Rhodiola Rosea, also known as Golden Root, is a native plant ofarctic Siberia. For centuries it has been used by easternEuropean and Asian cultures for physical endurance, workproductivity, longevity, resistance to high altitude sickness,and to treat fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence,gastrointestinal ailments, infections, and nervous systemdisorders.



The first recorded medicinal applications of rodia riza (renamedRhodiola Rosea) was made by the Greek physician, Dioscorides, in77 C.E. in 'De Materia Medica'. Rhodiola Rosea has been includedin official Russian medicine since 1969.

Despite its long history, the Western world has only recentlybecome aware of the health benefits of Rhodiola Rosea. It hascome to the attention of many natural health practitionersbecause of studies which tested its affects on combating anxietyand stress.

Rhodiola Rosea is considered an adaptogen. This means it has anoverall stabilizing effect on the body without disrupting otherfunctions. Its ability to normalize hormones may be effective fortreating depression and anxiety.

Studies of Rhodiola Rosea show that it stimulatesneurotransmitters and enhances their effects on the brain. Thisincludes the ability for the brain to process serotonin whichhelps the body to adapt to stress.

Since adaptogens improve the body's overall ability to handlestress, it has been studied to identify it's effects onbiological, chemical and physical stress.

A study was performed to test the effects of Rhodiola Rosea whenstress is caused by intense mental work (such as final exams).Such tests concluded that using Rhodiola Rosea improved theamount and quality of work, increasing mental clarity andreducing the effects of fatigue.

The effects of Rhodiola Rosea have also been tested on stress andanxiety from both physical and emotional sources. A report by theAmerican Botanical Council states that "Most users find that itimproves their mood, energy level, and mental clarity." They alsoreport on a study that indicated Rhodiola Rosea could increasestress tolerance while at the same time protecting the brain andheart from the physical affects of stress.

This report included details of studies which highlight theoverall health benefits of Rhodiola Rosea.

The generally recommended dose is 200-600mg/day. The activeproperties should be a minimum 0.8 percent salidroside and 3percent rosavin.

It is important for consumers to know that Rhodiola may be soldusing other species that do not share the properties of RhodiolaRosea, or at ineffective strengths for treatment. Anyone withdepression or anxiety should also check with a healthprofessional when treating these symptoms.  The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.