Wild Himalayan Cordyceps Sinensis (Keedajadi / Yarsagumba)

Wild Himalayan Keedajadi (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) by Alchemy Dose

Traditionally valued in Tibetan and Chinese wellness traditions for centuries. Wild-harvested by Bhotiya and Garhwali collectors at 11,000 ft / 3,500 m in Uttarakhand, during the brief May to June season only.

WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE
  • 1
    Wild-Harvested at 11,000 ft / 3,500 mSourced from traditional Uttarakhand collector communities in the high Himalaya, Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts.
  • 2
    Centuries of Cultural DocumentationDocumented in classical Tibetan and Chinese wellness traditions, plus Bhotiya and Garhwali collector practice across the high Himalaya.
  • 3
    Brief May to June Harvest WindowHand-foraging from alpine meadows above the tree line during a 4 to 6 week annual window only.
  • 4
    Whole Caterpillar-Fungus FormNaturally occurring polysaccharide, adenosine, and D-mannitol compound profile in the whole-fungus structure.
Known for its: Rare Wild Harvest High-Altitude Origin Naturally Scarce Supply Whole dried Keedajadi, wild-harvested at 11,000 ft above sea level.
Choose Your Cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris Concentrated 8:1 extract Cordyceps militaris Whole dried Ophiocordyceps sinensis Wild Keedajadi

Wild Himalayan Keedajadi (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) here — a different species from cultivated militaris. Also available as a concentrated 8:1 Cordyceps militaris extract, and whole dried Cordyceps militaris.

Cordyceps Grade (pieces per gram)
Duration
Rs. 2,550.00
/
Price Per 1 Gram
  • Prices mentioned are MRP (inclusive of all taxes)
  • Worldwide shipping
  • In stock, ready to ship
  • Inventory on the way

For optimal benefits when consuming Cordyceps Sinenses, we suggest preparing it either as an infusion or a stew. To achieve the best results, we recommend simmering it on low heat for at least 10-15 minutes.

Store in a cool and dry place. Do not freeze. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat. Use within 24 months.

Introduction:

Cordyceps sinensis is an exotic medicinal mushroom that has been used for over 2000 years in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine. It is renowned for its potent health benefits and has a rich historical and cultural significance as an aphrodisiac in the Himalayan region. In this article, we will delve into the origins, harvesting and health benefits of Cordyceps sinensis, as well as explore its unique characteristics and uses.

Origins:

Cordyceps sinensis was first described in 1843 by British mycologist Dr M.J. Berkelesy as Sphaeria sinensis Berk. Later in 1878, Andrea Saccardo renamed it as Cordyceps sinensis (Berk) sacc. The name "Cordyceps" is derived from the Latin words "cordl" meaning "club" and "ceps" meaning "head". It is a parasitic fungus that grows on the larvae of the Hepialis armoricanus family (Hepialidac). The immature larvae, on which the Cordyceps grows, usually lie about 6 inches below the ground surface. As the fungus approaches maturity, it consumes more than 90% of the infected insect, effectively mummifying the host.

Harvesting:

The harvesting season for Cordyceps extends from April to August. It only grows at high altitudes of approximately 3800 meters above sea level in the cold, grassy, alpine meadows of the Himalayas. The fruiting body of Cordyceps originates from the insect larval host and ends with a club-like cap, including the stipe and stroma. The fruit body is dark brown to black, and the root of the organism, the larval body pervaded by the mycelium, is yellowish to brown. Furthermore, the size and weight of Cordyceps can also vary depending on the harvesting location and altitude.

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Wild Harvested
Not cultivated. Hand-collected at altitude.
Uttarakhand, India
Pithoragarh & Chamoli, 11,000 ft.
Authenticated & Graded
By Alchemy Dose, before packing.
Tibetan Tradition
Documented for centuries.

What is Cordyceps Sinensis?

Cordyceps Sinensis (Ophiocordyceps sinensis, formerly Cordyceps sinensis, reclassified in 2007; also called Yarsagumba or Keedajadi) is a rare, wild functional mushroom documented in classical Tibetan, Chinese, and Himalayan wellness traditions for over 2,000 years. It is one of the most studied functional mushrooms in academic mycology research, with a distinctive compound profile that sets it apart from cultivated species.

