The Truth About Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea

What is Rhodiola?

Rhodiola Rosea, also known as "arctic root" and "golden root," grows at an altitude of 10,000 feet (3 km) above sea level in the cold mountainous regions of Europe and Asia.

This powerful herb, which needs five to eight years to mature, is rich in rosavin, salidroside, and flavonoids.

Its roots are considered one of the most powerful adaptogens, which means it helps your body adapt to stress.

Rhodiola stimulates energy, promotes good health, endurance, and mental performance. It also helps protect the cardiovascular system and reduces stress and fatigue symptoms.

4 Proven Rhodiola Health Benefits

1 – Reduces Stress and Fatigue

Adaptogens, by nature, help reduce stress on the adrenal glands- which produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress, and other functions. Also, reducing stress reduces the amount of cortisol and endorphins within the body, which has a good physical and emotional impact. (1)

Among its 140 identified active ingredients, Rhodiola contains two primary active ingredients: rosavin, and salidroside. Both of those have actively shown great benefits for the body. (2)

A study investigated the effects of Rhodiola extract in 101 people suffering from stress. Results showed significant improvements in symptoms of stress. (3)

Rhodiola also combats fatigue. A study of 60 people with stress-related fatigue, proved the positive effects of Rhodiola on fatigue, depression, and attention. (4)

2 – Improves Brain Function

The phytonutrient salidroside has neuroprotective components that work with nitrous oxide pathways inhibition. It also helps stimulate the antioxidant enzymes thioredoxin, beta oxygenase 1, and peroxiredoxin 1.

These factors helped improve memory and protect the nerves of the brain from oxidative damage. One suspected cause of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is oxidative damage to nerves, which Rhodiola may help reduce.

A study carried out on 161 cadets showed that Rhodiola improved the capacity for mental work against a background of fatigue and stress. (5)

In a study on fatigue during night duty among a group of 56 healthy physicians, Rhodiola improved their memory, concentration, and associative thinking, and reduced overall general fatigue symptoms. (6)

3 – Helps Control Diabetes

Rhodiola proved to help the body lower blood sugars naturally by increasing the ability of glucose transport in the blood. (7) (8)

Rhodiola can help keep your blood sugars lower when combined with a low carbohydrate diet.

4 – Promotes Better Sleep

Because Rhodiola reduces stress and mental and physical fatigue, it makes your body able to relax at night. A study even showed that salidroside, an active ingredient in Rhodiola, has a significant relaxation effect with the right dosage. (9)