Caterpillar fungus -- known as Himalayan Viagra -- is prized in traditional medicine . The crowd gossips about its value -- `` it 's small , only 300 rupees ! '' Thousands of people travel to Nepal 's Dolpa district each year to harvest the caterpillar fungus . Some locals say the harvesters are damaging hillsides and grasslands . The World Health Organization says that while there have been no reports of human deaths from consuming the fungus, it can cause serious health problems including skin rashes, headaches, nausea and vomiting.
Caterpillar fungus -- known as Himalayan Viagra -- is prized in traditional medicine . Thousands of people travel to Nepal 's Dolpa district each year to harvest the caterpillar fungus . Some locals say the harvesters are damaging hillsides and grasslands . The World Health Organization says that while there have been no reports of human deaths from consuming the fungus, it can cause serious health problems including skin rashes, headaches, nausea and vomiting.