Yarsagumba, Benefits, Cost, and Side Effects

You might have heard many tales of Yarshagumba regarding its medicinal use and formation story. But have you gone deep with its study about what its benefits are? If not, this is a perfect chance to explore it — stay with us.

Yarshagumba, called ‘caterpillar fungus,’ is one of the rarest and most highly-priced medicinal fungi. It is mainly found in the Himalayan region of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.

The scientific name of Yarshagumba is Cordyceps Sinensis, and it is the larval stage of a ghost moth. It has excellent value in the medical field — it is considered the best Chinese medicine for its health benefits. It is used as a medicine to treat several illnesses like Fatigue and respiratory problems. Also, it is considered one of the immune-boosting and anti-aging supplements; in recent years, its use has increased by numbers. As we mentioned, it is rich in immune-boosting components, and the intake of Yarshagumba is popular amongst bodybuilders and athletes to increase their stamina and energy.

To form a Yarshagumba, there are several processes. The ghost moth larvae get infected by a fungus known as Cordyceps, and when it grows, it kills the larvae, forms a long dark brown stalk, and has feathery spores at the top.

So what are the significant benefits and side effects of Yarshagumba? Do you know how much it costs? Well, if you don’t know, then we have prepared this draft for you to understand more about this medicinal herb.

Benefits of Yarshagumba

As mentioned earlier, Yarshagumba’s main benefits come in the medical line. It is taken as a supplement to increase the energy level of the human body.

The fungus which grows inside the ghost larvae contains cordycepin, and studies show that the compound increases ATP production in the body. It means Yarshagumba helps improve physical endurance and reduce Fatigue due to the compound’s benefit in the body. Similarly, this compound helps to improve oxygen utilization and increase red blood cells in the body, which is beneficial in muscle works — that’s the main reason it has become popular amongst athletes and bodybuilders.

In addition, anti-aging components are believed to be affluent in Yarshagumba, which means it has great benefits for your skin and hair. The antioxidants in the cordycepin help protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals. Similarly, it benefits collagen production in the body, and it is believed to enhance the elasticity and firmness of the skin.

Besides all that, Yarshagumba has other health benefits too. Your body’s immune system is said to be more generous with its intake. It helps your body to reduce the risk of infections and illnesses and also helps to reduce inflammation in the body. As a result, it helps your body to fight illnesses like arthritis and asthma.

Moreover, cardiovascular health, regulating blood sugar levels, and improving brain function are other benefits of Yarshagumba. This herb is a unique and potentially powerful natural remedy used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat many illnesses. It helps improve blood flow to the brain, improving concentration, memory, and cognitive function.

How Much Does Yarshagumba Cost?

Since Yarshagumba has a high rate of health benefits, its demand has recently been very high. While the market is very high and the herb is rare, we can understand that the price of Yarshagumba is at its peak.

In India, the average cost of one kilogram of Yarshagumba is Rs 1500000 per one and a half kilogram, which comes to around $18,385 in USD. At the same time, it’s just an average price; the cost of Yarshagumba can even go up upto $40k. Several factors affect the pricing of this medicinal herb. Depending on Yarshagumba’s location and quality, the quantity purchased, and the procurement method, Yarshagumba will likely cost thousands of dollars.

One of the main reasons for the high cost of Yarshagumba is the difficulty of finding it. Though there have been several campaigns for harvesting it, people of the Himalayan region in Nepal still launch the search hunt for this herb, which is considered risky and very challenging. Since Yarshagumba only grows in high altitudes in the Himalayas, getting to its source might take a lot of work to access for people. Every year, many people go to the most remote and high-altitude locations to search for this herb, and they are highly prone to the results of harsh weather and treacherous landscapes.

With all these things kept in mind, the cost is reliably high, for it is known that Yarshagumba is not found easily. It needs proper timing and stabilized search campaigns to find — and mainly, it is located in the treacherous landscapes; the prices come to be worth its findings.

What Is The Cost of Yarshagumba in Nepal?

The average cost of Yarshagumba in Nepal is 2,50,000 to 25,00,000 per kilogram. Some sources have mentioned that it costs around $130,000 per kilogram in the international market.

Potential Side Effects of Yarshagumba

The prominent side effect of Yarshagumba is being allergic — many people are highly allergic to Yarshagumba. They are prone to skin rashes and difficulty in breathing. If you experience symptoms of those illnesses, you should stop intaking Yarshagumba and consult your doctor.

Yarshagumba also can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are some side effects you will suffer while intaking this medicinal herb. It might be due to the caterpillar debris in the Yarsagumba, which can irritate the digestive system.

Since Yarshagumba is rich in Cordycepins, you should avoid its intake if you are allergic to cordyceps or any ingredients in this medicinal herb.

Can I Intake Yarshagumba During Pregnancy?

There’s no information about its use during pregnancy, but it’s wise to consult your doctor if you are willing to take it. Since Yarshagumba can be allergic to many and likely bring discomfort like nausea and vomiting, you should not take this without your doctor’s prescriptions.

Are There Any Drug Interactions With Yarsagumba?

There are 72 known moderate types of drug interactions of Yarshagumba. Some include amikacin, anamu, cyclosporine, danshen, devil’s claw, gentamicin, isocarboxazid, kanamycin, linezolid, neomycin, PO netilmicin, paromomycin, phenelzine, and others.

With that in mind, please consult your doctor before its intake because it can have an adverse effect on your body if you are prone to any illness.

FAQs’

Where Does Yarshagumba Grow?

Yarshagumba grows between the altitude of 3000 to 5000 meters above sea level. It is among the rarest medicinal herbs in dangerous landscapes and high altitudes.

Can I Harvest Yarshagumba?

Yes, you can harvest Yarshagumba. Many countries, including the United States, have been vocal about harvesting these medicinal herbs for years. But we believe that the scientific way of harvesting will not be as efficient as the natural one. The quality and therapeutic benefits might be compromised in human harvesting.

What Quantity of Yarshagumba Is Recommended for Intake?

Scientists have mentioned that adults can intake Yarshagumba between 0.3 grams to 0.7 grams per day. Over-usage can be contagious and bring some discomfort to your body. But please take your doctor’s advice before its used.

Can Yarshagumba Fight Cancer?

It is not evident that Yarshagumba can fight cancer, but studies have shown that it is used for radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and deficiency syndrome.

(Published Under Swotah Travels And Adventures)