Rhodiola Rosea Benefits for Energy, Depression and Anxiety

We are all exposed to stress. It can be caused by ecology, an overwhelming working schedule, poor or unhealthy food, and many other factors. Stress is not just an emotional problem, but is also linked to depression and anxiety. It influences all aspects of our lives; we cannot perform our professional duties, make wrong decisions, and abuse our family members.

Eventually, these health conditions can result in such severe adverse consequences as cardiovascular illnesses, dysfunctions of internal organs, mental impairments, and even suicidal thoughts. Can we avoid such problems if we know that the circumstances of our lives are not ideal? Yes, our planet took care of it long ago when it gave us the adaptogens — plants that help people battle any kind of stress.

Rhodiola rosea is one of them. It grows in regions with mild and cold climates, in the Northern Hemisphere. Cultures from North America, Asia, British Islands, highlands of Europe, Siberia, and the Far East knew this unimposing yellow flower and used it in culinary and traditional medicine. This article will tell you about the beneficial characteristics of this remedial herb, and herein you will learn how it works and how to take it safely and advantageously.

What Is Rhodiola Rosea?

You may know rhodiola rosea under different names, mostly related to its appearance. “Golden root” and “rose root” were names given for the bronze color of its rootstock, sometimes with a pearl shade. R. rosea is also called “king’s crown” because of the shape of its flowers, but people also call it lignum rhodium and orpin rose. The plant has several stems, thick leaves, and blossoms in summer with little yellow flowers. Arctic root, which is another common name of our medicinal herb, is perennial, and it fructifies in July-August. It does not need a lot of sun rays, but lives only close to sources of fresh flowing water.

People have been using rhodiola rosea to prepare foods and medications for centuries. Leaves, stems, and fruits were eaten in salads, both raw and stewed. Scandinavian and Siberian people set a high value on the abilities of R. rosea to improve the physical and emotional endurance of a human body in severely cold climate, with exhausting labor and lack of comfort. In medicine, people prepared both the tops and rootstocks by various prescriptions, they decocted flowers and leaves, or made numerous remedies out of roots. The latter is well-known in traditional Chinese medicine, as infusions and brews were taken for cardiovascular and gastroenteric diseases, as well as menstrual disorders. King’s crown tea combats fever and headache and mitigates fatigue, so patients drink it for energy enhancement. The medications made of shoots and flowers are good for internal use and as soaking therapy to treat trachoma.

The roots are gathered in the summer, peeled and cut to pieces, then dried. It is believed that the curative powers of rhodiola rosea are no less than those of ginseng.

The folk medicine of many cultures acknowledges this plant as an effective medicinal product for many illnesses. In this list you can find such uses as:

• tuberculosis;
• erectile dysfunction (ED);
• hepatic diseases;
• diabetes;
• malaria, and others.

Other than treating these severe maladies, rose root extract works as a painkiller, antipsychotic, and eugeroic. It is good for a topical application, in the form of lotions and ointments, to clean and disinfect scars, abscesses, and rashes. Because of its roborant and nourishing properties, R. rosea often comes as an active ingredient of creams. They make the skin younger and fresher, increase its protective capacities, help to get rid of acne, perform a strong detoxifying action, and enhance the skin regeneration.

When choosing the rhodiola rosea supplement, you must check several criteria. First of all, make sure that you have the right proportion of salidroside and rosavin, 1:3 is the best. The next thing to pay attention to is the place of the herb origin. Siberian and Scandinavian roots are the most effective. Here are some popular and reputed products you can buy online:

• Jarrow Formulas Rhodiola Rosea Extract, 60 capsules 500 mg each. This product has a higher strength than its rivals on the market. There are 5% of rosavin and ~1.9% of salidroside in it. The producer recommends taking one capsule per day with food;
• Rhodiola Rosea Extract 2000mg, 90 pills in the bottle contain 500 mg of concentrated 4:1 extract, which is equal to 2000 mg of the dried golden root;
• Perfect Rhodiola Rosea by Perfect Supplements, LLC. The bottle encloses 60 capsules with 400 mg of freeze-dried Arctic root powder from Russia. This medicinal product has a standard strength, and the daily dose is 2 caps;
• brand Solgar represents the herbal medication Rhodiola Root Extract, 250 mg, 60 capsules. It has the ideal concentration of both agents, and users should take one capsule three times a day before meals;
• Life Extension Rhodiola Extract (3% Rosavins) 250 Mg, 60 Vegetarian Capsules. Take one high-strength capsule per day with morning meals.