Often called the Himalayan Gold, Cordyceps Sinensis carries a distinctive polysaccharide and adenosine compound profile, with centuries of documented use across Tibetan, Chinese, and Himalayan wellness traditions.
Cultivated Cordyceps militaris fruiting body extract

Cordyceps Militaris

  • Available as Naturally Dried Fruiting Body & Pure 8:1 Extract Powder
  • Cultivated in controlled environments for batch consistency and standardised compound profile
  • Naturally occurring cordycepin, adenosine, beta-glucans, and polysaccharides
  • Cordycepin-rich Extract format: 0.35% cordycepin, 0.29% adenosine, 51.34% polysaccharides
Wild Ophiocordyceps sinensis whole specimen showing saffron-orange caterpillar host and dark grey-brown stroma

Cordyceps Sinensis (Keedajadi)

  • Wild-harvested by Bhotiya and Garhwali collector communities at 11,000 ft / 3,500 m above sea level, in Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand
  • Whole dried specimens with the iconic saffron-orange caterpillar host (4-5 cm) and dark grey-brown stroma (8-10 cm) emerging from the head end, hand-foraged during the brief May to June harvest window
  • Naturally occurring polysaccharides, adenosine, D-mannitol (cordycepic acid), sterols, and nucleosides
  • Documented in classical Tibetan, Chinese, and East Asian wellness traditions for over 2,000 years, with rich heritage in classical wellness texts
  • Rarer and more premium grade. Cannot be commercially cultivated, the host-caterpillar relationship requires high-Himalayan altitude conditions above 11,000 ft / 3,500 m
Two distinct Cordyceps species, two compound profiles, two traditions, both available at Alchemy Dose.

Why People Choose Wild Cordyceps Sinensis

Wild Cordyceps Sinensis used in active-lifestyle Tibetan and Himalayan traditions

Active-Lifestyle Tradition

Documented for centuries in Himalayan and Tibetan wellness practices, used traditionally by mountain communities in active daily routines.

Cordyceps Sinensis documented in Tibetan and Chinese wellness traditions

Centuries of Daily Documentation

Documented in Tibetan and Chinese wellness traditions for centuries as a seasonal, daily-ritual functional fungus.

Wild-harvested Cordyceps Sinensis natural compound profile

Natural Antioxidant Profile

Naturally occurring antioxidant compounds documented in wild-harvested specimens; part of the broader Cordyceps Sinensis compound profile studied in published research.

Cordyceps Sinensis traditionally associated with vitality in Tibetan wellness

Vitality & Vigour Tradition

Traditionally associated with vitality and vigour in Tibetan and Himalayan wellness practices.

Wild Cordyceps Sinensis as a modern functional mushroom daily ritual

Modern Daily Ritual

A daily-ritual format chosen by users worldwide who incorporate functional mushrooms into active routines.

Wild Cordyceps Sinensis hand-collected at 11,000 ft in Pithoragarh and Chamoli, Uttarakhand by Bhotiya and Garhwali communities

Himalayan Heritage

Wild-harvested at 11,000 ft / 3,500 m above sea level in the Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand, hand-collected by Bhotiya and Garhwali communities during the May–June season. The specimen carries the iconic saffron-orange caterpillar host (4–5 cm) and dark grey-brown stroma (8–10 cm) emerging from the head end. Rare, seasonal, and documented for centuries across Tibetan, Chinese, and Himalayan wellness traditions.

Why Choose Our Cordyceps?

Our Wild Himalayan Cordyceps Sinensis (Ophiocordyceps sinensis; Keedajadi | Yarsagumba) is hand-collected by Bhotiya and Garhwali communities at 11,000 ft / 3,500 m above sea level in the Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand. Unlike cultivated varieties, it is purely wild-sourced, retaining the natural compound profile of the whole-fungus structure.

Wild Harvested

Hand-collected by Bhotiya and Garhwali communities during the May–June season at 11,000 ft / 3,500 m in the Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand.

Naturally Pure

Wild-sourced rather than cultivated, retaining the natural compound profile of the whole-fungus structure.

