolpa alone. Here, not only the adults
but school goers also take unofficial holidays in search of the gold
rush.
The Himalayan region of Nepal is famous for different types of
medicinal plants. Yarshagumba is one of them. The literal meaning of
Yarshagumba is summer plants, winter insect. Yarshagumba is currently
very popular due to its use as aphrodisiac (sex stimulant) and tonic.
Hence its collection and trade is increasing. Considering its
importance, the Department of Plant Resources included a programme
named as "Study of Yarshagumba in the natural habitat" in its overall
programmes. Yarshgumba in Dolpa district. They covered the natural
extent of distribution between 2800-4500 meters.
Details of field based information:
Date of visit :15 June to 5 July 2001
Location : Pokhrepani, Majhpal VDC, Dolpa
Occurrence : 2800-4500 meters
Availability : 2500 plants per hectare
Soil quality : pH 7-7.5
Associated plants : Rhododendron anthopogon, Anemone sp., Anaphalis sp.,Carese sp., etc.
Collection time : April/May – June/July
Germination time : April – June/July
