Owing to its peculiar geographic, geologic and climatic characteristics, Tibet produces a multitude of medicinal herbs. Perhaps for this reason, a special branch of medical knowledge, Tibetan medicine, sprang up centuries ago. The inception of Tibetan medicine was connected with, if not based on, traditional Chinese medicine. According to a survey made by traditional Chinese medical scholars there are over 1,000 Tibetan medicines, of which about 300 are frequently used. The Tibetan medicines are generally sold as ready-made products. Strange to say, the marvelous efficacy of the Chinese caterpillar fungus (Cordyceps sinensis) was not discovered in Tibet, where this fungus of the greatest value is produced. It was brought to light somewhere else in China decades ago and soon came to be acknowledged as a wonderful medicine for natural enhancement and tonic.

It was popularly called the Winter-worm Summer-herb. Strictly speaking, it is a herb, not a worm. The name Winter-worm Summer-herb arose from a peculiarity in the life cycle of the Chinese caterpillar fungus, which causes it to be confused with a larva which goes underground to hibernate in winter with the reproductive cells of the fungus attached to it. Chemical analyses were made and the essence cordycepin was found. This essence came to be used first as a tonic and later as a medicine. In fact, there is no contradiction between these two views, because cordycepin has both short-term effect and long-term benefit. For example, satisfactory sexual performance depends on the maintenance of good health over a long period and also on the timely replenishment of vigor and energy. The dosage is to be varied according to the consumer’s requirement. A survey showed that a great majority of people prefer to have long-term health and longevity. As the demand for cordycepin increased, the price skyrocketed. Since there was no systematic cultivation of this herb the supply of it soon became near exhaustion. The Tibetan plateau naturally attracted medicinal suppliers' attention.

Modern medical research has shown that Sichuan-Tibetan caterpillar fungus has not only the essence(cordycepin), but also fat, protein, amino acids, and vitamin B1 and B2 and other constituents totaling over 170 in number which are common to all sorts of caterpillar fungus, but contains also substances that are activating in nature and able to repair defective cells in the human body, which are specific to it alone. At the same time, the unique natural environment has invested it with extraordinarily great activity. Therefore, in comparison with common caterpillar fungus, it can exert more profound influences on a number of physiological functions of the human body. It can remarkably promote the immunity of organs, tranquilize the central nervous system, forestall convulsion, and reduce fever temperature; in respect to the cardiovascular system, it can reduce blood pressure, lower the oxygen consumption of the myocardium, alleviate myocardial ischemia and counteract arrhythmia; and with regard to the respiratory system, it can dilate the bronchi, facilitate expectoration and ease asthma; and it also has patent therapeutic effect on sore back and knees, increase sperm count and spontaneous emission of sperm in sleep, chronic nephritis, renal failure, and poor sexual performance.