MEET THE SUPER HERBS

Adaptogens are paving the way in multi-functional fodder. But can you tell your gotu kola from your Siberian ginseng?

Oh, you haven’t heard of adaptogens? Well, listen up

Pray tell, what is a winter soup without parsley to garnish, before the sprig is cast aside? And it’s surely indisputable that dill is the underrated star of the egg mayonnaise sandwich. Our point is, herbs rarely get the appreciation they deserve, especially considering that a particular group of them – adaptogens – are superheroes at helping your body and mind tackle whatever BS life is throwing your way. Raising you up when you feel flatter than a discarded can of Diet Coke and chilling you out when your stress levels reach Gordon Ramsay peak; adaptogenic herbs are thought to cause cells to alter their response to stress so you produce more protective compounds called heat shock proteins. The good news is, while you might not realise it, you’re likely to have dipped your toe into the adaptogen game. Had a turmeric latte? A matcha ice cream? Of course you have, we’ve seen your socials. Here, Rachel Landon, author of Superherbs (£12.99, Piatkus), reveals the simplest ways to supercharge your spice rack.