Rhodiola Rosea, The Herbal Answer to Stress and Anxiety

Sep 8, 2010 by HHNSTAFF

By: Keith Woolley Rhodiola or Rhodiola Rosea root, is a native of arctic Siberia. Historically it has been used by European and Asian peoples to aid physical endurance, work fatigue, extending longevity, giving resistance to altitude sickness, and helping to treat fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence, gastrointestinal ailments, infections, and nervous system disorders. 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 Root is now considered an adaptogen. This defines how it has an overall stabilizing effect on the body without disrupting other functions. Its ability to normalize hormones in the body suggest it may be effective for treating depression and anxiety. Studies of the amazingly versatile Rhodiola Rosea demonstrate that it enhances neurotransmitters and adds to their effects on the brain. This includes the ability for the brain to process serotonin which helps the body to adapt to stress. Since adaptogens improve the body's overall ability to handle stress, it has been studied to identify its effects on biological, chemical and physical stress. 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. It is important for anyone considering the benefits of Rhodiola (to understand) that it may be sold using other species that do not share the properties of Rhodiola Rosea, or at strengths considered ineffective for treatment. Anyone with chronic depression or serious anxiety should also check with a health professional when treating these symptoms.