Rhodiola Root and Powder Profile

Also known as

Rhodiola rosea, Rhodiola kirilowii, Rhodea rosiola, roseroot, and golden root.

Introduction

Rhodiola is a flowering perennial, growing in cold and arctic regions around the world. It can be found in a number of mountainous regions, including the Alps, Rockies, and Pyrenees. It grows on rocky ground between cracks and crevices, and is cold hardy. Rhodiola is dioecious, meaning that each plant is either male or female. It bears spikes of blue-green leaves and a single yellow flower that blooms during the brief arctic summer. In some village in Siberia, a bouquet of rhodiola roots is still given to couples just prior to marriage to enhance fertility and to ensure the birth of healthy children.

Constituents

Rosavin, rosin, rosarin and salidroside.

Parts Used

Root

Typical Preparations

Teas, tinctures, and encapsulations.

Summary

Though the leaves may be eaten as a potherb, they are somewhat bitter, and most of the plant's value comes from its medicinal roots. Rhodiola root is identified as an adaptogen within traditional herbal medicine. It is an excellent herb for promoting psychological well-being, and supporting a healthy, stable mood. It has been shown to alleviate occasional bouts of mild to moderate depression as well as combat fatigue. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

References

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17990195?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=15514725&dopt=Abstract

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=12725561&dopt=Abstract

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rhodiola+rosea

Precautions

A smaller dose of rhodiola is a stimulant, but a larger dose is a sedative. If you are seeking a boost to your immune system or you are treating depression, erectile dysfunction, or altitude sickness, try the smallest recommended dose first. If you are treating colds, flu, or stress, use a larger dose. Rhodiola is appropriate for depression, but it is not appropriate for bipolar disorder. Not recommended for use while pregnant.