Rhodiola is the Answer to Stress and Anxiety
December 9, 2007 by Keith Woolley
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.
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 Rosea is considered an adaptogen. This means it has an overall stabilizing effect on the body without disrupting other functions. Its ability to normalize hormones may be effective for treating depression and anxiety.
Studies of Rhodiola Rosea show that it stimulates neurotransmitters and enhances their effects on the brain. This includes the ability for the brain to process serotonin which helps the body to adapt to stress.
As adaptogens are known to improve the body’s overall ability to handle stress, Rhodiola has now been studied 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 dose is 200-600mg/day. The active properties should be a minimum 0.8 percent salidroside and 3 percent rosavin.
It is important for consumers to know that Rhodiola may be sold using other species that do not share the properties of Rhodiola Rosea, or at ineffective strengths for treatment. Anyone with depression or 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
About the Author: Keith Woolley
Keith Woolley is Herbal Advisor of Boots Herbal Stores, in the United Kingdom. Rhodiola Rosea is one of the herbs that is now realising world wide attention. For more Information on Rhodiola Rosea Click Here. Finally, take care of inferior brands and potencies that will be effective.
Sounds like this could help with concentration as well?
David’s last blog post..Anxiety Attacks in Children
Hi, I’ve tried all the different brands of Rhodiola. I think it is wrong of you to publish information like you did here, but not tell the readers what extract it was that was tested in these people for concentration or anxiety issues. The extract was called SHR-5, by Swedsh Herbal Institute. Available on the internet from http://www.proactivebio.com. Herbs can vary so much — I’ve tried them all, and this one actually works. Your studies mentioned above were ALL done using this SHR-5 type of Rhodiola.
Thanks for joining the conversation Susan with your invaluable information. Hopefully the author Keith Woolley will take note of your comments.