Caterpillar fungus price

Caterpillar fungus, also known as Cordyceps sinensis, is a parasitic fungus that grows on the larvae of some species of moths in the Himalayan region, particularly in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and parts of China. The fungus infects the larvae, consuming them from the inside out, and eventually produces a fruiting body that grows out of the larva's head. This fruiting body is harvested and used in traditional Chinese medicine for its health benefits. Caterpillar fungus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over a thousand years. It is a valuable and rare commodity that can fetch high prices in international markets. It is believed to have medicinal properties, including boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, improving athletic performance, and treating various illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and cancer. However, the harvest and trade of caterpillar fungus have raised concerns over the sustainability of its collection and its impact on local ecosystems and communities. Over-harvesting of caterpillar fungus has led to species depletion and disrupted the natural balance of ecosystems in the Himalayan region. Furthermore, the trade in caterpillar fungus has also been linked to social and economic issues, such as labor exploitation and wealth inequality. History and Uses of Caterpillar Fungus Caterpillar fungus has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, known as dong chong xia cao, which means "winter worm, summer grass." It is believed ...

The fungus grows, essentially feeding on the body of the caterpillars underground, until their death. Then the mushroom’s bright tendrils grow out of the caterpillar’s head and up through the soil. By the time the mushroom is mature, there is little caterpillar left, other than the mummified remains. Thus, completes the transformation from animal to mushroom. The story goes, according to the locals, that a group of yak herders discovered Ophiocordyceps sinensis, better known as Cordyceps sinensis, about 1,500 years ago. They stopped to let their animals graze, and the yaks wound up eating the mushrooms and became unusually playful and full of energy. It has been a part of traditional Asian medicine ever since, used for its immune-boosting properties and providing increased stamina. In Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal, indigenous peoples have witnessed the curative power of Cordyceps first-hand for generations, and centuries-old Traditional Chinese Medicine texts like the Ben Cao Cong Xin praise the fungus’s innumerable abilities to ward off common colds, combat back pain, suppress coughs, sharpen the senses and more. In the region it is also known as the Himalayan Viagra “Yarsa gumba,” which translates as “winter worm, summer grass. Cordyceps sinensis became world famous in 1993 at the Chinese national games in Beijing where multiple Chinese runners shattered track and field records. One of their records still stands today. Their coach, Ma Junren, claimed their success was due to a...

• Caterpillar fungus is a hybrid of a fungus that kills and lives in caterpillars. • It can sell for up to 3 times its weight in gold and can be as much as about $63,000 per pound. • Some towns in the Himalayas rely on collecting and selling this fungus for a living. Caterpillar fungus has been used in traditional herbal medicine for many centuries but has gained popularity in recent decades. Subsequently, driving up the price which can be as much as about $63,000 per pound. Following is a transcript of the video. What would you do if a fungus invaded your body, and started consuming you from the inside? It sounds like something out of a horror film, but that's actually what happens to a certain type of baby moth. The fungus eats its way through the helpless moth larvae and then sprouts out of their heads like a spring daisy. But this rare hybrid, the caterpillar fungus, isn't just totally fascinating, it's also expensive. Sometimes selling for more than 3 times its weight in gold! Caterpillar fungus grows in the remote Tibetan Plateau and Himalayan Mountains but that's not the only place you can find it. Here we are in New York City's Chinatown. And nestled among countless drawers of dried mugwort leaves and hibiscus flowers, There it is a small pile of 50 or so pieces of dried caterpillar fungus. Here, 1 gram of it costs about $30. But even that might be considered a good deal. Vendors on eBay, for example, list a gram for up to $125. The price is so high because this hy...

There’s a fascinating mushroom that grows from insect bodies after it consumes them from the inside out. This parasitic fungus is called Cordyceps. Ironically, what is deadly to insects becomes something that is healthy for humans to consume as a multi-benefit supplement. There are key differences between the commercially-available Cordyceps types used in supplements. So, the question is: when it comes to Cordyceps sinensis vs militaris, which variety gives you the most health benefits for your buck? Cordyceps sinensis is a type of health-supporting, functional mushroom that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese medicine. In modern times it has become so rare and highly sought after for its unique health-supporting properties that its price tag makes purchasing it out of reach for all but the ultra-rich. However, there is an alternative to the sinensis variety of Cordyceps that can be cultivated commercially. This alternative requires no dead insects to be involved in the growing process and makes the resulting supplement affordable. Happily, this cultivated version, called Cordyceps militaris, provides the same kind of healthy compounds that makes the Cordyceps sinensis variety effective as a supplement. Read on to learn more about the difference between Cordyceps sinensis vs militaris and which of these two mushrooms makes for the best Cordyceps supplement. This unique mushroom is worthy of exploring for the number of health benefits it can provide. However,...

What is Caterpillar Fungus? In the old days, Chinese people thought that the caterpillar fungus (Dong chong xiz cao) were worms. However, after years of study, it was found that it really is a fruiting body produced by the fungus, Cordyceps sinesis, on dead caterpillars of the moth Hepilus fabricius. Spores of Cordyceps sinensis grow inside the caterpillars filling the caterpillar with filaments (hyphae). When the caterpillar dies the fungus produces a stalked fruiting body that produces spores. The spores are spread in the wind to the next generation of caterpillars. Uninfected caterpillars pupate into relatively large primitive moths. The moth is found in the south central Provinces of Guizhou, Hubei, Gansu, Qinghai, Shanxi, Sichuan, Sizang, Yunnan, and Zhejiang. Infected caterpillars are often found in soft soil under trees in mountains over 4000 m high, or in cold, well-drained grassy marshlands. The life cycle of uninfected moths takes two years to complete. How is it Used? The use of the caterpillar fungus is believed to have started a thousand years ago. It was either ground into a powder, or mixed with other tonics. Today the most common way to prepare the caterpillar fungus is to stuff a duck with the caterpillar fungus then after boiling the duck in hot water, patients drink the liquid. It sounds unpleasant, but Vivian reports the aroma is pleasant and the broth tastes sweet. Traditonal Chinese medicines like the caterpillar fungus and ginseng are bought in Chine...

Cordyceps are fascinating fungi. From how they take over caterpillars and other insects to their numerous health benefits and hefty price tag. It’s no surprise you’re curious about them. To help bring clarity between the myth and the science behind this strange but helpful parasitic mushroom we’ve answered 30 questions on caterpillars with Cordyceps (a.k.a. Cordyceps sinensis). As you go through our list, you’ll learn: • Why caterpillar Cordyceps are so expensive • Their various health benefits • Why they’re also called the “ Himalayan Viagra” • How to spot a 1. Are Cordyceps Sinensis (a.k.a. Caterpillars With Cordyceps) Edible? The stalk-like, dark brown, fruiting body of Cordyceps (stroma), which grows out of a caterpillar head, is edible along with the non-fruiting body (sclerotium). The stalk-like, dark brown, fruiting body of Cordyceps (stroma), which grows out of a caterpillar head, is edible along with the non-fruiting body (sclerotium). Cordyceps sinensis are a well-known herbal remedy in East Asia. They’re loaded with beneficial bioactive compounds such as cordycepin and adenosine. 2. What Caterpillar Species Get Infected by Cordyceps? The ground-dwelling caterpillars of ghost moths are prone to infection by Cordyceps sinensis. The caterpillar Cordyceps (a.k.a. Cordyceps sinensis) grows from the larva of the ghost moth. These caterpillars mostly dwell just below the ground surface of shrublands and alpine grasslands; perfect environments for the fruiting Cordyceps...