If, for some reason, you do not want any of these trademarks, the internet provides a huge list of offers on numerous sites. Choose the best for yourself, taking into account our recommendations.

How Does Rhodiola Rosea Work?

Orpin rose contains a vast number of curative ingredients, as it is one of the richest plants. We will not write about all of them, as the list includes more than 140 items.

Nevertheless, we cannot help but mention the most important chemical constituents of our herbal remedy:

• essential oil. The aetheroleum of rhodiola rosea roots has 86 active compounds, including monoterpenic alcohols, monoterpenic carbohydrates, alkanols, aldehydes (especially the cinnamic one), capryl and rose alcohol, phenylethyl acetate, geraniol, and three cinnamyl alcohols (rosavin, rosin, and rosarin). It is interesting to know that the rootstocks of Siberian and Mongolian lignum rhodium contain a bigger volume of the essential oil than those from other regions. Rosavin with its congeners, phenylethyl alcohol and phenylethyl acetate are effective anxiolytic and antidepressant agents with a strong antimicrobial action. The cinnamaldehyde reduces pain and is studied now as a potent remedy for leukemia. 1-Octanol is trialed currently to combat movement disorders and neurological impairments. Geraniol, among many other effects, is an insectifuge;
• tyrosol and its glucoside salidroside. These two compounds perform various actions in our body, including an antioxidative function and a resistance to oxygen deficiency;
• slow carbs, which give energy to our body;
• terpenoids, like rosiridin and rosiridol, are the strong wakefulness promoting compounds, which can be also used to cure Parkinson’s disease;
• flavonoids. Golden root is extremely rich in these organic chemicals. It contains antioxidants and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors rhodiolin and rhodiosin, kaempferol, tricine glycosides, alkaloids, and others;
• metals: silver, zinc, manganese, etc.;
• the stems, leaves, and flowers contain some organic acids, with oxalic acid among them. It is a nerve and muscle stimulant. The herbs also have phenols and several flavonoids, tannoids, and coumarins. The latter is an efficacious treatment of edemas and lymphatic system impairments, and it also increases the antithrombin level.

The main constituents of the golden root extract are rosavin and salidroside. Along with the flavonoids, they are the inhibitors of MAO. Thus, they all influence the level of neurotransmitters in the brain. Rosiridin and salidroside are dopamine boosters, while rosavin enhances serotonin. Coumarins and geraniol induce the performance of immune cells and release of histamine. As you see, the mechanism of action of rhodiola rosea is very complex, and it influences nearly all functions of our organism. This is why it is very important to know how to take it safely.

Is It Safe?

Unfortunately, there is no standard dosage for all R. rosea preparations, as this drug is not licensed, and different producing companies and doctors give different recommendations. To stay safe, you should follow the instructions in the package leaflet and, if available, read testimonials from experienced users. Certainly, the best option is to talk to your healthcare provider.

Effective treatment starts with 50 mg of the rose root extract with 1% of rosavin daily. Still, if this is too low, you may begin with this measurement, but most probably you will have to increase the dose, up to 300-700 mg per day. It is better to augment the intake under your doctor’s control, and do it gradually, step by step. Moreover, the dosage is highly dependent on the indication. For instance, people who take rosavin extract for better cognitive performance report that 100 mg per day is completely enough. To combat stress, fatigue, and anxiety you may need up to 400 mg, as the maximum doses that people take for this purpose are in the measures of 600-700 mg per day, split in three administrations. Bodybuilders use these amounts, too, for better endurance and exercise tolerance.

