Rhodiola, also known as Rhodiola rosea, is a widely used medicinal plant that grows well in Siberia, where the altitude is high, and the arctic climate is cold and dry. Its popularity in the U.S. is growing, but in Europe it is often used to promote mental, emotional and neurological health. Generally, the Rhodiola rosea plant root is used in medicinal herbal treatments. It is also available in capsule form.
Primary Uses
The Rhodiola rosea plant is best known as an herbal treatment for mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Long considered an adaptogen, a medicinal used to treat various forms of stress, Rhodiola rosea may promote emotional wellness and physical stamina. This arctic herbal medicinal specifically is recognized for its ability to increase mental clarity and enhance focus, while improving overall mental performance. It is also used to decrease mental and physical fatigue and works as a mood stabilizer in people with mild to moderate mood swings.
Additional Uses
Beyond the herbal psychiatric uses of Rhodiola rosea, it also has other purported health benefits. According to an article published in 2004 in the Lithuanian journal Medicina, Rhodiola rosea may also be credited with helping to prevent irregular heartbeat. Though data is preliminary, it also has reportedly been found to stop the growth of malignant tumors and prevent metastasis to the liver.
Function
Though more controlled medical research studies of Rhodiola rosea is imperative to establish efficacy and safety, it reportedly works by stimulating neurotransmitters within the central nervous system. In that way, it is believed to increase the availability of the energizing, life-giving chemicals serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain.
Active Ingredients
The active ingredients in Rhodiola rosea are phytochemicals called rosavin, rosarin, salidrosides and tyrosol. These phyto or plant chemicals are considered antioxidants that destroy damaging cells in the body. These antioxidants purportedly work to boost energy and decrease signs and symptoms of depression, according to the Clarocet Reference Library.
Availability
Since Rhodiola is indigenous to arctic Siberia, it is not readily available in the U.S. unless imported or purchased online. However, Rhodiola root may easily be obtained from naturopaths and herbal specialists. It may also be purchased in capsule form in standard or long-acting formulas. As always, it is vitally important not to consume herbal preparations before consulting your physician, as they may interfere with other medications and their safety and efficacy have not yet been established.
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