R is for rhodiola

Athletes looking to enhance their performance should listen to this. Team Astana, whose members Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong both gained places in this year’s Tour de France are both rumoured to have been taking rhodiola.

The Russians drink rhodiola tea to boost energy and the roots of rhodiola have been used in traditional medicine in Russia and Scandinavia for centuries. Way back in Viking times this herb was also used to enhance physical strength and endurance.

So what are its benefits? Rhodiola is thought to have anti-fatigue, anti-stress, antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects. Several randomised double-blind placebo-controlled human studies have also shown that it can help improve mental and physical performance under stress.

Rhodiola is found in Vitano