Rhodiola rosea, also known by the names Golden root, Arctic root, or Roseroot, is a flowering perennial plant.
The herb is commonly used to benefit muscle recovery after a workout, enhance memory, boost immune system function and reduce stress.
The benefits are attributed to adaptogen compounds found within the plant. Adaptogens are believed to enhance immunity and promote resistance to infection and disease. Adaptogens also support and maintain homeostasis, or ‘balance’ within the body.
Before taking this herbal supplement, are there any Rhodiola rosea side effects that you should be aware of?



- Adaptogenic herb for reducing stress
- Boosts energy, focus & mood
- May reduce sleep problems & irritability
Rhodioa Rosea Herbal Remedies
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Components of the Rhodiola rosea plant include adaptogens that provide benefits for enhanced immune system function.
They also offer antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, as well as anti-aging properties. Adaptogens are defined as a natural compounds that support the body’s ability to adapt to stress.
In order to be classified as an adaptogen, an herb must be non-toxic (when taken as directed), and benefit health and wellness for the entire body and not just a specific target system or organ. They must promote homeostasis, or a natural state of balance in the individual.
The anti-oxidant effects of rhodiola rosea can help to protect against damage caused by free radicals. Anti-oxidants restrict or inhibit the ability of other molecules to oxidize. Think of rust that builds up on the undercarriage of your car. That is caused by oxidation.
Oxidation causes harmful damage in the body to the cells found in your skin, your muscle tissues, and your organs. Antioxidants in rhodiola rosea find destroy free radicals, supporting cellular health, wellness and promote anti-aging benefits.
Additional Health Benefits
Rhodiola rosea also provides protection against excess inflammation. Components of this herb increase the synthesis of natural killer (NK) cells in the spleen and gastrointestinal tract through its ability to moderate release of glucocorticoids in the body.
This results in stable hormone production and release balances with fewer side effects. Glucocorticoids are chemicals produced by the immune system that also help reduce inflammation.
The properties found in Rhodiola rosea like Salidroside and Rosavins are adaptogenic in nature, providing a variety of benefits to medical issues that range from reducing the severity of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) to improving the body’s resistance to colds and flu. These adaptogens also help relieve depression and enhance the functions of the thyroid and thymus gland.
Rhodiola rosea supplements and tea are often used to help relieve headaches, hypertension, fatigue, and improve mental alertness and physical as well as sexual performance. Many people take Rhodiola rosea to help improve sleep and for the treatment of insomnia. Last but not least the herb is known to enhance exercise output and improve muscle recovery following exercise.
Rhodiola Rosea Side Effects
In addition to the benefits of this herb, it is important to understand any potential Rhodiola rosea side effects that you may experience.
While the herb has very few side effects when used properly, some of the components might act as a blood thinner.
Therefore, if you are taking any blood thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) or additional supplements, including vitamin E, talk to your doctor about the safety of taking Rhodiola rosea.
Avoid the use of any herbal supplement, including Rhodiola rosea if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding without talking it over with your obstetrician or doctor. Avoid giving it to your children due to the potential of allergies and/or interaction with an undiagnosed medical condition.
At high dosages, mild side effects including irritability, agitation, nausea, hypersalivation, restlessness, and difficulty falling asleep have been reported. Extremely high dosages can cause rapid heartbeat and stimulant-like side effects such as jitters, stomach discomfort and an increase in blood sugar levels.
Safe Dosages for Rhodiola
Rhodiola Rosea side effects can be almost entirely eliminated by following safe dosages. It is recommended to take a maximum of 600 mg per day, which is equivalent to one or two capsules from most popular brands.
New users should start at the low end of this dosage scale with approximately 100 or 200 mg per day. For anxiety and stress relief, it is common to use 300 mg daily of Rhodiola Rosea extract with a standardized concentration of 3% rosavins and 0.8% salidroside.
Rhodiola tea dosages are less precise if brewing the tea from loose leaves or bulk powder. However, some vendors will sell standardized tea bags that provide dosage information and content analysis for concentrations of rosavins and slidroside.
Read label instructions or talk to a doctor, a pharmacist, or health care practitioner regarding appropriate dosage. Dosage may differ between individuals depending on age, overall health and wellness, or any accompanying conditions.
When taken properly and according to guidance from health care experts, Rhodiola rosea provides great support to the immune system and other body functions. It is a safe, natural energy booster that can enhance health, mood and mental function.
Supplements like Balance Rhodiola Complex may provide greater benefits than if you were to take this ingredient on its own. Many users of Rhodiola rosea claim that it works quickly and you do not have to take it for weeks before feeling positive effects and benefits.
It is possible to avoid almost all Rhodiola rosea side effects by using it according to safe dosage guidelines.
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- Punja S, Shamseer L, Olson K, Vohra S. Rhodiola rosea for mental and physical fatigue in nursing students: a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2014
- Schriner SE, Abrahamyan A, Avanessian A, Bussel I, Maler S, Gazarian M, Holmbeck MA, Jafari M. Decreased mitochondrial superoxide levels and enhanced protection against paraquat in Drosophila melanogaster supplemented with Rhodiola rosea. Free Radic Res. 2009
Article last updated on: May 12th, 2018 by Nootriment
3 Comments
What evidence do you have that Rhodiola rosea is a MAO inhibitor?
Hello,
You can find more information at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037887410900021X
“The present investigation demonstrates that Rhodiola rosea L. roots have potent anti-depressant activity by inhibiting MAO A and may also find application in the control of senile dementia by their inhibition of MAO B.”
Buenos días, la Rhodiola de proda tomar con Cilatopram.? Quiero terminar con estas pastillas y empezar con la Rhodiola a ver si me va mejor porque con Cilatopran llevo 5 meses y sigo con pesadillas, dolor de cabeza, mucho sueño y no me encuentro bien del todo.