Strange looking I know, but according to ancient Chinese and Tibetan literature, this fungus inflamed caterpillar has been known as a cure all for centuries. I was introduced to it while enjoying an evening of hors d'oeuvres and champagne. Imagine that beautiful backdrop and then out comes the caterpillar fungus. With claims to improve energy, appetite, stamina, endurance and sleeping patterns, cordyceps sinensis is highly valued by Eastern practitioners. I was intrigued to find out more.What you are actually looking at is fungus that have parasitized ghost moth larvae and produced a fruiting body from the head. It is not produced commercially and found only in certain regions of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas, making its ownership a bit of a status symbol amongst herbalists.
Unfortunately, this precious herb is now on the endangered list as overharvesting and exploitation have dwindled the numbers. People are catching on to its natural uses and demanding more of it. To the West, it is known as the medicinal mushroom and used for many medical purposes as well, including the treatment of some forms of cancer.
I was up close and personal with the cordyceps and however true the claims may or may not be about it, there's definitely something magical about going on there.