Yarsa- Nepal’s Traditional Medicine

Yarsa Gumba- is a fungus found in the Himalayan Mountains. 

Yarsa Gumba or Catpillar fungus is also known as the ‘Himalayan Viagra’ due to its aphrodisiac components, and has been the subject of quite a few films. 

What is the backstory of this famous traditional medicine? 

In the 1980s Yarsa was traded for cigarettes, noodles, and other goods, but it started to skyrocket in the 90’s when female distance runners in China announced they were fed a soup of Yarsa Gumba and turtle blood.

After 2001 Yarsa became officially legal, and by 2011 the local market of Yarsagumba spiked 2300%.

However, Yarsa Gumba can sell for up to $13,000 in Tibet and $26,000 in Shanghai China, while farmers and harvesters only make $283.

Yarsa have brought great fortune to many but it has also brought conditions similar to opium-producing regions in Afghanistan.

There are countless stories of violence and conflict between harvesters and buyers, but these stories go un-investigated and there have been numerous unsolved murders cases sadly connected to the Yarsa industry. 

There are regions however that are well protected by the communities, with each community holding their right to the Yarsa in village. While non residents pay an entrance fee. 

In addition to conflict, Yarsa growing is incredibly sensitive. There is evidence in certain areas of overcrowding and overharvesting, and there is fear that it is on the verge of extinction if the Nepali Government continues to permit a large number of pickers to go to the highlands while people without any permit join them. 

In 2020, the fungus has already been categorized as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for Nature Conservation. 

Now, with global climate change, conservationists are noticing that Yarsa has become scarcer.