We gathered the most popular recommendations and reviews on the net, and we can say that there is no evidence that the doses over 1000 mg have any additional benefits. Remember, though, that we are now talking about the dosing rates of R. rosea extract. If you take a powder, your measuring may differ, as they are weaker than the concentrated medications. Anyway, such products also have medicinal guides included in the package, with all information about the rates and methods of administration.

As any medicinal product, rhodiola rosea builds up a tolerance in the body. This is why it is better to make intervals during treatment, so your body always feels the full effect of the drug. The best way is to discontinue the medication for a week after three weeks of administration. The drug works effectively and smoothly if taken half an hour before food, but no later than 5 hours before going to sleep. This is a common rule for any brain stimulant. There is evidence, though, that only lower doses cause insomnia, when higher measurements work as a strong soporific, or this effect passes away when the body adjusts to treatment. Some users witness that 250 mg twice a day — with breakfast and right before bed — helps to normalize the emotional state and sleep-wake cycles.

The safety profile of rhodiola rosea is one of the best among drugs that have such diverse and powerful effects. Overdose was never observed in patients, despite the fact that people often take extremely high volumes of golden root preparations. Animal tests established the fatal dose of the standard extract of this plant — 3.5 grams per kilogram of body weight. This means that an average man has to consume something around 300 grams, which is six hundred capsules of 500 mg each, to get a life-threatening toxic effect. It is nearly impossible.

There is no researched evidence about any contraindications to using this herbal medicine. Still, you had better consult your medical adviser if you have such illnesses, as:

• severe heart maladies;
• diabetes;
• problems with blood pressure;
• bipolar disorder;
• autoimmune disorders.

Most manufacturers name pregnancy among the conditions when women should avoid rhodiola rosea, but this is not properly studied either. Breastfeeding women also do not have any scientific evidence about whether it is safe or dangerous for them to use rose root products. As for bipolar disorder, there are different opinions as to whether it is good or bad to take rhodiola rosea to treat this malady. Some specialists say that low doses can be helpful, but only together with other mood stabilizers. Others claim that patients with severe hipomaniaс symptoms should not take this drug, as it can increase the risk of mania and severe mood swings.

Another important issue about strong nootropics and adaptogens is their interactions with other drugs. Rhodiola rosea is not compatible with the following medications:

• antidepressants, including serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, MAO suppressors, and GABA enhancers;
• recent trials show that some active compounds of R. rosea decrease the performance of the CYP3A4 enzyme, which helps to excrete foreign substances (e.g. toxins and drugs) through the liver. Thus, the medications that are eliminated by this enzyme may have significantly stronger and even dangerous effects. On the other hand, the drugs which promote CYP3A4 will not work properly;
• birth control pills, medications for thyroid maladies and diabetes may interact with Arctic root preparations, losing their effectiveness.

We do not say that there are any heavy restrictions, but it is always the best practice to talk to your doctor before combining several medications.

Benefits of Rhodiola Rosea

We have already mentioned the numerous advantageous qualities of golden root. Summing up, we can say that the main benefits of this medicinal plant are neither its capacities to treat some specific illnesses, nor some narrow focused curative actions it performs in the human organism. The essential advantages of R. rosea are:

• it produces comprehensive effects on our body, positively affecting all systems and enhancing the performance of most organs;
• it is almost completely safe. The term “almost completely” is not concrete, you may say, but you will not find better words to describe the safety of this natural remedy;
• it provides a stable state of the organism in spite of the extreme circumstances of any origin — environmental, professional, mental, or physical.

These benefits were well-known to Vikings many centuries ago, and to Russians, when they inhabited Siberia. With the help of this plant, they easily adapted to severe climate, poor nutrition, and immoderate physical exertion. Modern medical science places a high value on it, too.

Hereafter, we cannot help but tell you about the specific healing capacities of orpin rose. The following indications of this herb have either been scientifically proven during human trials, or are currently under research on different stages. The results of these studies are very promising, and everything says that rhodiola rosea is really a source of magical powers.

