What is Rhodiola Rosea?
Health Benefits of Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea also known as artic root, golden root and rose root is a flowering herb that grows in cold, high-altitude regions in Europe and Asia.
Rhodiola has been used in traditional medicine for many years in Scandinavia, Russia and other parts of Europe. Traditionally, rhodiola is used to attempt to increase endurance, work performance, and tolerance of high altitudes and to treat fatigue, weakness and other symptoms.
Rhodiola is an adaptogen which is a non-toxic plant that helps protect the body from the effects of stress. Rhodiola contains 140 active ingredients including the most potent rosavin and salidroside.
Rhodiola may help reduce stress. Rhodiola may help improve symptoms of burnout that may occur with chronic stress. Studies have shown that people with stress related burnout who consumed 400mg of rhodiola for 12 weeks showed an improvement in various symptoms including stress and depression that is commonly associated with burnout.
Rhodiola may help reduce fatigue. Stress, anxiety and inadequate sleep contribute to fatigue and may cause mental and physical tiredness. Studies have also shown that people with chronic fatigue who consume 400mg of rhodiola every day for 8 weeks experienced significant improvement in stress symptoms, fatigue, quality of life, mood and concentration.
Rhodiola may enhance physical and mental performance including improvement in concentration and thinking.
Rhodiola may reduce depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that participants who consumed 340mg of rhodiola for 10 weeks reduced the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Rhodiola may also slow down aging. Rhodiola may have anticancer properties.
Rhodiola may also help treat decreased libido, ADHD, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal distress, nervous system disorders and sleep disturbances.
Rhodiola may have side effects, including difficulty sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth or excessive saliva production, headache and an upset stomach.
Rhodiola may interact with certain medications.
Sources:
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2007.7117
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6208354/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rhodiola-rosea