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| Cordyceps |
The locally and nationally
known as Yartsa- Gunbub (Yar-Summer; Tsa-Grass; Gun-Winter; Bub-Insect) is a
parasitic combination of fungus (Cordyceps Sinensis) and insect (Hepialus
Armoricanus). It is found at a height of 3500 meters above sea level. In our
country, the people of extreme Northern parts are collecting it to make huge
earning within short span of time.
Yartsa-Gunbub, the
caterpillar fungus is an exotic species and known as Chinese caterpillar and
has some chemicals to boost various diseases. The important chemicals found in
the herb are calcium and selenium, the later being well known for its ability
to enhance immunity against cancer.
Cordyceps are collected by
the people of highlanders within their stipulated territory. They are allowed
to collect it to make their living from earning they acquire from it. The
highlanders like people of Laya, Lingzhi, Lunana, some parts of Wangdue and
Bumthang are collecting it.
During the season of
collecting Cordyceps, the people of highlanders go to the site where they are
supposed to pick it. They leave their children and old aged parents back at
home. Yartsa-Gunbub is available when the snow melts in the higher ranges of
mountains. It is during this time that people from far-flung and highland
villages of Gasa, Paro, Wangdue and Bumthang district gear up to collect the
Yartsa-Gunbub.
It is priced very high
internationally. In the local market, it fetches little lesser amount. It plays
an important role in boosting the economy of the particular areas and nation as
a whole. The prices for the Yartsa-Gunbub depend upon the quality of the herbs.
It is auctioned in various places in the country and exported to other
countries of the world.
Owing to its chemical
contain, it is used to manufacture medicines for all kind of diseases.
In Bhutanese traditions,
there is habit of consuming cordyceps row. The people who consume alcohol put a
cordyceps in it and as and when it gets semi-dissolved, then they take a sip to
swallow it. Some make it into powder and mix with tea and other drinkable or
eatable substances.
The collection of
Cordyceps starts mid May and will go until June or July. The highlanders are
already in high mountain sites to collect it to make their living for rest of
the year, support their children in
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