Yarsagumba found in Rimigha area in Palpa

PALPA: Yarsagumba, a highly valuable medicinal herb, has been found in Rimigha area of Ward No. 3 in Rambha Rural Municipality-2, Palpa.

The confirmation comes after laboratory tests conducted by the National Forensic Science Laboratory in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, according to Narayan Dev Bhattarai, Chief of the Division Forest Office, Palpa.

Last week, while clearing bushes and digging pits to plant orange saplings in the area, a substance resembling Yarsagumba was discovered.

The specimen was sent to the laboratory for verification, and tests confirmed it to be authentic Yarsagumba.

In response, the rural municipality has declared the area restricted, issuing a public notice prohibiting general entry.

Following the lab confirmation, the District Security Committee held a meeting and decided to extend the restriction for several more days, said Rural Municipality Chairperson Bishnu Prasad Bhandari.

“It has been confirmed that Yarsagumba has been found in Rimigha Lek,” said Chief District Officer Toyanarayan Subedi. “However, it is not yet known what specific species it is or what its precise medicinal value might be.”

The discovery, made at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters, has generated excitement among local residents.

Yarsagumba is widely regarded as one of the world’s most valuable natural medicinal herbs, commonly found in Himalayan and high-hill regions. Globally, Nepal ranks second only to China in terms of Yarsagumba supply.

Known for its powerful medicinal properties, Yarsagumba is used in treatments for a wide range of health issues, including sexual vitality, cancer, anemia, tuberculosis, lung infections, kidney and liver conditions, and heart disease. The herb typically grows at altitudes between 3,500 and 5,500 meters above sea level.