Rhodiola benefits the body as an adaptogenic root, like many of the Chinese tonics and Ayurvedic herbs. It is a great one to add to many herbal tea formulas, especially when you want an extra boost in the colder months of winter to uplift the spirits and deeply nourish vital energies.
Rhodiola rosea is referred to as a "superior herb" in Chinese medicine. Thriving at high altitudes in harsh and cold mountainous areas all around the globe, it is known as "stone crop" because of its tendency to grow among rock and stone. I have found that many powerful superfoods are extremely hardy, like maca root, flourishing and adapting to severe habitats within bitter cold climates and rocky soils. Somehow, its seems like these adaptative characteristics transfer to us when we take them in as food.
Rhodiola originated in Arctic locations of Eastern Siberia with many different varieties growing wild in these higher climates. The root has a long history of use by the people of Russian and Asian descent, providing increased endurance to the environmental conditions they lived in. It is also found in areas of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, China, Mongolia, as well as Russia and Tibet.
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"This incredible herb was used by the Tibetan monks to enhance their inner spiritual power, the power of concentration and physical endurance. It has undoubtedly played a major role in the development of Tibetan culture." Ron Teeguarden
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"Rhodiola rosea" is said to be the most medicinal of the many varieties. The root of the plant is where the "tonic superfood medicine" is concentrated. My favorite way to prepare rhodiola is as a tea decoction, which basically means simmering the root for 20 minutes or longer. (See herbal tea preparation.) I love the fragrance of it filling up my living space. It has a kind of "flowery" aroma to it mixed with the deep earthy scents that most tonic herbs possess. The sliced dried root often has a pinkish-brown tinge to it.
1) Adaptogen - Like I have discussed, adaptogens increase resistance and help us to "adapt" to a variety of chemical, biological, and physical stress factors. Rhodiola benefits are known for their ability to protect the heart, lungs and central nervous system. This is due to its high levels of monoamines and opioid peptides, like beta-endorphins. Adaptogens, such as rhodiola, tulsi, astragalus and fo-ti, also balance the immune system and endocrine hormones.
Extensive Russian research has been done on rhodiola. One of the leading researchers, who coined the term "adaptogen", was Dr Zakir Ramazanov. He worked extensively with the National Science Foundation and helped to provide modern information on adaptogens and rhodiola rosea benefits.
2) Brain Tonic - In the August, 2011 issue of Superfood Evolution we discussed the top brain enhancing superfoods, including rhodiola. Rhodiola is known as one of the top brain tonics in Chinese medicine for its protective effect upon the neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain, uplifting mood and alleviating depression. The tonic root has been studied to increase serotonin in the brain by 30%. It stimulates the release of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin which activates the cerebral and frontal cortex's of the brain, increasing our ability to analyze, evaluate, plan, and remember.
3) Reduces Stress Hormone - Rhodiola benefits as one of the best anti-aging formulas by relieving the impact of stress on the human body. Rhodiola is an adaptogen, but also directly effects, modulates and reduces the stress hormone called cortisol.
Rhodiola benefits support our adrenal glands by reducing excessive amounts of cortisol production that occurs when we are constantly experiencing stressful situations in our lives, emotionally or physically.
In the Newsweek article entitled Health: Herbal Stress Buster?, it states: "research indicates that rhodiola reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, while optimizing levels of key brain chemicals involved in mood."
Rhodiola Rosea Benefits:
alleviates anxiety
mental brain tonic
enhances sexual libido
uplifts mood and depression
increases work performance
benefits cardiovascular health
provides clear productive energy
helps focus and alertness
proposed to cure altitude sickness
increases spiritual nature
improves capacity to take in and utilize oxygen
The main components studied to provide the benefits are rosarin, rosavin, rosin, and salidroside.
In Russia today Rhodiola rosea is still used as a remedy for fatigue, decreased memory, poor attention span.
In China it is called hong jing tian. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, rhodiola is known to replenish qi (vital energy), nourish the heart system, clear the lung system, and enhance mental function.
How To Use:
Rhodiola benefits can be attained by decocting the root in herbal tea recipes, or by using it as a tincture or concentrated extract.
