Rhodiola Herb Reviews, Benefits and Side Effects

The Rhodiola herb is a family of plants which combines many differing species, all of which only grow in inhospitable regions around the globe.

Rhodiola Rosea is the most highly valued from within this genus of herbs. This plant is mainly found in Siberia at high altitudes.

Being notoriously difficult to cultivate due to habitat, it has long been considered a sought-after medicinal herb. In the past, it had to be hand-harvested from the wild.

However, today it is easier to find from herbal vendors and high quality online supplement stores. Benefits of using this herb for medicinal purposes can include increased energy, reduction in stress and anxiety, improved focus, better sleep and happier moods.

Although Rhiodiola has been known for centuries throughout the world, its use in Europe and the US has only recently seen a resurgence. This is thought to have resulted from the positive advantages of the herb shown by research carried out in Russia.

Most of this research was originally carried out during the Cold War. The former Soviet Union kept the positive findings out of the mainstream media. However, when the Cold War ended the beneficial effects of Rhodiola Rosea were publicized.

This was thought to be due to two prominent events. Firstly, a former Soviet Union athletic coach immigrated to the US and encouraged American athletes to take the supplement. Secondly, a Russian scientist Dr Zakir Ramazanov started his own research into the herb and uncovered and released study results from the Cold War era.

Rhodiola Rosea

Adaptogen Supplement

Mood

Stimulant

Athletics

How It Works:

• Adaptogenic herb for reducing stress
• Boosts energy, focus & mood
• May reduce sleep problems & irritability

Dosage:

Between 200 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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The Rhodiola Herb and Depression

Much research has been undertaken in Russia with regard to using Rhodiola for treating SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). SAD is a seasonal depression, sometimes known as the ‘Winter Blues’.

This illness is highly prevalent in Russia due to the long, dark winters and is said to detrimentally influence productivity during this time. Its influences are said to be exacerbated due to the fact that only 10% of working populations now work outdoors.

The modern way of working has, in effect, altered metabolism by restricting access to the requisite amount of daylight. Light deficiency symptoms are said to arise due to changes in natural circadian rhythms. Any disruption may result in one or a variety of symptoms. These include, but are not limited to changes in:

• Appetite
• Digestion
• Mood
• Energy levels
• Sleep disturbances
• Lethargy
• Loss of libido
• Irritability
• Food cravings

SAD has been linked to too little serotonin in the brain. The Rhodiola herb combats this by increasing serotonin and subsequently relieving the symptoms.

Rhodiola Varieties

Although there are many species of Rhodiola found around the world, the effects of most are limited, due to the different chemical compounds each species contains.

This is not to say they have no medical value, only that some plants have more value than others. Rhodiola Rosea which is found in the mountainous regions of Siberia, is the most valued of all the Rhodolias.

The root or rhizome contains both Rosavin and Salidroside. These chemicals are ones which are considered vitally important in treating many conditions and why the plant is termed an adaptogen. This plant is so highly valued that until recently it was illegal to trade it outside of the Russian borders.

The name Rhodiola Rosea was first attributed by the botanist Carl Linnaeus. Prior to this time it was known under many different names. It was initially referred to by Dioscorides the Greek physician in 77AD. At that time the herb was known as Rodia Riza.

Buying Rhodiola Herb Supplements

Because of the wide variety of species available, the term Rhodiola can confuse prospective purchasers. China for example, produce many different Rhodiola products obtained from various species of the plant.

Although these supplements may be useful in treating a variety of specific ailments, it is only Rhodiola Rosea which is an adaptogen. This means the action it performs is non-specific. Its main attribute is to regulate the body and metabolism and maintain homeostasis. In this way the body can fight off external stressors and prevent illness.

Rhodiola Rosea herb extract is available in tablet, capsule and extract form. Products like Balance Rhodiola Complex or Amway’s Nutrilite Rhodiola 110 pair this ingredient with other herbal extracts that enhance the effectiveness for mood regulation and energy levels.

The main constituents to look for when buying are Rosavin and Salidroside. Usually these are identified also by the percentage contained in the product. Standard percentages are 3% Rosavin and 1% Salidroside.

There is still much discussion relating to the effectiveness of these compounds. Some argue that Salidroside is the more active and therefore the most desirable compound.

The way in which Rhodiola is preserved is also important. Root which is freeze dried is said to be preferable to that which has been air dried.

Because the freezing process has to be undertaken quickly, much of the restorative properties are retained. When it is air dried, the process takes longer and it is sometimes claimed the compounds are diminished as a result.

Due to the above factors it is suggested buyers take care when selecting which Rhodiola herb products to purchase.

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