This Himalayan species is included in the 'red list' and is effective in serious diseases like cancer.

New delhi date. 14 July 2020, Tuesday

The Himalayan Viagra worm-herb or Yarshagumba found in the Himalayan region is now in danger. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has put it on the "red list" after its availability fell by 30 per cent in the last 15 years. It is learned that human intervention in the area is believed to be the reason behind the threat of this pest. An action plan is now being considered with the help of the state government for its protection.

The market price of the fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis known as Himalayan Viagra is up to Rs 20 lakh per kg. According to the Red List released on July 9, this herb is said to be in danger. This herb is sold in the local market at around Rs 10 lakh per kg. It is in high demand in China and reaches Rs 20 lakh in international markets.

Effective in many serious diseases including cancer, this herb is found in an altitude of more than 3500 meters. In addition to India, it is found in Nepal, China and Bhutan in the Himalayan and Tibetan plateaus. In Uttarakhand, it is found in the high Himalayan areas of Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Bageshwar districts. Between May and July when the snow melts from the mountains 10-12 thousand locals go there to remove it authorized by the government.

It stays for about two months and is collected. The Forest Research Center recently found from the Joshimath area that the production of this worm-herb is declining rapidly. Its availability has declined by 30 per cent in the last 15 years.

The reason behind the decline in its yield is the gradual destruction of vegetation. The caterpillar population has declined by 14.8 per cent due to the absence of trees and plants that caterpillars used to consume. People say that it is closely related to the yield of snow and cordyceps. Worm-weeds thrive amidst snow. Until about 15 years ago the snow level in this area was about 20 to 25 feet which is now only 10 to 15 feet.

What is this worm-herb?

This is a type of wild mushroom, which grows on it by killing a special type of worm i.e. caterpillars. The scientific name of this worm is Cordyceps sinensis. The worm caterpillars on which it develops are called hapilus fabrics. The locals call it worm-herb. Because it is half worm and half herb. In China and Tibet it is also called Yarshagumba.

Only locals have the right to get it out

The right to remove worms belongs only to the people associated with the forest panchayat area in the concerned hilly area. The DFO announces permission for it based on the Forest Guard report. After the worm is removed, people sell it to a contractor registered with the Pharmaceutical Union or the Forest Department. About seven to eight thousand people in three districts of Uttarakhand get their livelihood through this activity.

The purpose of including the worm-herb in the red list is to protect it. The entry of worms in the IUCN red list will affect thousands of people in several villages. They made a living by collecting these herbs. According to the IUCN Red List, 32,441 species out of a total of 1,20,372 are on the verge of extinction.

150 crore business in Asia

Demand for wormwood is high in India as well as China, Singapore and Hong Kong. From there traders reach Kathmandu and occasionally Dharchula to pick up worms. Through agents, foreign traders sell these worms at a price of around Rs 20 lakh per kg. According to the data, about 150 crore worth of worms are traded in Asia every year.

Effective in many diseases

Worm-herbs are used as a natural steroid. Where there is a risk of heart failure due to the use of English Viagra, the use of this herb does not have any adverse effect on health. This herb is also considered to be very effective in treating diseases like cancer. According to Ayurveda, it is also used to cure respiratory and kidney ailments. At the same time, this herb also boosts the body's immune system.