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Rhodiola Rosea: Energetic Healer and Mood Elevator

January 04, 2018

Also called Arctic Rose or goldenroot, rhodiola rosea is another key stress management herb.

It grows in the arctic wilderness areas of Europe and Asia, and is widely used in the traditional herbal systems of China, Russia, and Sweden.

It’s a classic herbal adaptogen, used to increase endurance, and resist all types of stress. Today, rhodiola is on the healing radar in the West for its role in enhancing health.

Rhodiola flourishes in a cold, harsh climate and it carries this benefit energetically through to people who use it.

People who use rhodiola acclimate more easily to altitude changes, as the herb counters the effects of oxygen deprivation.

It helps the body adjust to cold weather extremes or other weather fluctuations.

Because it is so strongly anti-stress, rhodiola is a popular athlete’s herb, improving stamina and recovery time after workouts.

Rhodiola vs Stress

Similar to ashwagandha, rhodiola works by normalizing the levels of the hormone cortisol, linked to chronic stress and aging.

Most people who take it feel relaxation effects within just a few days.

For people with stress-related memory issues, rhodiola can sharpen mental energy without overstimulating or causing insomnia like caffeine.

Rhodiola is also popular for low libido in women, especially after menopause, and can improve energy in people with low iron levels.

Rhodiola as a Mood Elevator

Russian research reveals rhodiola offers natural depression relief benefits.

Preliminary results suggest it improves the balance of “feel good” chemicals like serotonin and dopamine by making precursors more available to the brain.

One study shows rhodiola eases symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, emotional instability, and even low self esteem.

I use it myself when the “winter blues” hits. I find after a week with rhodiola, I’m back to feeling like myself, more positive and energized, regardless of the weather.

Reach Your Peak with Rhodiola

Rhodiola is an amazing herb for your “hard working” herbs arsenal.

While we know it enhances focus, interestingly, research shows rhodiola has a stronger effect on work quality than work quantity.

Rhodiola is a “brainy” herb, helping you to work smarter and not just harder.

In one study, students who received rhodiola showed significant improvements in physical fitness, brain and motor activity, performance, and well being.

It also soothes mild anxiety and tension for many people. Some herbalists use it to fight stress-related food binges, a common problem that leads to weight gain and more stress.

Heal Your Heart With Rhodiola

All the classic adaptogens have their own unique benefits, and rhodiola is no exception. Rhodiola offers special heart protective properties.

The newest research reveals it acts as an anti-inflammatory, and can keep markers of trouble like creatine kinase (CK) in check.

To me, rhodiola is one of the best mood and energy tonics, great for men and women who want to improve their quality of life.

For stress, it works well in combination with ashwagandha in Stress Daily tonic. For energy, it is synergistic with schizandra in the Innergy Daily Tonic formula.

I especially suggest rhodiola for people who want to add exercise to their already busy lives. Rhodiola can really give you an edge, especially when you’re having a hard time getting started.

References:

Abidov, M., Grachev, S., Seifulla, R.D., & Ziegenfuss, T.N. (2004). Extract of Rhodiola rosea radix reduces the level of C-reactive protein and creatine kinase in the blood. [Transl from Russian]Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 138(1), 63-4. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15514725
Darbinyan, V., Aslanyan, G,, Amroyan, E., Gabrielyan, E., Malstrom, C., Panossian A. (2007)., Nord J Psychiatry). Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 61(5), 343-8. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17990195
De Bock, K., Eijnde, B., Ramaekers, M., & Hespel, P. (2004). Acute Rhodiola rosea intake can improve endurance exercise performance. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 14(3), 298-307. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15256690
Shevtsov, V.A., Zholus, B.I., Shervarly, V.B., Vol’skij, V.B., Korovin, Y.P., Khristich, M.P., et al. (2003). A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine 10, 95-105. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10778241_Randomized_trial_of_two_different_doses_of_a_SHR5_Rhodiola_rosea_extract_versus_placebo_and_control_of_capacity_for_mental_work