In the context of the discussion, Caterpillar Fungus "kira-jori" refers to a rare type of mushroom found about 3-4 kilometers above sea level. Its value in the global market surpasses that of gold because it is used to make various invaluable medicines.
When we talk about Caterpillar Fungus "kira-jori" we understand it as a type of fungus, not just any ordinary plant. These two coexist, giving the impression that the fungus grows on the insect. The Greek mythological creature "Kimera" is a fusion of two beings, We call plants with 2-3 colours leaves "kimera plants," such as the mixed white and green leaves of ficus benjamina, various types of bokul, and various types of tagar plants.
A 5 to 7 centimeter long Caterpillar Fungus "kira-jori" is a peculiar type of chimera, with one part being an insect and the other part a mushroom. When dried, green peppers with pods often resemble caterpillar fungus. In English, it's called the "caterpillar fungus." This chimera is created when the fungus Cordyceps attacks a specific type of moth (Ghost moth) larva underground. The infected larva climbs upwards but before emerging from the ground, the fungus kills them. After several years of being in this state, the fungus grows upwards from the soil. Inside the earth, this brown-colored fungus mixes with other fungi in the soil. So, to find them, one has to search diligently inch by inch.
The ideal time for collecting Caterpillar Fungus "kira-jori" is from May to July, these three months. During this time, collectors travel to mountain slopes and grassy plains to gather some equipment for food, medicine, and mushrooms. In Asia, the existence of these insects and fungi has been known for thousands of years. Previously, Himalayan hermits used them for health reasons, such as how they used "shilajit." Farmers noticed that livestock grazing in alpine regions became stronger after consuming these mushrooms. From this knowledge, they began to learn how to use them. In 1993, three Chinese girls set a world record at the Beijing National Games, partly due to their diet containing these insects.
There is no specific dosage for Caterpillar Fungus "kira-jori." Without side effects, it's consumed crushed with milk, honey, or water. However, it's been observed from experience that just eating mushrooms or just insects doesn't have the same effect; they must be consumed together. Due to various health benefits such as improving respiratory and kidney function, cancer prevention, diabetes, tumor suppression, tonic effects, anti-aging, increasing sperm count, and libido, It is called Himalayan Viagra . The demand for them has increased significantly in the past two decades.
Due to the increasing demand and decreasing supply, the price of Caterpillar Fungus "kira-jori" is rising unnaturally, which is not sustainable. Although in India its price per kilogram ranges from 3 to 5 lakh rupees, in foreign markets, it's almost 45,000 dollars, more than gold. About 40% of grassland has been degraded in the areas concerned due to demand. The authorities have not imposed restrictions, which are exacerbating ecological imbalances. Due to excessive harvesting, farmland is becoming increasingly limited. There is always controversy over who will collect Caterpillar Fungus "kira-jori" from which area.
Caterpillar Fungus "Kira-jori" is found in various grassland areas of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and China, about 3,000 kilometers long, surrounding the Himalayas. Protected biospheres such as Nanda Devi and others in the western Himalayas are where they can still be found as production is low. The scientific name of the caterpillar fungus is Ophiocordyceps sinensis, and the related moth is called Hepialus spp. The Chinese name for it, "dongchong xiacao," is quite appropriate, meaning "winter worm, summer grass." The insect-fungus combination transforms during its life cycle.
It takes about a year to form Caterpillar Fungus "kira-jori," and the moth's life cycle takes about 3-4 years to complete. During this time, the moth larvae consume the sap of grasses and molt 6-7 times. The fungus attacks after the fourth molt, not before. It seems a bit unusual for the moth larvae to consume the sap of grasses for such a long time, but in our country, we see the "cicada," which has been feeding on the sap of grasses for 13 years, making the same buzzing sound.
Due to the increasing demand and price of Caterpillar Fungus "kira-jori," many countries in the periphery have attempted to produce it, with China leading the way. Now, these mushrooms are being produced in laboratories, with properties similar to natural ones, but producing Ophiocordyceps sinensis, the wild type of insect-fungus combination, is still not possible. Cordyceps militaris is the species used for artificial cultivation. Research on cultivation is being conducted in China, India, and Thailand, even in households. In this cultivation, temperature and air humidity are controlled. Everything needs to be sterilized, even the caps of the bottles. It takes 80-90 days to produce, allowing businessmen to produce four crops per year. Regardless of the results, it's possible to produce this invaluable mushroom at home.
So, this was a brief overview of the invaluable asset Caterpillar Fungus "kira-jori." Stay well, stay healthy. Then come back for more new information.
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