Good for Weight Loss

A lot of people find R. rosea to be an effective drug for weight loss. Not without reason, we have to admit, as this herb produces a complex and powerful effect that helps to lose extra kilos and stay in good shape. Let’s see the mode of operation of golden root in details. One of the reasons people gain weight is excessive eating, and we know that binge food consumption is one of the responses of our body to stressful situations. Salidroside helps people to cope with stress — it is a proven effect of this organic chemical. The Italian School of Pharmacy conducted research on rats in 2009. Golden root extract stopped binge eating in female animals both after they were exposed to food deprivation and acute stress.

Rosavin, in turn, promotes the activity of the human enzyme that mobilizes and uptakes the fats from our bodies. Thus, the combination of rhodiola rosea intake and even light regular exercise is the perfect way to get rid of a big belly hanging over the belt and never grow it again. Summing up, rhodiola rosea increases metabolism and decreases unhealthy and compulsive eating, which can be caused by food restrictions and stress. Together with physical exercises, this herb stimulates fat loss and provides users with better athletic shapes. Human trials show that people who take this herbal supplement lose approximately twice as many kilograms as those who only keep to a low-calorie diet after several weeks of the experiment.

Increases Energy

This is the natural, original indication of this herb — to give additional energy for better everyday performance. It is one of the most popular and widely used anti-fatigue medications on the market. There is an organic chemical in our body, adenosine triphosphate (shortened as ATP), that plays a huge role in metabolism; it is a universal source of energy for all biochemical processes in living forms. The Institute of Immunopathology in Moscow, Russia, showed evidence of the positive influence of R. rosea extract on ATP synthesis in cells during animal studies. The effective dose was established at the level of 50 mg per kilogram of body weight. The conclusion of that research was that the herbal preparation improves the exercise performance and working capacity.

At the same time, orpin rose provides a better and more effective performance of our brain, increasing its endurance and resistance to stress and fatigue. Such conditions as lack of sleep, a night or irregular working shifts, excessive workload, etc., are easier to combat when you take herbal supplements with R. rosea extract. This is why they are so reputable among students, doctors, drivers, flight operations officers, and pilots.

Lower Cortisol Level

Cortisol is commonly known as the aging hormone, or stress hormone. It is an important chemical that is released by our adrenal glands when we need strength and energy to cope with stressful situations. It increases the level of sugar in the blood, utilizing the fats, carbs, and proteins. This steroid hormone provides a quick fight-or-flight reaction, which is scientifically called hyperarousal. In animals, it is the ability to make a correct decision whether it is time to fight or run away. In humans, it results in increased release of neurotransmitters, like norepinephrine and epinephrine, and alterations in performance of all body systems. Accelerated heartbeat and breathing, suppressed digestion, increased blood flow to muscles along with restricted circulation to other organs, and sharpened and narrowed vision are some of but not the full list of possible reactions of our body to hyperarousal. All of this is necessary for your body to work properly in extreme circumstances.

Nevertheless, the chronic increased cortisol level leads to severe adverse consequences, such as:

• high exposure to hypothyroidism and cardiovascular diseases;
• hormone balance upset, visceral fat gain;
• impaired mental performance;
• emotional and mood disbalance;
• low libido both in men and women,
• inhibited immunity and osteogenesis;
• general exhaustion and aging of our body.

Rhodiola rosea extract keeps the cortisol level in healthy measures, cooling the brain when it is stressed and calming the reactions of our bodies. Thus, it helps us not only to combat agitation and tiredness, but also improves fertility, prevents hair loss, alleviates the negative signs of menopause, helps with migraine and memory loss, etc.

Let’s look through some of these effects in more detail. The health of women in the menopausal age is highly subject to hormone imbalance. In acute situations, their bodies stop producing estrogen and progesterone, releasing the cortisol and epinephrine hormones instead. It causes emotional and mental troubles, bad headaches, chronic tiredness, and sleeping disorders. Golden root relieves arousal and agitation, bringing the hormone levels back to normal.

