BY SANDRA GUY

The ghouls and goblins may have to social-distance this Halloween, but a gag-inducing type of parasitic fungus looks to be just the right anecdote in your trick-or-treat bag.

It’s called Cordyceps, and it’s an ancient Chinese remedy that grows on insect larvae.

Yuck, right?

It gets worse. When Cordyceps attacks its host, it turns into a body snatcher, replacing the host’s tissue and sprouting long stems that grow outside the host’s body, according to HealthLine.

This Halloween-esque scenario has entranced traditional medical practitioners for centuries. In fact, the insect’s remains and the fungi have been picked and dried for use in medicines to treat fatigue, kidney disease and even a low sex drive.

Cordyceps extracts are now sold in supplements. Though research is limited, the fungus has shown that it might improve the way healthy people’s bodies use oxygen, especially during exercise.

Other research has shown Cordyceps boosts antioxidants in elderly mice, aiding their memory and sexual function, according to National Library of Science articles.

Finally, Cordyceps may help control blood-sugar levels by imitating the role of insulin, research has shown. Insulin carries glucose into one’s cells to produce energy.

In diabetic mice, Cordyceps decreased blood sugar levels and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels — and, in supplements, improved kidney function in people.

Though the results are inconclusive, if you decide to test Cordyceps as your Halloween treat, look for brands that have the NSF International or the U.S. Pharmacopeia seal.

The body-snatcher’s effects might just be a transformative treat in the best way ever.