Used Worldwide

Adopted across active-lifestyle and wellness communities for daily-ritual functional mushroom use.

Full Spectrum

Whole-fungus form: the iconic saffron-orange caterpillar host (4–5 cm) and dark grey-brown stroma (8–10 cm) intact, documented for centuries in Tibetan and Chinese tradition.

When you choose us, you are choosing authentic Wild Himalayan Cordyceps Sinensis: wild-harvested by Bhotiya and Garhwali collectors, authenticated and graded by Alchemy Dose, and rooted in centuries of Tibetan and Himalayan heritage. Explore the full Cordyceps collection →

How to Prepare Wild Cordyceps Sinensis (Keedajadi)?

A simple, three-step traditional preparation practiced for centuries in Tibetan and Himalayan kitchens. Total time: about 15 minutes.

1
Rinsing dried Wild Cordyceps Sinensis strands under cold water

Rinse

Gently rinse 1–2 strands of dried Cordyceps Sinensis under cold water.

2
Simmering Wild Cordyceps Sinensis in water for 10 to 15 minutes

Simmer

Bring 1 cup of water to a simmer, add the strands, and gently simmer for 10–15 minutes until the water reduces to roughly 1/2 cup.

3
Drinking Wild Cordyceps Sinensis tea and consuming the rehydrated strand

Drink

Drink the warm tea and consume the rehydrated strand whole, the traditional preparation practiced in Tibetan and Himalayan kitchens for centuries.

Traditional serving: 1–2 strands per cup, typically taken once daily as part of an active-lifestyle routine. Each strand is hand-sorted and graded by Alchemy Dose before packing. Explore our full Cordyceps range →

Authentication & Grading

Wild Cordyceps Sinensis is rare, seasonal, and one of the most counterfeited natural products in the world. Every strand sold by Alchemy Dose is verified against four anatomy markers, sorted into one of three grading tiers, and traced back to a specific Bhotiya or Garhwali collector community in Uttarakhand.

The Four Anatomy Markers

The Caterpillar Host

4–5 cm · saffron-orange

A segmented, larva-shaped body in saffron-orange tones. This is the mummified Himalayan ghost moth caterpillar (Thitarodes spp.) at the base of every authentic strand.

The Stroma

8–10 cm · dark grey-brown

A slender, club-like fungal fruiting body in dark grey-brown that grows roughly twice the length of the caterpillar host.

Head-End Emergence

L-shape · always from the head

The stroma emerges only from the head end of the caterpillar, forming the iconic L-shape. Emergence from anywhere else along the body is a counterfeit marker.

Natural Weight

lightweight · hollow body

Authentic dried wild strands are surprisingly light because the caterpillar body is naturally hollow once dried. Heavy or dense strands suggest internal filling or gypsum injection.

The Three Grading Tiers

Tier 1

Collector

  • Largest, most intact strands of the season
  • Symmetrical caterpillar-and-stroma pairing
  • Vivid saffron-orange host coloration
  • Hand-selected from the early-May peak harvest
Tier 2

Select

  • Mid-size strands with strong integrity
  • Clean head-end stroma emergence
  • Standard wild-grade market quality
  • Sorted from mid-season harvest
Tier 3

Classic

  • Entry-tier wild-grade strands
  • Smaller or seasonally varied pieces
  • All four anatomy markers verified
  • Sorted from end-of-season harvest

How Alchemy Dose Grades Every Strand

Anatomy Check

Every strand is inspected against the four anatomy markers. Anything that fails on host color, stroma length, emergence pattern, or weight is rejected before grading.

Density Check

Each strand is weighed and cross-checked against the expected weight range for its size. Outliers are flagged for further inspection.

Origin Verification

Every batch is traced to a specific collector community in the Pithoragarh or Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand, with documented May–June harvest dates.

Collector Sourcing

We work directly with Bhotiya and Garhwali collector networks, paying fair-trade prices that support the high-altitude mountain communities who hand-collect each strand.

Every strand of Wild Cordyceps Sinensis sold by Alchemy Dose passes this four-marker anatomy check and is sorted into the Collector, Select, or Classic tier before packing. If you would like to see the grading variants available, explore our full Cordyceps range.