In men and women, cortisol decreases the sex drive. For men, this hormone causes the inhibition of erection, which is one of the signs of the fight-or-flight response. Thus, Arctic root can be a good treatment for ED if it is caused by long term stress. For women, cortisol results in irregular periods and lack of the necessary hormones. Moreover, general thyroid health is an essential condition for a proper follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone levels. In turn, these biochemicals provide healthy egg maturation. And we remember that high cortisol leads to thyroid dysfunction.

As for hair growth, the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology published an article with scientific research about the negative impact of cortisol on hair follicles. The author came to a conclusion that the aging hormone at high levels causes alopecia, because it inhibits the production of the necessary organic chemicals that take part in healthy hair follicle performance.

Help with Depression and Anxiety

The mechanism of action of R. rosea as an antidepressant drug is well-studied, rosavin and its congeners interact with serotonin, and salidrosides are related to increased dopamine level. These signaling chemicals are famous with the role they play in cognition and emotional balance. Feelings of pleasure and happiness are directly related to the level of dopamine, as our reward-motivated system runs on these molecules.

The antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of rhodiola rosea were documented during clinical placebo-controlled trials. Russian and European medical researchers tested the herbal extract to help students with asthenia, depression, and anxiety. Patients with major depressive disorder showed an impressive effectiveness of this drug, as 100 out of 150 felt a significant improvement in their mood and interest in life. The studies prove that the natural remedy can be as powerful as the prescribed licensed medications.

Anxiety disorders include many mental maladies, e.g. panic attacks, various phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and many others. The research, conducted by British scientists in 2015, was published in the Phytotherapy Research journal. It evidenced that the rose root extract reduced the symptoms of agitation, fear, panic, and anxiety in patients who took two portions of the drug per day — 200 mg in the morning and in the afternoon.

Improves Brain Function, Concentration and Focus

Thanks to salidrosides, R. rosea produces a neuroprotective effect in the brain. It prevents neuron death and damage, prolonging their action and enhancing their healthy performance. Another constituent, rosiridin, inhibits monoamine oxidase B, which normally uptakes dopamine. Together with the enhancement of serotonin, norepinephrine, and adrenaline, these medicinal properties provide an effective nootropic action of golden root preparations.

Protection of neurons and depletion of MAOB are the effects that make rhodiola rosea a potent remedy for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Dopamine and serotonin increase focus, memory, wakefulness, alertness, and thinking capacities. Hence, the rosenroot drugs can be helpful with ADHD or ADD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), as the essential part of the treatment is to boost focus and reduce stress and agitation.

Decreases Stress

As we have already said, rhodiola rosea influences all processes in our body. It balances hormones, normalizes neurotransmission, improves brain chemistry, enhances physical and mental endurance, and elevates the exercise efficiency of our organisms. All properties and powers of rhodiola rosea are deployed to combat stress and fatigue. As an adaptogen, this herbal medication elevates the capacity of our body to resist damages and adapt to extreme conditions and situations. They involve the internal resources of our organism and facilitate its healthy functioning. Several studies and clinical trials prove the effectiveness of R. rosea against stress and asthenia. With this plant, modern medicine treats tiredness, aging, and various physiological and neurological disorders caused by stress, the same thing our ancestors have been doing for centuries.

Can Help Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is not a medicinal diagnosis, as doctors are still unsure if this health condition is real. Nevertheless, the fringe medicine claims that adrenal glands tend to get depleted and cannot perform their function normally. According to this, hypoadrenia is a dangerous state when our bodies do not get enough adrenaline, aldosterone, and especially cortisol. It can be caused by infections and inflammations, but most often adrenal fatigue is related to stress. Chronic high cortisol level is bad, but the lack of this chemical is no better. Without it, we cannot concentrate our thoughts, always feel tired and irritated, quickly gain extra weight, and do not have physical energy.

