Description
Botanical: Rhodiola rosea
Other common names: Golden Root, Roseroot, Roseroot Crenulin, Russian Rhodiola
Suffering from stress? Fight fatigue and help combat temporary depression with Rhodiola Root. Athletes like the stamina-building properties of Rhodiola Root, and this arctic native has been used to increase endurance, fight infection, anemic conditions and heart problems, while helping to enhance mental clarity and sexual function. It may also be useful for fighting fat!
Country of Origin: China
Beneficial Uses:
Rhodiola Root is believed to be an aphrodisiac for both men and women, helping to increase sexual potency in men, managing erectile dysfunction and/or premature ejaculation, and also normalizing prostatic fluid. In traditional medicine the herb was given to married couples to increase fertility.
Athletes use Rhodiola Root to improve physical performance and maintain energy and endurance levels in various sports. It is said to be particularly valuable for body builders, because it is thought to stimulate muscle energy status, glycogen synthesis in muscles and liver, muscle protein synthesis and anabolic activity.
With regard to thyroid function, Rhodiola Root was shown in clinical tests to enhance thyroid function without causing hyperthyroidism. It may be helpful in cases of Hashimoto's disease, a serious condition associated with underactive thyroid.
Rhodiola Root has been recommended for anyone requiring more mental clarity or anyone who has memory problems. Because the herb is believed to improve blood circulation, this activity apparently increases the blood supply to the brain, enhancing both cognitive function and attention span. It is also thought to increase bioelectrical activity in the brain, which also may improve memory and brain energy.
Rhodiola Root combats the effects of asthenia, an emotional stress condition that is characterized by sluggishness, low motivation, muscle weakness, continual fatigue, labored breathing, palpitations and excessive sleeping. In clinical tests, use of Rhodiola Root reversed this condition.
Contraindications:
Currently, there are no known warnings or contraindications with the use of Rhodiola Root, but because there is limited clinical information, it would be wise for pregnant and nursing women to consult their physicians before using. Women who have a family or personal history of cancers that are linked to higher levels of estrogen, including breast and uterine cancer, should consult a physician before using Rhodiola Root. In rare cases, taking Rhodiola in the evening may interfere with sleep.
