Rhodiola Rosea, also known as Golden Root, is a native plant of arctic Siberia. For centuries it has been used by eastern European and Asian cultures for physical endurance, work productivity, longevity, resistance to high altitude sickness, and to treat fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence, gastrointestinal ailments, infections, and nervous system disorders.
The first recorded applications of rodia riza (the former nmae of Rhodiola Rosea) was made by the Greek physician, Dioscorides in 'De Materia Medica'. Rhodiola Rosea has also been included in official Russian medicine since 1969.
Even despite its very long history, the Western world has only just become aware of the health benefits of Rhodiola Rosea. It has come to the attention of many alternative health practitioners because of studies which demonstrated its affects on combating anxiety and stress.
Rhodiola is known to be an adaptogen. This demonstrates how it has an overall stabilizing effect on the body functions without disrupting other activities. It is this ability to normalize hormones that is effective for treating depression and anxiety.
Studies of this fantastic root show that it not only stimulates neurotransmitters and enhances their effects on the brain but also enhances the ability for the brain to process serotonin which helps the body to adapt to stress.
Since adaptogens improve the body's overall ability to cope with stress, it has been further studies commisioned to identify it's effects on biological, chemical and physical stress.
A favourable study was commisioned to demonstrate the effects of Rhodiola Rosea when students are under stress is caused by intense mental work (such as final exams). Such studies concluded that using Rhodiola Rosea improved the amount and quality of work, increasing mental clarity and reducing the effects of fatigue.
The effects of Rhodiola Rosea have also been demonstrated on stress and anxiety from both physical and emotional sources. A report by the American Botanical Council concluded that "Many users find that it (Rhodiola) improves both their mood, energy level, and mental clarity." They also reported on a study that indicated Rhodiola Rosea could increase stress tolerance while at the same time protecting the brain and heart from the physical affects of stress.
This report included details of studies which highlight the overall health benefits of Rhodiola Rosea.
The generally accepted recommended dose is 200-600mg/day. The active properties should be a minimum 0.8 percent salidroside and 3 percent rosavin.
It is important for anyone considering the benefits of Rhodiola that it may be sold using other species that do not share the properties of Rhodiola Rosea, or at strengths considered innefective for treatment. Anyone with chronic depression or serious anxiety should also check with a health professional when treating these symptoms.
The more authentic information about Rhodiola you research and absorb, the more likely people are to consider you a Rhodiola Rosea expert. Read on for even more Rhodiola Rosea facts that you can share with your friends. So that's the latest from the Rhodiola authorities and researchers. Once you're familiar with these ideas, you'll be ready to move to the next level. For more information, visit rhodiola.co.uk
Keith Woolley is Chief Scientific Director of Boots Herbal Stores, in the United Kingdom. Rhodiola Rosea is one of the herbs that is now realising world wide attention. For Research on Rhodiola Rosea Click Here. Finally, beware of poor brands and potencies that may not be be effective.
