From May to July every year, dozens of Nepalise fungus collectors scale up the Himalayas to find a rare caterpillar fungus believed to be an immunity booster and aphrodisiac. <\/p>\n
Reuters reports the rare fungus is created when a spore attacks a caterpillar, killing it and creating the yarsagumba fungus which grows out of the insect's body. <\/p>\n
The fungus is especially popular in Chinese medicine, fetching more than $US100 per kilo due to its many medicinal benefits. <\/p>\n
'It is an aphrodisiac, it is used as a tonic, for vitality. Recent research also showed that it is useful for anti-tumour, and anti-aging drug,' Cordyceps research student Uttam Babu told Reuters. <\/p>\n
The exportation of the fungus was only legalized in 2001 and since then sales have skyrocked, particularly in China. <\/p>\n
Dipendra Bhandari, a film director who made a movie on the collecting of yarsagumba, explains the reason behind the super fungi's popularity. <\/p>\n
'It's known to be used in Chinese traditional medicines since 1500 to 2000 ago. Speaking with various people during my research, I am told they use it mainly for the sexual powers,' he told Reuters. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Originally posted here: From May to July every year, dozens of Nepalise fungus collectors scale up the Himalayas to find a rare caterpillar fungus believed to be an immunity booster and aphrodisiac. Reuters reports the rare fungus is created when a spore attacks a caterpillar, killing it and creating the yarsagumba fungus which grows out of the insect's body. The fungus is especially popular in Chinese medicine, fetching more than $US100 per kilo due to its many medicinal benefits Continue reading
\nRare fungus enhances sexual prowess<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"