Himalayan Viagra
Yarshagumba or caterpillar fungus is one of the expensive and most sought out herbs of Nepal. This herb is primarily found in mountains of Nepal, Bhutan and China.
The price per kilogram differs according to country and in international market prices are high above US $100,000 per kg.
About the herb
Yarshagumba(Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is a rare herb found only in mountains and it's unique life cycle make this herb an extraordinary piece and gold of Himalayas.
This herb in its life cycle is part caterpillar and part fungus. The himalayan caterpillar that lives underground are vulnerable to this fungus called O.sinensis during its skin shedding.
The fungus spores lands on the skin and slowly develops and take control of the caterpillar. The victim caterpillar will lie vertical underground with its head up and eventually the fungus will kill it. The fungus will grow a stem out of caterpillar head and grows outside the soil. This fungus develops the spores which will infect another caterpillar again. The lifecycle starts again.
I did not know that herbs can also consist of caterpillars. Brrr