There’s not a day that goes by when we are made to realise just how terrible climate change really is. Now, scientists have warned that a world-famous fungus which is popularly known as the “Himalayan viagra” is in danger of vanishing due to climate change and over-harvesting.
So rare and valuable is the “Himalayan Viagra” that it is worth three times more than gold by weight, reports The Independent. The fungus, scientifically known as ophiocordyceps sinesis survives in the extremely cold temperatures of the Himalayas by feeding on ghost moth caterpillars.
“It kills them and then sprouts out of their heads, like a unicorn horn,” said Kelly Hopping, the lead author of the study, according to the news website. A bowl of ‘aphrodisiac soup’ made by collectors using this fungus often sells for over £500.
The ‘Himalayan viagra’ is not just prized for its ability to allegedly spice up your sex life, it is also considered to be a healing agent for kidney disease, inflammation, impotence and apparently prevents ageing. According to The Economic Times, the fungus is often smuggled to Nepal and China where it is considered by many to even cure cancer.
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