Cordyceps mushrooms (Cordyceps sinensis) have their origins in the mountainous regions of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of China, typically growing at high altitudes, especially in the Himalayas.
Revered in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, cordyceps were exclusively reserved for use by the Chinese imperial family. The fungus parasitizes the larvae of ghost moths, growing within their bodies during fall and winter. As spring arrives, a dark brown, spore-filled, stalk-like fruiting body emerges from the mummified caterpillar.
Locally known as “yartsa gunbu,” the harvested cordyceps is highly valued as a medicinal herb. Its benefits range from anti-aging properties to potential cancer treatment.
