Yarsagumba in Nepal

In the scientific division, Yarsagumba is an Ophiocordycipitaceae family member. It is found above the altitude of 3500 m in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, Bhutan, India and Tibet. 

The formation of Yarsagumba is after the parasitism of larvae of swift moths, resulting in the development of fruiting bodies which is highly popular as a herbal remedy and popular as Yarshagumba. 

The most suitable altitude to grow the Yarshagmba is between 3000 m. to 5000 m. in the Himalayan meadows. After the germination of larvae by a fungus, it kills the insect and mummifies it, from the fruit body a dark brown coloured emerges from the dead insect and stands upright.

Highly valued as traditional medicine, especially in the Asian subcontinent, Yarsa gumba acts as medicine with huge benefits. In Nepal, caravans of people move to the Higher elevations in the Himalayas in search of the gold rush. The lucrative hunt of Yarsagumba is a challenging task as many people from the rural villages climb to the mountains to find the Yarsagumba as it has huge economical benefits uplifting the lifestyle.

Yarshaguba or Yarchagumba is a popular medicinal fungus found in the higher elevations of Nepal. The harvesting and selling of Yarsagumba was banned before 2001 in Nepal. But later by collecting some royalties the trade of Yarshagumba was allowed by the Government of Nepal. 

Every year during May and June, the people from the villages of Nepal go to the higher elevations. Also popular as the gold rush, Yarshagumba is a most beneficial and extensively expensive herb that has huge health benefits.

Yarsagumba in Nepal is collected from the 12 districts for commercial purpose in Nepal. Since it’s production is only in high altitudes, the collection of Yarsagumba in Darchula, Dolpa, Jumla, Mugu, Bajang, Rukum, Myagdi, Manang, Gorkha, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk and Sankhuwasabha districts is popular. 

The Yarsagumba from Nepal is then exported to the high demand countries such as Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, the UK and the US.

Nepal is one of the major countries that produce Yarsagumba in its higher elevation.

The collection of Yarsagumba is decreasing year by year now is decreasing because of the environmental changes. The decline in the collection of Yarsagumba is a matter of concern to the different communities of Nepal. The livelihood of the local people highly depends upon the medicinal herbs and Yarchagumba. 

According to some reports, overharvesting is one cause and the regeneration of larva that produces Yarsagumba is lacking. Environmental change is the main reason that is affecting the supply of Yarsagumba in abundance worldwide.

Apart from the domestic reasons harming the sustainability of Yarsagumba in Nepal, the importance and benefits of Yarsagumba are very high. Yarsagumba undoubtedly lifts the life standard of rural Nepalese making it the most valued work in peak season. 

More than 50,000 people from the different villages of Nepal move to the upper mountains to collect Yarshagumba. However, the collection of Yarsagumba is not that easy. The collectors have to pay around 20,000 royalty for every one kg collection of Yarsagumba. 

The estimated price of Yarsagumba per kilogram in Nepal is Rs 25000 in 2018. However, in the international markets, the price reaches up to $130000 per kilogram according to sources.

Yarshagumba is significantly uttered as a Himalayan viagra, because of its impact on the reproductive system and huge health benefits. It is used for clinical purposes and home remedies as well. Firstly, the medicinal properties of Yarsagumba were discovered in China around 2000 years ago. 

The potentiality of Yarchagumba includes, but not limited to, strengthening lungs and kidneys, increasing energy and vitality, stopping hemorrhage, decreasing phlegm etc. Its impact on the reproductive system is also beneficial.

Yarsagumba is also used for impotence, backache etc. It also contributes to increased blood production and sperm production as well. Cordyceps or Yarshagumba also helps to cure tiredness, chronic cough and asthma, impotence, debility, anemia, to build the bone marrow, emission, soreness of knees, and Yarchagumba also helps to strengthen the immune system for tumour patients.

Yarsagumba is popular for medication purposes.

Sometimes, for the patients who are receiving Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy and deficiency syndrome, it is used. The medicinal properties of Yarsagumba are also beneficial in alleviating fatigue, respiratory problems, and other lung-related kidney-related issues. It also helps to combat infertility in women and also cures erectile dysfunction in men.

The use of Yarsagumba is also beneficial for cardiovascular problems, sexual health, irregular heartbeats, allergic issues, and developing a strong immune system.

According to WebMD, Yarsagumba or Cordyceps is beneficial for Anemia, Breathing disorders, Lung infections (Bronchitis), Cough, Decreasing fatigue, Dizziness, Frequent urination at night, Heart arrhythmias, High cholesterol, Liver disorders, Promoting longevity, Ringing in the ears, Weakness etc. 

It also mentions that Yarsagumba can be beneficial for sexual problems that prevent satisfaction during sexual activity, a Kidney transplant. Also the Inflammation of the liver is caused by the Hepatitis B virus, Kidney damage caused by the drug cyclosporine. 

Kidney damage caused by contrast dyes, Chronic Kidney diseases, Kidney injury caused by antibiotics etc is also cured by yarchagumba. However, it also mentions that there is not enough evidence for the mentioned problems.

The oral use of cordyceps or Yarsagumba is safe in most of the cases. However, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, Bleeding disorders and Surgery, there’s not enough evidence that the use of cordyceps is safe, so it’s better to stay on the safe side and avoid use in these conditions. The use of cordyceps might cause mild side effects such as diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal discomfort etc.