Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc.: Economy, Ecology, and Eth no-Mycology of Yartsa Gunbu, a Medicinal Fungus Endemic for the Tibetan Plateau

摘要

Collection, trade, and use of Yartsa Gunbu (dbYar rTswa dGun 'Bu), "summer grass-winter worm" as the Cordyceps sinensis (Caterpillar fungus) is known to Tibetans, has a long-standing history in Tibetan medicine and culture. Although ancient local traditions warn that digging of Yartsa would provoke local spirits, its collection dates back centuries. It has been, and is now more than ever, one of the most important sources of income for rural Tibetans, especially nomadic communities, who often deriveover 50% of their annual cash income from its collection in spring and early summer.