What is Himalayan Viagra?

A fungus called Yarsagumba is worth more than gold by weight. A kilogram can sell for $100,000.
In high altitude regions of the Himalayas, Tibet, and China, there is a parasitic fungus in the soil that infects insects, usually caterpillars. In Tibet, the name for it means “summer grass, winter worm” as it is harvested between May and June. It is sometimes referred to as caterpillar fungus. After infection, a caterpillar will burrow underground. The fungus will digest the caterpillar from within. In the spring, tissue grows out of the head of the caterpillar.
This fungus is the most expensive in the world.
This fungus has medicinal properties, most notably as an aphrodisiac. It also can be used to treat heart, renal, and liver diseases. There is a 15th century Tibetan medical text that describes the fungi. For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine has used it to treat various ailments including cancer.
The supply of Yarsagumba has fallen sharply due to overharvesting and climate change.
Works Cited:
https://www.npr.org/2011/10/09/141164173/caterpillar-fungus-the-viagra-of-the-himalayas
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/4-things-to-know-about-caterpillar-fungus
https://india.mongabay.com/2019/01/cordyceps-the-himalayan-viagra-kindles-fortunes-begets-plunder/
https://www.nature.com/articles/nature.2013.12308