Rhodiola

Rhodiola

Latin Name: Rhodiola rosea
Family: Crassulaceae

Part used: Root, stem, leaves, flowers
Energetics: Cooling, drying, Astringent
Iris: All types
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

Safe alongside Herb
  • Celecoxib
  • Diazepam
Unsure alongside Herb
  • Citalopram
  •  Desvenlafaxine
  • Fluoxetine
  • Ketoconazole
  • Paroxetine
  • Sertraline
  • Venlafaxine hydrochloride

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

  • High BP
  • Nervous excitability
  • May thin the blood
  • Take away from mineral supplements

ACTIONS

  • Adaptogen and tonic
  • Stimulant
  • Anti-oxidant
  • Cardio-protective
  • Hepato-protective
  • Aphrodisiac
  • Anti-neoplastic
  • Radiation exposure
  • Analgesic
  • Anti-fatigue
  • Anti-depressant
  • Neuro-tonic
  • Tranquiliser
  • Immune-modulator
  • Anti-toxin.

Main Constituents

  • Volatile oil
  • Rhodioloside & salidroside
  • Phenylpropanoids
  • Rosarin
  • Rosavin
  • Rosin
  • Monoterpene: geraniol, rosiridin
  • Sterols
  • Flavonoid- rhodionin
  • Tannin.

Main Uses

Circulatory: Prevents stress induced cardiac damage, Stimulates mitochondrial energy and increases physical endurance

Infections:
Viruses: Coxsackie B3, Hepatitis C, Influenza
Mental/Emotional: Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, Stimulates attention span and alertness
Nervous system: Improves coordination, concentration & memory
Endocrine: Amenorrhoea, Insomnia, Supports adrenal glands, Maintains an equilibrium within the stress axis of hypothalamus, pituitary & brain, Enhances dopamine and serotonin levels (up to 30% by enhancing activity of serotonin precursors tryptophan and 5-HTP), Increases beta-endorphins which are analgesic
Immune System: Radiation illness, Neuro-protective, Supports the immune system
Respiratory System: Altitude sickness
Reproductive System: Premature ejaculation, Erectile dysfunction

More About Rhodiola

Rhodiola rosea is a remarkable herb that has a wide and varied history. It has long been known as a potent adaptogen. Adaptogens are substances that increase the body's overall resistance.
It has a legendary history dating back thousands of years. In 77 A.D. The Greek physician Dioscorides documented the medical applications of the plant.
The Vikings depended on the herb to enhance their physical strength and endurance, while Chinese emperors sent expeditions to Siberia to bring back "the golden root" for medicinal preparations. The people of central Asia considered a tea brewed from Rhodiola rosea to be the most effective treatment for colds and flu. Mongolian physicians prescribed it for tuberculosis and cancer.
It helps to strengthen the nervous system, fight depression, enhance immunity, elevate the capacity for exercise, enhance memory, aid weight reduction, increase sexual function and improve energy levels.
In traditional medical systems in Eastern Europe and Asia, it has a reputation for stimulating the nervous system, decreasing depression, enhancing work performance, eliminating fatigue, and preventing high altitude sickness.
Rhodiola is a cardio-protective and helps in cases of cardiovascular disorders and improves blood supply to the muscles and brain.
Combines well with Siberian ginseng, Panax ginseng, Damiana and Ashwagandha.

Recipes:


Rhodiola Tincture

Ingredients:

  • 42g cup dried rhodiola root (cut and sifted)
  • 236ml of 80-proof vodka (40%) or another high-proof alcohol
  • Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
  • Cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer
  • Amber glass tincture bottles with droppers (for storage)

Instructions:

  • Measure out the dried rhodiola root.
  • Place the dried rhodiola root in a glass jar.
  • Pour the vodka or high-proof alcohol over the rhodiola root, ensuring it's fully covered.
  • Seal the glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Shake the jar gently to mix the ingredients.
  • Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 4-6 weeks, shaking it daily to aid in the extraction process.
  • After the steeping period, strain the tincture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer into amber glass tincture bottles.
  • Label the bottles with the contents and date.
  • Store the Rhodiola tincture in a cool, dark place. It can last for several years if stored properly.
Rhodiola Tea

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon dried rhodiola root (cut and sifted)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Optional: Honey or lemon for flavour

Instructions:

  • Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a kettle or on the stove.
  • Measure out the dried rhodiola root.
  • Place the dried rhodiola root in a teapot or heat resistant mug.
  • Pour the boiling water over the rhodiola root.
  • Cover the teapot or mug with a lid or saucer and let the rhodiola root steep for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Add Flavour (Optional):
  • If desired, sweeten the tea with honey or add a squeeze of lemon for flavour.
  • After steeping, strain the tea to remove the rhodiola root.
  • Pour the tea into a cup and Enjoy!
  • Sip the Rhodiola tea while it's still warm. It has a mild, earthy flavour.

References


Fatigue, mood, mental cognition

Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy
In conclusion, Rhodiola rosea has robust traditional and pharmacological evidence of use in fatigue, and emerging evidence supporting cognition and mood.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20378318/

Stress, stress hormones, energy metabolism, stress symptoms, chronic stress

Stress management and the role of Rhodiola rosea: a review
Rhodiola rosea extract (RRE) fulfils important requirements. It is the main adaptogen approved by the HMPC/EMA for the indication 'stress' and influences the release of stress hormones while boosting energy metabolism as revealed in animal literature. RRE offers comprehensive treatment of stress symptoms and can prevent chronic stress and stress-related complications.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29325481/

Depression, antidepressant, neurotransmitter

Rhodiola rosea L. as a putative botanical antidepressant
Overall, results of these studies suggests a possible antidepressant action for R. rosea extract in adult humans. R. rosea demonstrates multi-target effects on various levels of the regulation of cell response to stress, affecting various components of the neuroendocrine, neurotransmitter receptor and molecular networks associated with possible beneficial effects on mood.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27013349/

Stress, anxiety, anger, confusion, depression

The Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms
Relative to the controls, the experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in self-reported, anxiety, stress, anger, confusion and depression at 14 days and a significant improvements in total mood.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26502953/

Depression

Rhodiola rosea versus sertraline for major depressive disorder: A randomized placebo-controlled trial
Although R. rosea produced less antidepressant effect versus sertraline, it also resulted in significantly fewer adverse events and was better tolerated. These findings suggest that R. rosea, although less effective than sertraline, may possess a more favorable risk to benefit ratio for individuals with mild to moderate depression.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25837277/

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