The Tibetan Plateau in the Himalayas is home to a fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) that turns caterpillars into zombies. It’s part of the same Cordyceps fungal group that inspired the video game and later the HBO series The Last of Us. The caterpillar fungus is believed to be an aphrodisiac and is known as yartsa gunbu by locals. Describing its aphrodisiacal properties, ancient Tibetan texts mention that men who consume yartsa are promised “the delights of thousands of beautiful women.” Others boast about the caterpillar fungus’ benefits to the immune system, using it to treat coughs and “stre…