Sustainability & Source Transparency

Wild Cordyceps Sinensis is one of the most economically and ecologically important non-timber forest products of the high Himalaya. It is also IUCN-listed Vulnerable. Transparency about how it is sourced, regulated, and sustained matters, both for the species and for the Bhotiya and Garhwali mountain communities whose livelihoods depend on its annual harvest.

The Three Transparency Pillars

Pillar 01

Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessed Ophiocordyceps sinensis as Vulnerable in 2020. Climate warming, over-collection, and ecosystem pressure have contributed to documented declines in annual yield across the Himalayan range, recorded in peer-reviewed research.

Pillar 02

Regulated Collection

Wild collection in Uttarakhand is governed by the State Forest Department, which issues seasonal No-Objection Certificates (NOC) for the brief May–June harvest window. Collection outside this window or without permit is prohibited. The short season acts as a natural rest period for the species.

Pillar 03

Fair-Trade Economics

For Bhotiya and Garhwali collector communities at altitudes of 11,000–14,000 ft, the annual Cordyceps harvest contributes a significant share of household income. We source directly from collector cooperatives in Pithoragarh and Chamoli, paying transparent prices that reflect the labor of high-altitude foraging, with no commodity-broker markup.

The Alchemy Dose Commitment

Wild-Only Sourcing

No cultivated Sinensis is sold under this label. Ophiocordyceps sinensis has not been commercially cultivated, and we refuse to blur the line.

Direct Collector Partnerships

We work directly with Bhotiya and Garhwali collector networks in Pithoragarh and Chamoli; no middlemen, no commodity-broker markups, no opaque supply chain.

Annual Purchase Caps

Our annual procurement is capped to respect seasonal yield variation. We do not scale demand beyond what the species and its mountain habitat can support.

Per-Batch Traceability

Every batch traces back to a specific collector community, district, and harvest window. Provenance is documented before grading and packing by Alchemy Dose.

Buying wild Cordyceps Sinensis is buying into a fragile Himalayan ecosystem and the livelihoods built around it. Alchemy Dose believes the only honest way to sell a Vulnerable-status species is with full transparency about where it comes from, who collects it, and what we do to keep both the resource and the community standing.
ALCHEMY DOSE

The complete guide to Cordyceps Mushroom

Know the health benefits and the difference between Cordyceps Militaris & Cordyceps Sinensis with clinical studies.
Learn More
Wild Himalayan Cordyceps Sinensis (Keedajadi) illustration with caterpillar host and stroma

The Ghost Moth Host

Cordyceps Sinensis colonises Himalayan ghost moth caterpillars (Thitarodes spp.) exclusively, a host-parasite relationship that has not been commercially cultivated in laboratory settings.

Three Grading Tiers

Collector, Select, and Classic grades across seven pack sizes: 21 product variants matched to ritual intensity and traditional grading markers.

Single-Origin Traceability

Each batch traces to a specific Bhotiya or Garhwali collector community in Pithoragarh or Chamoli district, hand-collected during the brief May–June window.

Long-Term Storage

Whole strands store 12+ months in airtight, dark, dry conditions; no refrigeration required. Compound stability maintained when properly stored.

Recently viewed

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Wild Himalayan Cordyceps Sinensis (Keedajadi / Yarsagumba): sourcing, preparation, grading, storage, and traditional context.