Cortisol release is the response of our organism to acute circumstances, and the glands that produce this steroid may get tired or completely stop their action due to exhaustion. The treatment of hypoadrenia lays in alleviating the reason of the illness. Rhodiola rosea does it naturally, effectively, and safely. It decreases stress and encourages our organism to work in a normal mode.

Rhodiola Rosea and Bodybuilding

Athletes use golden root for better physical performance, stamina, and endurance. We have already told you about the energy units that are stored in our body — ATP. The adaptogenic herb induces the production of this substance by our cells and increases the energy supply for anything we do, including sports. The advantage of rhodiola rosea over caffeine or other stimulants is that it works safely and smoothly, without quick boosts and further energy slumps.

Except adenosine triphosphate, the Arctic root drugs promote the action of another organic chemical — hematopoietin. It is a glycoprotein secreted by the kidneys, which works in the bone marrow to produce erythrocytes in response to the lack of oxygen. Red blood cells deliver oxygen to the muscles, brain, and other organs, thus providing the energy transfer throughout the body. This way, with the help of our medicinal plant, we employ oxygen and energy during physical exercise with maximum return.

Another benefit of R. rosea is its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. This is a very important quality for athletes, who do extensive trainings and need medications for their body to recover quickly and without raging delayed onset muscle soreness. Golden root alleviates the muscle fever, promotes the elimination of toxins from the tissues, and heals them significantly quicker than it happens naturally. It is very important, for example, in bodybuilding, if sportsmen need to exercise every day without breaks and the training loads are very high. Moreover, this healing property of the drug also prevents muscular wear and tear. If you do not go to the gym, it does not mean that you cannot take rhodiola rosea root. There is scientific evidence that this herb increases our physical working capacity in general, so it is good for everyone who performs hard manual labor or is going to take a long hike.

Immune System Protect

Medical studies show that rhodiola rosea increases the presence and action of immune cells in the body. The active ingredients of golden root encourage the function of macrophages, which catch and eliminate the dangerous elements (e.g. microbes, foreign compounds) from the tissues. In 2015, a group of Chinese medical researchers discovered that the usage of this drug prevents the T-lymphocytes death in septic mice. Another study, done by Spanish scientists from the University of Valencia, proved the immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effects of rosenroot. They found out that the salidrosides stimulate the specific immune response of our organisms: they employ the immunomodulating signaling agents that enhance the cellular immune action, without activating the antibody agents. This means that our immunity works without high fever and inflammation.

May Help with Cancer

The antiproliferative effect of rhodiola rosea is the essential property of this herb that makes it a potent anti-cancer drug. The same research of Valencia University claims that salidrosides can suppress tumor development. Medical specialists paid great attention to the healing powers of R. rosea, and one of the most studied is the ability of this herb to combat cancer.  Here are several works that were carried out to prove its healing powers:

• in March 2013, doctors from California tested the root extract to inhibit the growth of the malignant cells in the bladder. They got positive results;
• the same active compound successfully fought the cancer development in the colon system during the laboratory experiment in China in 2015;
• the constituents of R. rosea were also found to prevent the breast and liver cancer, stop the metastasis growth, and act as a concomitant medication during chemotherapy.

The research about our herb is still going on, and additional studies have to be carried out to make it a licensed drug for malignant tumors. Medical authorities need more evidence for official approval, but people all over the world use it and are very hopeful of this remedy.

Controls Blood Sugar Levels

Lately, people have begun consuming a lot of sugar. It is everywhere — in our drinks, in our snacks, energy bars, etc. It is popular because it is tasty and it gives a quick energy boost. There is, however, one problem with it. Sugar is extremely unhealthy. With fast carbs, we jump from energy surges to crashes, and it exhausts our nerve system and body, even on the cellular level. High blood sugar level leads to obesity, as it is metabolized to fat. Our kidneys start working intensively, as they have to exert the carbohydrates from the organism. First of all, it is not good for the kidneys themselves. Secondly, together with the sugar, they wash out the water from our bodies, thus causing water depletion. Sugar promotes the production of free radicals, which can lead to dangerous consequences. Diabetes is the most severe health condition caused by an unstable blood sugar level.

