Reach for Plants ~ Rhodiola to the Rescue
The other day I was feeling off, stressy and overwhelmed. I feel it has a lot to do with the constant unseasonable rain and cloud cover. After unsuccessful attempts to redirect my mood, I decided to have a time out and it popped in my head to add some Rhodiola rosea to my Kombucha. It felt as if only minutes had passed, and this lightness came over me. The heavy overwhelm lifted, my mood noticeably softened. It is a good reminder that our plant allies are there at the ready to help!
Studies have found rhodiola may help strengthen the body’s response to physical stressors like exercise and psychological stressors such as fatigue and depression. Other studies, many in test tubes and animals, have suggested that rhodiola may help protect against certain health conditions, such as cancer, depression, and diabetes. However, more research is necessary to quantify how traditional medicine already uses this herb.
Rhodiola has been used in traditional medicine in Russia and
Scandinavian countries for centuries. This herb has long been known as an adaptogen, a natural
substance that increases your body’s resistance to stress in non-specific ways. Consuming adaptogens during stressful times is thought to
help you handle stressful situations better.
The effects Rhodiola has on the nervous system can be both stimulating and sedating depending on the dose. It can enhance physical endurance, and sexual potency, improve thyroid function, the thymus and adrenal function. It may act to protect the nervous system, heart and liver through antioxidant effects. It increases the body’s resistance to stress and has a protective effect upon neurotransmitters (especially serotonin and dopamine). It has specific use for headaches in neurasthenia and will enhance cognitive function, learning, memory and concentration.
Reduces Stress
Rhodiola really should have been my friend years ago as it has also been shown to improve symptoms of burnout,
which can occur with chronic stress. This very much being my challenge to learn through by the end of 2019.
In a study involving 118 people with stress-related burnout who took 400
mg of rhodiola daily for 12 weeks showed clear improvement
in various symptoms such as stress and depression commonly associated with
burnout.
Alleviates Fatigue
Stress, anxiety, and inadequate sleep are just a few factors
that can contribute to fatigue, which can cause feelings of physical and mental
tiredness. Due to its adaptogenic properties, rhodiola is thought to help with chronic fatigue.
In a study, with 100 people suffering with chronic fatigue symptoms, who received 400 mg of
rhodiola every day for 8 weeks experienced significant improvements in:
- stress
symptoms
- fatigue
- quality
of life
- mood
- concentration
These improvements were observed after only 1 week of
treatment and continued to improve through the final week of the study.
Antidepressant
It has been suggested that rhodiola may have
antidepressant properties that help balance the neurotransmitters in your
brain. A study from 2015 compared the effects of rhodiola with the commonly
prescribed antidepressant sertraline, which is sold under the name Zoloft. In
the study, 57 people diagnosed with depression were randomly assigned to
receive rhodiola, sertraline, or a placebo pill for 12 weeks.
While rhodiola and sertraline both reduced symptoms of
depression, sertraline had a greater effect. However, rhodiola produced fewer
side effects and was better tolerated.
Improves Brain Function
In a review of 36 animal studies, it was concluded that rhodiola may improve learning and memory
function. This review found that just a single dose of rhodiola increased memory
and had an antidepressant effect on mice. It suggested that rhodiola could
become a good tool to increase cognition and counteract mood disorders in
people.
The therapeutic properties of rhodiola may
benefit many age-related brain dis-eases. Researchers called for more research to
bridge the gap between experimental results and clinical applications.
Diabetes Managment
Animal research suggests rhodiola may help improve diabetes management. The salidroside compound in rhodiola works to help protect
against diabetes and diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease) in rats. These studies were performed in rats, so their results can’t
be generalized to humans. However, they’re a compelling reason to investigate
the effects of rhodiola on diabetes in people. If you have diabetes and wish to take rhodiola supplements,
speak with your natural practitioner or doctor first.
Anti-carcinogenic
Rhodiola may have anticancer properties. The salidroside, a potent component of rhodiola, has been
investigated for its anticancer properties. Studies have shown that it may inhibit the growth of lung, bladder,
and colon cancer cells. As a result, researchers have suggested that rhodiola may be
useful in the treatment of many types of cancer.
