Rhodiola Root

Western Bulk Herbs – Rhodiola Root

Rhodiola root may be effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Pilot studies on human subjects showed an improvement of physical and mental performance, and may reduce fatigue.

Latin Name:
Rhodiola rosea

Common Names:
Rhodiola rosea, Rhodiola kirilowii, Rhodea rosiola, roseroot, and golden root

Parts Used:
Root

Properties:
Rhodiola is included among a class of plant derivatives called adaptogen which differ from chemical stimulants, such as nicotine, and do not have the same physiological effects.

Traditional Uses:
The traditional folk medicine of the northerly nations where rhodiola is found used the herb for resistance to altitude sickness, infections during cold weather, anemia, erectile dysfunction, gastrointestinal ailments, and depression.

Chemical Properties:
Rosavin, rosarin, rosin and salidroside (and sometimes p-tyrosol, rhodioniside, rhodiolin and rosiridin)

Cautions:
A smaller dose of rhodiola is a stimulant, but a larger dose is a sedative. If you are seeking a boost to your immune system or you are treating depression, erectile dysfunction, or altitude sickness, try the smallest recommended dose first. Rhodiola is suitable for depression, but it is not suitable for bipolar disorder.

Folk Lore:
Teas of rhodiola were standard treatment for colds and flu during winter. In some village in Siberia, a bouquet of rhodiola roots is still given to couples just prior to marriage to enhance fertility and to ensure the birth of healthy children.

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Resources:
PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2000. Medical Economics Company, Montvale, New Jersey.

The New Holistic Herbal. David Hoffmann, 1990. Barnes and Noble Books, New York.

A Modern Herbal, Mrs. M. Grieve, (Dover Publications, New York, 1971)

Major Herbs of Ayurvedic.Compiled by Dahur Research Foundation and Dahur Ayurvet Limited, Ghaziabad, India., 2002. Churchill Livingstone, London, England.

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Third Edition, Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble, 1986. Eastland Press, Seattle, WA.