Solo Located High Up: Wonder Herb Found In The Himalayas
Solo Located High Up: Wonder Herb Found In The Himalayas
Media reports are abuzz with how scientists are debating if they have finally discovered the Sanjeevani herb used to cure Lakshman in the legend of Ramayana. Known as “Solo” in Ladakh, the herb discovered has been identified as Rhodiola. This wonderful herb can work its magic by boosting the immune system and it is even said to protect people from radioactivity.
Found in the Himalayan peaks, this herb can also boost human adaption to the mountain climate. Rhodiola is a herb which is generally found in cold, mountainous regions. This herb is extremely rare and scientists do not know much about its properties yet. Locals use the leafy parts of this herbaceous plant to make vegetables.
But scientists say this herb could be so much more. The Defence Institute of High Altitude Research or DIHAR is also studying the medicinal value of this herb. It may have the capacity to combat auto-immune diseases. “Rhodiola is a wonder plant that has immunomodulatory, adaptogenic and radio-protecting abilities due to presence of secondary metabolites and phytoactive compounds unique to the plant,” R.B. Srivastava the Director at DIHAR has been quoted by IANS as saying.
He has also been quoted as saying that it is possible to overcome the effects of gamma radiation using this herb. Such radiation is observed during biochemical warfare. DIHAR is the Leh based laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation. It also has the distinction of being the highest agro-animal research laboratory. This DRDO lab has been studying the magical herb for more than 10 years now.
“While its adaptogenic qualities can help the soldiers in adjusting to the low pressure, low oxygen environment, the plant has also been found to have anti-depressant and appetiser properties,” the director has been quoted as saying as well.
DIHAR is currently exploring how the herb can be used to help our Indian soldiers posted in treacherous high-altitude areas such as the 5,400 metres-high tall Siachen glacier or the other hostile peaks where they guard our borders. Moreover, the difficult conditions may also induce depression in our soldiers and herbs such as these can be used to ward off such states.
"A concerted effort involving conservation, propagation and sustainable utilisation of this unique medicinal herb will surely result in rediscovery of Sanjeevani for the troops deployed in extreme climatic condition along Himalayan frontiers," Srivastava has also been quoted as saying.
The DRDO lab has already come up with Herbal Adaptogenic Appetizer and Adaptogenic Performance Enhancer to sustain and help our troops in hostile conditions. Research can certainly be used to help our troops adjust and adapt to difficult living conditions across the Indian border.
Rhodiola is also being researched for its wondrous properties by neighbouring nations such as China apart from the US. This herb is also widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for curing mountain sickness. It is also prescribed for TB and cancer. The Himalayan ranges are the home of many such wonder plants and herbs. We need to protect them from degradation and encourage scientists to unlock their mysteries. Only when we respect Mother Nature can we hope to understand the amazing natural cures that exist for some of the world's most deadliest diseases.
