Sankhuwasabha, July 1:

The Sankhuwasabha District Forest Officer has sent the yarshagumba found in the lower part here to the Ministry of Forest and Department of the Forest today for lab test.

Yarshagumba, generally found in the high mountains, was found in the lower part, Matsyepokhari VDC near Khandbari, which lies some 2,200 metres above the sea level. “We have sent the yarshagumba found in the VDC for testing to the higher authorities suspecting that the herbs found in the lower parts might be harmful,” the DFO said.

“Following the conclusion of the forest experts that the yarshagumba found in the lower areas can be harmful, it has been sent to the Department and the Ministry,” district forest officer Surendra Shrestha said.

Generally, yarshagumba is found in the area that witnesses snowfall for six months in a year, he said, adding, “Despite this fact, we found yarshagumba in the area which never sees snowfall.” The yarshagumba found in Matsyepokhari is different from the one found in mountainous area and may not contain positive qualities, Shrestha said. The forest office has urged all concerned not to consume it till the lab test result is out.