In the popular zombie series “The Last of Us,” a fungus called cordyceps turns people into fierce monsters. However, in the real world, this fungus has a different reputation. It’s known as a powerful medicinal mushroom, particularly the variety cordyceps sinensis, which is highly valued in traditional medicine and is sometimes called “Himalayan Viagra.” This mushroom is so sought after that it can be worth four times its weight in gold.
Commonly found in the high-altitude areas of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and India, cordyceps is known locally as yartsa gunbu, which means “summer grass, winter worm.” People believe it has many health benefits, including boosting lung and kidney function and increasing energy levels. It is also treasured in traditional Chinese medicine for its supposed aphrodisiac qualities.
The interest in cordyceps has surged in recent years. In the early 1990s, a Chinese coach credited a tonic made from this fungus for helping athletes break records. After Nepal legalized the trade in 2001, it became a popular gift in countries like China, South Korea, and Japan. The mushroom’s popularity has led to a thriving market, with global sales estimated to reach around $11 billion annually.
Despite its high price, little is known about the cordyceps trade. Harvesting the fungus often occurs illegally and unsustainably. In 2020, the International Union for Conservation of Nature warned that yartsa gunbu is vulnerable to extinction, with its population declining by over 30% in the past 15 years.
Research on cordyceps has been limited, especially in Western countries. However, studies from China, Nepal, and India suggest it may help with liver and kidney diseases, and even have anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists in the UK are exploring its potential as a cancer treatment.
The rush for cordyceps has significant environmental impacts, particularly in a region already threatened by climate change. The collection process can cause soil erosion, river pollution, and deforestation. Moreover, gathering this fungus is hazardous, often taking place in rugged areas prone to floods and avalanches. In fact, more people perished while hunting for yartsa than climbing Mount Everest in 2023.
Additionally, the trade relies heavily on child labor, and the lucrative nature of the business has resulted in violence and smuggling. The situation raises urgent calls for regulation. As Rajendra Bajgain, a member of Nepal’s House of Representatives, stated, the chaos surrounding the trade needs to be controlled. The demand from buyers, particularly from China, contributes to this uncontrolled situation.
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