Sikkim's all sexed up

About legalising the trade of 'Himalayan Viagra', that is. The state is contemplating the Forest and Wildlife Department's proposal of marketing the herb openly; docs and sociologists are happy

The big O's all set to get an organic impetus in the country, if the Sikkim Government's interests are anything to go by.

Caterpillar Fungus or Cordyceps Sinensis, popularly referred to as Himalayan Viagra, is a medicinal herb that's hidden in the area's mountains since long, and smuggled out to yield heavy profits.
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Now, the state's Forest and Wildlife Department wants it legalised, in order to let the authorities and locals earn off its controversial natural asset.
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The inspiration? Neighbouring nations Bhutan and Nepal, who've already been making good money off it. And the moral police, they're sure, wouldn't interfere.
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"I think there is no reason for any opposition, since the herb is already marketed illegally.

As far as matters of side-effects of the herb are concerned, the government is initiating a comprehensive study," said ST Lachungpa, Secretary, Forest and Wild Life, Sikkim.

The department has also suggested a proper system for harvesting, processing and marketing the herb with the help of authorised dealers.
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The herb, which costs around $ 2,500 per kg in the open market, is a potent economy booster.

The herb is abundant in the upper region of the state, said Forest Minister Bhim Prasad Dhungel. "We have not issued any notification so far, but yes, we are very much in favour. We will go ahead with the proposal," Dhungel added.

Docs and sociologists have given a thumbs-up to the move, even as it may terrify the Mutaliks. "I think it is a very good step.

Viagra has many chemicals, whereas this is herbal and might be more viable in terms of cost and health if it is sold cheaper and properly researched," said Aditi Desai, sociologist.

Leading sexologists, however, doubt its credibility. "There are a dozen medicinal herbs, and the most beneficial ones have been included in Ayurveda.
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I've never heard of this one, so its effect must be studied in detail first," said Vinod Chebbi, sex, marriage and psycho-therapist and founder of Medisex Foundation, Bangalore.
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"People are very vulnerable when it comes to sexual cures and trust almost anything. My patients have taken such drugs for months without any improvement. It will be one more addition to our vast sexual pharmacology."

Co-incidentally, the proposal comes just days after Nobel Prize winning Viagra scientist, RF Furchgott, passed away at the age of 92.

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