Uttarakhand hills are home to Himalayan viagra that costs INR 20 lakh per kg!

The land of Uttarakhand is unique in many senses. From being home to rare flowers to the costliest mushrooms, the land of gods is abundant with all things exotic. One such rare thing is the Himalayan viagra or Keeda Jadi. This might sound surprising but the cost of one kilogram of this Himalayan viagra, which is found only in Uttarakhand in India, is nearly INR 20 lakh per kg in the international market!

Keeda jadi is basically a fungus, with Ophiocordyceps Sinensis as its scientific name; it is also one of the world’s most expensive fungus. The fungus is so rare that it has entered the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
A few years back (before the pandemic), the state government had given passes to nearly 1000 villagers to collect the fungus by their respective district administrations. According to the IUCN, the fungus is endemic and its spread has gone down by at least 30% over the past 15 years because of overharvesting.

The fungus is called keeda jadi because it grows on the larvae of a particular kind of caterpillar. It is so costly that the price is compared to nothing less than gold, platinum and diamonds! This fungus is unique to the Himalayan and Tibetan plateau only. Besides India, one can find this fungus in China, Bhutan and Nepal. In India, it is only found in higher regions of Uttarakhand in districts such as Pithoragarh and Chamoli.

As far as its usage is concerned, the Himalayan viagra has been used for 1000 years as an to treat hyposexuality (diminished sexual drive or libido).

For a number of villagers in India and Nepal, keeda jadi is a blessing and has changed their living standards. The villagers who harvest this fungus today have concrete houses, vehicles, good education for their kids and food to eat. Of course, overharvesting is leading to newer problems which might soon end the good days if pushed to the extreme limits.

1. What is Ophiocordyceps sinensis?
   It is caterpillar fungus.
2. What is the price of Himalayan Viagra?
   Nearly INR 20 lakhs per kg in international market.
3. What is the use of Himalayan Viagra?
   It is used as an aphrodisiac or as a treatment for hyposexuality.