The gold rush for Himalayan Viagra – an overview from Dolpa, Nepal

Abstract

Cordyceps sinensis is a very rare combination of a caterpillar and a fungus and found at altitudes above 3800m in the Himalayan region. Its medicinal importance is described in ancient Chinese medicine and Tibetan medicine. It is used over 5000 years by doctors in China. It is available in mountainous regions of India, Nepal and Tibet. A number of people from Dolpa and nearby districts of Nepal travels higher mountainous region to collect and sell it as a most important source of cash income. Villagers put their life at risk every year during collection of this caterpillar.