The popular herb, Rhodiola Rosea, sometimes called Golden Root, is found growing in arctic Siberia. For hundreds of years it has been celebrated by eastern European and Asian cultures for endurance, work productivity, extending longevity, giving resistance to high altitude sickness, and to treat tiredness/fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence, gastrointestinal ailments, infections, and nervous system problems.



The first recorded medicinal applications of rodia riza (renamed Rhodiola Rosea) was made by the Greek physician, Dioscorides, in 77 C.E. in 'De Materia Medica'. Rhodiola Rosea has been included in official Russian medicine since 1969.

Despite its long history, the Western world has only recently become aware of the health benefits of Rhodiola Rosea. It has come to the attention of many natural health practitioners because of studies which tested its affects on combating anxiety and stress.

Rhodiola Rosea Root is now considered an adaptogen. This defines how it has an overall stabilizing effect on the body without disrupting other functions. Its ability to normalize hormones in the body suggest it may be effective for treating depression and anxiety.

Studies of the amazinly versitile Rhodiola Rosea demonstrate that it enhances neurotransmitters and adds to their effects on the brain. This includes 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 study was performed to test the effects of Rhodiola Rosea when stress is caused by mental work (such as exam study). These tests showed that students using Rhodiola Rosea could improve the amount and quality of their work, increasing both mental clarity and reducing the effects of mental 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 recommended daily dose is around 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 informative and reliable information you know about Rhodiola you know, the more likely people are to consider you a Rhodiola expert. Read www.rhodiola.co.uk on for even more Rhodiola facts that you can share. That's the latest from the Rhodiola authorities. Once you're familiar with these ideas, you'll be ready to move to the next level.