However, until human studies become available, whether
rhodiola can help treat cancer remains not conclusive.
How to take Rhodiola
Overall, rhodiola has many health benefits and is considered safe with a low risk of side effects when it’s taken in the recommended dosages. This herb is available in pill form, capsules, teas and tinctures. I have a preference for teas and tinctures. I feel that the plant is able to commune with my body in a more meaningful way, however this is simply my personal experience and belief system. If you’re considering rhodiola, talk with a healthcare professional first to determine if it’s right for you.
If you would like more information on including rhodiola in your life, click here to book an herbal consultation.
The other day I was feeling off, stressy and overwhelmed. I feel it has a lot to do with the constant unseasonable rain and cloud cover. After unsuccessful attempts to redirect my mood, I decided to have a time out and it popped in my head to add some Rhodiola rosea to my Kombucha. It felt as if only minutes had passed, and this lightness came over me. The heavy overwhelm lifted, my mood noticeably softened. It is a good reminder that our plant allies are there at the ready to help!
Studies have found rhodiola may help strengthen the body’s response to physical stressors like exercise and psychological stressors such as fatigue and depression. Other studies, many in test tubes and animals, have suggested that rhodiola may help protect against certain health conditions, such as cancer, depression, and diabetes. However, more research is necessary to quantify how traditional medicine already uses this herb.
Rhodiola has been used in traditional medicine in Russia and Scandinavian countries for centuries. This herb has long been known as an adaptogen, a natural substance that increases your body’s resistance to stress in non-specific ways. Consuming adaptogens during stressful times is thought to help you handle stressful situations better.
The effects Rhodiola has on the nervous system can be both stimulating and sedating depending on the dose. It can enhance physical endurance, and sexual potency, improve thyroid function, the thymus and adrenal function. It may act to protect the nervous system, heart and liver through antioxidant effects. It increases the body’s resistance to stress and has a protective effect upon neurotransmitters (especially serotonin and dopamine). It has specific use for headaches in neurasthenia and will enhance cognitive function, learning, memory and concentration.
Reduces Stress
Rhodiola really should have been my friend years ago as it has also been shown to improve symptoms of burnout, which can occur with chronic stress. This very much being my challenge to learn through by the end of 2019.
In a study involving 118 people with stress-related burnout who took 400 mg of rhodiola daily for 12 weeks showed clear improvement in various symptoms such as stress and depression commonly associated with burnout.
Alleviates Fatigue
Stress, anxiety, and inadequate sleep are just a few factors that can contribute to fatigue, which can cause feelings of physical and mental tiredness. Due to its adaptogenic properties, rhodiola is thought to help with chronic fatigue.
In a study, with 100 people suffering with chronic fatigue symptoms, who received 400 mg of rhodiola every day for 8 weeks experienced significant improvements in:
Antidepressant
It has been suggested that rhodiola may have antidepressant properties that help balance the neurotransmitters in your brain. A study from 2015 compared the effects of rhodiola with the commonly prescribed antidepressant sertraline, which is sold under the name Zoloft. In the study, 57 people diagnosed with depression were randomly assigned to receive rhodiola, sertraline, or a placebo pill for 12 weeks.
While rhodiola and sertraline both reduced symptoms of depression, sertraline had a greater effect. However, rhodiola produced fewer side effects and was better tolerated.
Improves Brain Function
In a review of 36 animal studies, it was concluded that rhodiola may improve learning and memory function. This review found that just a single dose of rhodiola increased memory and had an antidepressant effect on mice. It suggested that rhodiola could become a good tool to increase cognition and counteract mood disorders in people.
The therapeutic properties of rhodiola may benefit many age-related brain dis-eases. Researchers called for more research to bridge the gap between experimental results and clinical applications.
Diabetes Managment
Animal research suggests rhodiola may help improve diabetes management. The salidroside compound in rhodiola works to help protect against diabetes and diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease) in rats. These studies were performed in rats, so their results can’t be generalized to humans. However, they’re a compelling reason to investigate the effects of rhodiola on diabetes in people. If you have diabetes and wish to take rhodiola supplements, speak with your natural practitioner or doctor first.
