Rhodiola

Rhodiola is locally known as ‘Solo’ in Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is said to end the quest for Sanjeevani the mythical herb that gave life to Ram’s brother Lakshman in the great Indian Hindu epic Ramayana.

Research by the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) has shown the herb can help military troops working in high altitudes, such as the Siachen glacier.

It can reduce the effects of gamma radiation used in nuclear bombs. Other qualities include accelerating recovery after heavy exercise, enhancing memory and reducing cardiac stress.

It is also found in the China, where it is used in traditional Chinese medicine for combating altitude sickness. Researchers in Russia have studied its impact on athletes and cosmonauts.