How does rhodiola rosea help when you cannot deny yourself the pleasure of an extra candy? It does so thanks to the combination of cinnamic alcohol and aldehyde, rosavin, and salidroside. All these compounds regulate the glucose level in the blood and decrease the risk of adverse consequences of hyperglycemia. Rosavins decrease the sugar and salidrosides burn the fat from our bellies and hips, while cinnamic compounds prevent the development and alleviate the symptoms of diabetes.

Protects Heart Health

Tyrosol, rosavin, salidroside, and other healing constituents of golden root protect your heart from the damage caused by stress. This is a great benefit of our plant, as heart diseases and failures are a number one killer in the world. Together with bad ecology, a hectic and restless life, and poor and unhealthy nutrition, we need something to protect our hearts and prolong their healthy functioning. Rhodiola rosea is a scientifically proven remedy for myocardium. It was tested on humans and the researchers found out that the extract of golden root reduces the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and catecholamine in the cardiac muscle.

Normalize Blood Pressure

Hypertension is another cardiovascular problem which stems from stress. The elevated cortisol level negatively affects blood pressure, and increased tension, in its turn, can cause migraines, strokes, and heart attacks. Golden root preparations mitigate the risk of such illnesses, decreasing the reasons for stressful conditions. Be careful, though, and consider the correct dosage, as a higher intake can lead to unwanted opposite reaction.

Rhodiola Rosea Side Effects

There are some dangers about taking rhodiola rosea that must be mentioned here. This medicinal herb was not noticed to cause severe side effects. Commonly, the users increase their doses till they have a significant effect, which can cause such conditions as dizziness, stomach upset, daytime sleepiness, or insomnia at night. These undesired reactions can be easily alleviated by decreasing the dose, or they may simply pass themselves when the body adapts to the medication. Still, you should trace your body’s response to the drug, and take measures if you notice that the effects are quite opposite to those you expected. If, or when you cannot get rid of anxiety and restlessness, lose concentration, cannot sleep, etc., you should see a doctor. These side effects occur when you regularly take too much of the drug or mix it with other stimulants, like caffeine.

Rhodiola rosea works better when taken on regular basis. This is directly connected with the half-life of this drug. The active ingredients remain in the blood for 4-6 hours maximum, and salidroside cannot be found in plasma after 45 minutes after intake. If you administer the herbal supplement every day, as it is recommended, you will not notice the peaks and descents of rhodiola’s performance. The medication will perform all its beneficial properties constantly, steadily, and with lower doses.

Alternatives of Rhodiola Rosea

People take R. rosea as a herbal supplement. There are products that contain pure golden root extract or the combination of different curative plants. Usually, the proportion of rosavin and salidroside is 1% and 3% of the total volume correspondingly, and this is the most recommended balance of these compounds. There are a lot of forms of lignum rhodium preparations available for sale, so you can make some tea, take drops, or bulk powders, but most people prefer capsules and tablets. They may enclose the same powder of the ground root of our plant, or carry the extract, which is more powerful. It is up to you which supplement to choose, as they are all effective and the best advice we can give is to check how your body responds to the drug.

Some specialists say that powders are good because they contain the whole herb, thus bringing the active ingredients as they naturally occur in the plant. It is true, this way drugs work better. On the other hand, this form cannot give a high concentration of the healing compounds, so its strength is significantly lower than that of the extracts. More concentrated drugs are more efficient, this is obvious, but it is also an issue of safety. You have to be more careful with higher dosages and trace the reaction of your organism.

Some people prefer liquid tinctures and teas, but there are some concerns with them. First of all, you must know how to make the R. rosea tea and infusion correctly. You need the dried root of the plant and grind it yourself, or purchase it already in the milled form.

