Rhodiola Rosea For Social Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, can cause a serious impact on your life. If you suffer from social anxiety disorder, you probably tend to avoid contact with others out of a fear of being judged or criticized. Although certain conventional treatments can help social anxiety, some research has found that the herb rhodiola may also provide benefits for your symptoms. As with any herbal supplement, consult your doctor prior to using Rhodiola rosea.

About Rhodiola

Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root or rose root, is a herb commonly used by herbalists and alternative healers to treat a variety of physical and mental conditions. Rhodiola supplements are available in capsule, tablet, liquid or tincture form. The herb has been used throughout history by native Northern European cultures, including Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Russia, as a tonic, to improve recovery after illness, alleviate fatigue and promote sexual desire. During the 20th century, Soviet physicians categorized rhodiola as an adaptogen, meaning that it promotes health and recovery from stress with few or no side effects, according to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Some clinical evidence supports rhodiola's benefits for anxiety, although research regarding its specific uses for social anxiety is limited.

Social Anxiety Disorder Facts

Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, is a clinical anxiety disorder that causes a severe impairment to your quality of life and your ability to function in society. According to Help Guide, a nonprofit website dedicated to providing information about health issues, social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense, irrational fear of others. Certain situations can act as triggers for your symptoms, such as meeting new people, parties, engaging in small talk, speaking in public or going on a date. Symptoms of social anxiety disorder include panic; physical symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, dizziness, intense worry, fear, irritability and sleep problems; and avoiding social activities altogether. A number of treatments are thought to help social anxiety disorder, including a specific type of psychotherapy known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication and self-help measures. Some people rely on herbs, like rhodiola, to alleviate their symptoms.

Clinical Evidence

A few clinical studies show the benefits of rhodiola on general symptoms of anxiety. However, specific studies regarding its use for social anxiety are virtually nonexistent. A clinical review on the available research on herbs used for anxiety and symptoms of anxiety, published in 2009 in the "Alternative Medicine Review," states that two clinical studies have demonstrated the benefits of rhodiola for alleviating symptoms of anxiety: One study found that participants suffering from generalized anxiety disorder experienced significant symptom relief when treated with a rhodiola extract; and the other demonstrated rhodiola's ability to reduce stress-related fatigue. An additional study included in the review suggests that rhodiola helps improve mental performance, reduces fatigue, increases feelings of well-being and improves sleep. Although these studies may demonstrate rhodiola's benefits for anxiety and anxietylike symptoms, further research is needed to evaluate its specific effects on social anxiety disorder.

Considerations

Although rhodiola may be beneficial for alleviating certain symptoms of social anxiety disorder, you should not use any dietary supplement to self-treat your symptoms. Consult your doctor or a qualified mental health practitioner if you think you have social anxiety disorder. According to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, there are no reported safety issues with rhodiola. However, as with any dietary supplement, you should inform your doctor if you plan to use rhodiola.