Anti-carcinogenic
Rhodiola may have anticancer properties. The salidroside, a potent component of rhodiola, has been investigated for its anticancer properties. Studies have shown that it may inhibit the growth of lung, bladder, and colon cancer cells. As a result, researchers have suggested that rhodiola may be useful in the treatment of many types of cancer.
However, until human studies become available, whether rhodiola can help treat cancer remains not conclusive.
How to take Rhodiola
Overall, rhodiola has many health benefits and is considered safe with a low risk of side effects when it’s taken in the recommended dosages. This herb is available in pill form, capsules, teas and tinctures. I have a preference for teas and tinctures. I feel that the plant is able to commune with my body in a more meaningful way, however this is simply my personal experience and belief system. If you’re considering rhodiola, talk with a healthcare professional first to determine if it’s right for you.
If you would like more information on including rhodiola in your life, click here to book an herbal consultation.
Reduces Stress
Rhodiola really should have been my friend years ago as it has also been shown to improve symptoms of burnout, which can occur with chronic stress. This very much being my challenge to learn through by the end of 2019.
In a study involving 118 people with stress-related burnout who took 400 mg of rhodiola daily for 12 weeks showed clear improvement in various symptoms such as stress and depression commonly associated with burnout.
Alleviates Fatigue
Stress, anxiety, and inadequate sleep are just a few factors that can contribute to fatigue, which can cause feelings of physical and mental tiredness. Due to its adaptogenic properties, rhodiola is thought to help with chronic fatigue.
In a study, with 100 people suffering with chronic fatigue symptoms, who received 400 mg of rhodiola every day for 8 weeks experienced significant improvements in:
- stress symptoms
- fatigue
- quality of life
- mood
- concentration
Antidepressant
It has been suggested that rhodiola may have antidepressant properties that help balance the neurotransmitters in your brain. A study from 2015 compared the effects of rhodiola with the commonly prescribed antidepressant sertraline, which is sold under the name Zoloft. In the study, 57 people diagnosed with depression were randomly assigned to receive rhodiola, sertraline, or a placebo pill for 12 weeks.
While rhodiola and sertraline both reduced symptoms of depression, sertraline had a greater effect. However, rhodiola produced fewer side effects and was better tolerated.
Improves Brain Function
In a review of 36 animal studies, it was concluded that rhodiola may improve learning and memory function. This review found that just a single dose of rhodiola increased memory and had an antidepressant effect on mice. It suggested that rhodiola could become a good tool to increase cognition and counteract mood disorders in people.
The therapeutic properties of rhodiola may benefit many age-related brain dis-eases. Researchers called for more research to bridge the gap between experimental results and clinical applications.
Diabetes Managment
Animal research suggests rhodiola may help improve diabetes management. The salidroside compound in rhodiola works to help protect against diabetes and diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease) in rats. These studies were performed in rats, so their results can’t be generalized to humans. However, they’re a compelling reason to investigate the effects of rhodiola on diabetes in people. If you have diabetes and wish to take rhodiola supplements, speak with your natural practitioner or doctor first.
Anti-carcinogenic
Rhodiola may have anticancer properties. The salidroside, a potent component of rhodiola, has been investigated for its anticancer properties. Studies have shown that it may inhibit the growth of lung, bladder, and colon cancer cells. As a result, researchers have suggested that rhodiola may be useful in the treatment of many types of cancer.
However, until human studies become available, whether rhodiola can help treat cancer remains not conclusive.
How to take Rhodiola
Overall, rhodiola has many health benefits and is considered safe with a low risk of side effects when it’s taken in the recommended dosages. This herb is available in pill form, capsules, teas and tinctures. I have a preference for teas and tinctures. I feel that the plant is able to commune with my body in a more meaningful way, however this is simply my personal experience and belief system. If you’re considering rhodiola, talk with a healthcare professional first to determine if it’s right for you.
If you would like more information on including rhodiola in your life, click here to book an herbal consultation.
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