What is Wild Cordyceps Sinensis (Keedajadi / Yarsagumba)?
Wild Cordyceps Sinensis (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), known as Keedajadi in India and Yarsagumba in Nepal, is a rare functional fungus that grows on Himalayan ghost moth caterpillars at altitudes above 11,000 ft / 3,500 m. Documented in Tibetan, Chinese, and Himalayan wellness traditions for centuries.
What's the difference between Cordyceps Sinensis and Cordyceps Militaris?
Cordyceps Sinensis is wild-harvested, has not been commercially cultivated, and carries the whole-fungus caterpillar-host structure. Cordyceps Militaris is lab-cultivated, available in extract powders and dried fruiting bodies, and naturally higher in cordycepin per gram. Both are real Cordyceps. See our Cordyceps Militaris Extract page for the full species comparison.
Where is Alchemy Dose Wild Cordyceps Sinensis sourced from?
Wild-harvested by Bhotiya and Garhwali collector communities at 11,000 ft / 3,500 m above sea level in the Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand. Hand-collection takes place during the brief May–June annual harvest window when the stroma emerges through alpine meadow turf.
Why is Wild Cordyceps Sinensis so expensive?
Premium Wild Sinensis pricing reflects the brief annual harvest window (May–June only), hand-collection at high altitudes above 11,000 ft, climate-vulnerable supply, and limited annual yield. Each kilogram represents months of foraging labour from Bhotiya and Garhwali mountain communities in Uttarakhand. Wild grade cannot be substituted with cultivated alternatives.
What are the Collector / Select / Classic grades?
Three grading tiers based on traditional quality markers including piece size, integrity, and seasonal harvest characteristics. Collector is the premium top tier (largest, most intact strands). Select is mid-tier. Classic is the entry tier. All three are authentic Wild Sinensis from the same Bhotiya and Garhwali collector network in Uttarakhand, authenticated and graded by Alchemy Dose.
How do I prepare Wild Cordyceps Sinensis?
Gently rinse 1–2 strands under cold water, bring 1 cup of water to a simmer, add the strands, and gently simmer for 10–15 minutes until the water reduces to roughly ½ cup. Drink the warm tea and consume the rehydrated strand whole, the traditional preparation practiced in Tibetan and Himalayan kitchens for centuries. See the How to Prepare section above for the visual 3-step guide.
How should I store Wild Cordyceps Sinensis?
Store in airtight, dark, dry conditions at room temperature. No refrigeration required. Whole dried strands maintain compound stability for 12+ months when properly stored. Avoid direct sunlight, humidity, and strong odours that may affect the natural compound profile.
What compounds does Cordyceps Sinensis contain?
Naturally occurring polysaccharides (the dominant compound class), adenosine, D-mannitol (also called cordycepic acid), sterols, and nucleosides. Distinct from Cordyceps Militaris, which is dominated by cordycepin. Research framing applies; compound profile only.
Can Wild Cordyceps Sinensis be cultivated?
Not at commercial scale. The species requires the Himalayan ghost moth caterpillar host (Thitarodes spp.) and specific altitude conditions above 11,000 ft / 3,500 m that have not been commercially reproduced in laboratory settings. Cordyceps Militaris, by contrast, has been successfully cultivated commercially since the 1980s.
Are there safety considerations or precautions?
Consult your physician before use if you are pregnant or nursing, take prescription medications (especially anticoagulants or anti-diabetic medications), have any chronic health condition, are under 18, or have a known mushroom allergy. Discontinue use at least 2 weeks before any planned surgery.

Citations & References

Every research-framed claim on this page is sourced from peer-reviewed publications retrieved via PubMed. Below are the four primary references that underpin our compound, conservation, and traditional-use framing.

  1. Compound profile

    The genus Cordyceps: An extensive review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology.

    Fitoterapia, 2018; 129: 293–316.

    PubMed (PMID 29775778) DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2018.05.010
  2. Indian DRDO research

    Efficacy of Aqueous Extract of Chinese Caterpillar Mushroom Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Ascomycota) Against Simulated Altitude Stress and Subacute Toxicity Studies.

    International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 2022; 24(11): 21–34. Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), DRDO, Delhi.

    PubMed (PMID 36374946) DOI: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2022045194
  3. Climate & conservation

    The demise of caterpillar fungus in the Himalayan region due to climate change and overharvesting.

    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 2018; 115(45): 11489–11494.

    PubMed (PMID 30348756) DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1811591115
  4. Collector economics

    High altitude organic gold: The production network for Ophiocordyceps sinensis from far-western Nepal.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2018; 218: 59–68.

    PubMed (PMID 29474899) DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.02.028

Research framing applies; compound profile only. These citations support the educational and traditional-use context of Ophiocordyceps sinensis and do not constitute medical advice or therapeutic claims by Alchemy Dose.

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