There are a couple of recipes for preparing the golden root medications at home:

• you may put the powder into warm water, about 30 degrees Celsius (~90 Fahrenheit), and let it draw for 4-5 hours and then drink 3-4 cups per day;
• one teaspoon of the ground root can be boiled in 1 liter of water for 10 minutes and then infused for 40 minutes. This brew is good for energy boost and physical endurance, you may drink up to 3 glasses during the day, but not every day;
• if you have a thermos, you can add 10 grams of dried roots into 200 ml of boiling water and leave it there for 4 hours. Drink this tincture three times a day, or apply it to skin and mucosae;
• the strongest potion, which you can make by yourself, is the infusion of 50 grams of milled R. rosea rootstock in a half-liter of water. It has to draw in a dark place for 20 days, and then should be used in dosages no higher than 20 drops in the morning and afternoon. Note, you should not take the plant from the tincture until you finish the bottle.

Another big question about homemade tea from rhodiola rosea is that you will not get all the active compounds of the herb from it. Some of them are not water soluble, and some of them are destroyed by the high temperature.

The herbal supplements often contain several plants or their products. Golden root is often combined with Ginkgo biloba, green tea, ashwagandha, and ginseng. Each of these herbs is an alternative to orpin rose itself, but they can work in tandem too, complementing the curative properties of each other. Some of them are very interesting and popular, so we cannot help but acquaint you with them a little closer.

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera is a scientific name for a herb which is commonly known as winter cherry or ashwagandha. The latter is its Indian name, which means “horse smell.” This herb is well-known in Ayurvedic medicine, and people also call it Indian ginseng for its curative and anti-stress capacities. The active substances of this herb are withaferin A and cuscohygrine, which are also found in coca and tropine, which is a precursor of atropine — a powerful muscarinic receptor antagonist. These compounds provide an effective cognitive and muscle enhancement, normalize thyroid functioning, and reduce anxiety and depression. As you see, it has almost the same effects as golden root. The stacks of these products may show the additional benefits of both herbs.

For example, ashwagandha together with rhodiola rosea was reported by users to help with Lyme disease treatment. Both adaptogens improve the stamina and ability of the organism to cope with stress, stimulate the immune cells to fight foreign microorganisms and inflammation, and regulate the performance of hormone system. This does not make them the drugs that cure the illness directly, but they assist the prescribed treatment and provide more strengths to the patients.

Is Ginseng Better Than Rhodiola Rosea?

Panax ginseng, or Chinese ginseng, is the most widely known plant that helps in many adverse health conditions. People use it for diabetes, sexual dysfunction, to improve memory and thinking, to boost energy and immunity, and against depression and stress. Both medications are strong and safe, so it is very hard to say which one is better, especially when there are supplement stacks with both of them. This would be the best choice if you need the healing capacities of both of them or cannot make a choice.

In addition, this combination can be used to treat infections, including Lyme and cystic fibrosis diseases, bronchitis, and the flu. Ginseng effectively fights skin, lung, and ovarian cancers, and ginsenosides encourage the immune system and balance the estrogen level. In combination, both herbs make a safe and effective smart drug for students and office workers, and work as a wakefulness promoter for those who suffer from sleepiness and chronic fatigue.

What Else Can I Try?

Our guests often ask: “What if I do not trust homeopathy and do not believe herbal supplements are real drugs?” We offer you the ability to try licensed and scientifically approved medications with strong nootropic and eugeroic effects for low price without a prescription! Where can you buy them? Right here, in our online drugstore ModafinilXL.

We have medicines with modafinil and armodafinil as the active compounds, and the most popular brands are represented in our pharmacy:

• Generic Provigil 200 mg;
• Waklert 150 mg;
• Armodafinil 150 mg;
• Modaheal 200 mg, and other trademarks, well-known all over the world.

We have one of the quickest and most reliable shipping services and a beneficial reward program:

• you get 25 USD coupon with each delivery;
• for an honest review we present our customers with a 30 dollar discount for the next purchase;
• you get 35
• 20% off for payments with bitcoins;
• if you do not receive the package, you get 100% money back.

You can also try our combo packs and free samples to make the right choice. In the ModafinilXL online pharmacy, everyone will find effective and wallet-friendly medications for their own needs!