What is Rhodiola Good For? Enhance Mood & Energy

There are many different species of the Rhodiola herb, however the one that is particularly effective in medicine is Rhodiola Rosea.

This species of the plant is used to naturally raise energy levels, control stress and boost mood. This herb is also known as Arctic Root.

The name is indicative of the fact that it grows wild in only the most inhospitable climates. This perennial herb is found in the colder, hillier areas of Europe where it is found mostly on sea-cliffs or in the Alps.

It is more prevalent in the mountainous regions of Central Asia and hilly regions of Siberia. In Alaska it can be found growing at altitudes of over 2,000 meters. The plant is fleshy and can reach around 15.7 inches (40 centimeters) tall.

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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Rhodiola in Medicine

Rhodiola was first mentioned as a medication in 77AD in De Meteria Medica.

This famous text on the medicinal effects of herbs was written by the Greek physician Dioscorides. At the time Rhodiola was known as Rodia Riza.

For many centuries, the beneficial effects have been appreciated in Russia and the former Soviet Union. In Siberia, it is a commonly used supplement. In such a harsh environment, it is used to help limit the physical and environment stresses of everyday and working life.

Russian scientists have also done extensive research into the effects of Rhodiola in the context of giving competitive advantage. This research, together with that of other herbs, has been comprehensive. The effects have been applied in many different arenas including sport, politics and even space travel.

Rhodiola Rosea as an Adaptogen

One species of Rhodiola is by far the best known. This is Rhodiola Rosea, used widely as an adaptogen. It is one of several herbs whose properties are believed to increase resistance to stressors of many kinds.

This is achieved by bringing the body back into its natural balance. In this way, the body can then cope better with stress.

Adaptogens have been revered for thousands of years in herbal medicine in assisting the body to recover and cope with many ailments. Although today many people interpret stress as being limited to emotional responses, there are numerous factors which can result in bodily stress.

Chemicals can provoke a stress response, as can environmental changes. The muscles of the body can become stressed due to over or under use. An adaptogen assists in resisting the impact of such factors by triggering certain reactions. This means the body is brought back into an acceptable balance and such stressors can be resisted more easily.

Rhodiola and Stress

Numerous physical reactions occur when the body is stressed. It can cause muscles to tighten up.

If stress is prolonged, then the muscles do not relax and this results in chronic pain. This tension may also induce other reactions such as headaches and in turn the patient experiences fatigue.

Rhodiola assists in relieving the physical reactions and reducing the effects of stress. It also is said to have anti-depressant effects, specifically combating symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Many other bodily functions are affected when the system is stressed. These can include respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues and gastrointestinal imbalances. These imbalances produce symptoms such as panic attacks and asthma, heart problems and eating disorders.

In particular, eating disorders can manifest as issues with the bowel, stomach and esophagus. Problems such as indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome are indicative of a body which is stressed.

Further impact can arise resulting from autoimmune problems. Autoimmune responses are normal reactions to stressful situations, wherein the body releases chemicals to help in healing and to protect ourselves. However, a body which is continually stressed can experience continual release of such agents.

These factors, which would normally assist the body, can result in diminished health over the long term. Supplements like Rhodiola Rosea Tea are said to promote homeostasis and to restore balance in the immune system.

Uses of the Rhodiola Herb

The number of conditions which are said to be aided by Rhodiola Rosea is extensive. Russian studies claim that supplement improves depression and schizophrenia, as well as other mood disorders. Many commonly occurring illnesses are said to be alleviated by the use of Rhodiola supplementation.

Some of the problems it is said to assist are not diagnosed clinical conditions, but ones which affect quality of life on a daily basis. These include:

• Decreasing symptoms of anxiety
• Improving memory
• Improving general cognition
• Eliminating fatigue
• Improving muscle strength
• Decreasing constipation or diarrhea

A number of other diagnosed and recognized conditions are said to be assisted by Rhodiola Rosea dosages. It is said that in Russia, physicians commonly prescribe this extract to patients with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). It is also widely held that the herb assists in improving stamina and is given as a general tonic.

It was common for professional athletes to use this adaptogen to provide an energy boost. This view was exported to the Western world in the 1990’s when a Russian athletic coach, Ben Rabachnik, emigrated to the US. He suggested athletes should start to use Rhodiola Rosea as a supplement to increase athletic stamina before competition.

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