The
Cordyceps is a rare species of plant widely used both in clinical medicine and
as a household remedy. It is also considered potent at strengthening lung and
kidneys, increasing energy and vitality, stopping hemorrhage, decreasing phlegm,
and as an overall tonic. The Cordyceps sinesis, a combination of insect and plant remains inactive in winter and comes out in summer. Of the two types, the black one is more expensive than the white.
In Nepal Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinesis) locally called as "Yarchagumba" which is an insect parasite fungus having high commercial demand as tonic/aphrodisiac. Cordyceps is found in subalpine pasture lands of Nepal including Jumla and Dolpa area belonging to Karnali zone. Yarchagumba, which means (herb of life), is actually a lichen which grows on the body of a larva, is found on the high hills of Dolpo and this is collected during the spring and early summer when the snow melt and lichens sprout out on the hills. Yarchagumba is found at 14,000 feet (about 4,300m) and above.