The daily lives of many people boils down to trying to reconcile work, home, study, marriage, children,… and in this rush, stress and fatigue take over the body and mind. It is also necessary to slow down, restore physical and mental conditions and that is where rhodiola rosea comes in.
Popularly known as “golden root, “arctic root” or “golden root”, it is a plant used for years in folk medicine in Europe and Asia for having the action of stimulating the nervous system, fighting fatigue and symptoms of depression .
Rhodiola rosea is a true ally in combating stress and fatigue which, if left untreated, can result in impaired quality of life, interfering with performance and reducing performance in activities.
Using the golden root helps to reduce these manifestations and restore the individual’s physical and mental conditions.
Table of Contents
7 Benefits of rhodiola rosea
The extract of rhodiola rosea has scientifically proven benefits, among these neuropsychotropic effects are: antidepressant, anxiolytic , neuroprotective and pro-cognitive properties . Check out:
1- Decreases stress
The ability to reduce stress and depression is attributed to rhodiola rosea, because it is able to increase the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, popularly known as the happiness hormones. These substances act by stimulating the central nervous system, neutralizing emotional and mental disorders.
Furthermore, this plant is adaptogenic. In other words, it is able to increase the immune system’s resistance to internal and external agents that cause some kind of stress. This adaptive ability of the body prevents damage to health.
2- Relieves fatigue
The consumption of this herb is mainly indicated in situations where there is an excessive physical or mental need. It is usually from this type of effort that symptoms such as fatigue and tiredness appear, resulting in low intellectual performance and reduced performance in physical activities.
The dry extract taken from the rhodiola rosea rhizome, in addition to improving mood, favors performance, cognitive concentration and eases exhaustion.
3- Improves physical performance
It also manages to improve locomotor ability. A study carried out at Unicamp found that the consumption of the extract favors the anabolic processes of the muscles , increasing the body’s resistance during physical performance.
4- Increases concentration
One of the functions of rhodiola rosea is to increase concentration, improving pro-cognitive activities. Its consumption directly influences memorization and a greater ease of absorbing content, benefiting learning.
5- Control diabetes
The golden root can control diabetes. Its active principles make it possible to reduce blood glucose, protecting diabetics from oxidative stress.
6- Fighting anxiety
One of the properties of the root of another is its anxiolytic action, combating anxiety conditions arising or not from stress .
7- Anticancerígeno
The plant’s antitumor and anticarcinogenic activity was proven. The extract of rhodiola rosea inhibited the growth of tumors and metastases.
How to consume the golden root
There are two ways to enjoy the benefits of this plant: through capsules or in the form of tea.
Capsules
The capsules should be taken in the morning and are not recommended for the afternoon and night periods due to the risk of interfering with sleep. Therefore, its consumption must be guided and monitored by a specialist physician in order to avoid overdose and inappropriate use.
You can find the herb capsules in compounding pharmacies or even on websites that sell alternative medicine items.
Tea
The golden root tea should follow the same logic as the capsules consumption, and should be ingested in the morning.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of rhodiola rosea root
- 1 cup of water (250 ml).
Preparation mode
In a saucepan, combine the ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes. After boiling, let the liquid stand for 4 hours. After that time, strain and drink twice a day. Preferably once after breakfast and once after lunch.
Contraindications
Compounds derived from rhodiola rosea should not be used in children under 12 years of age and by patients who are sensitive to any of the components.
People with a history of heart disease or who are taking medicines for cardiovascular disorders should consult a specialist physician before using this plant.
These compounds should also not be used by pregnant women without medical advice.
Side Effects and Precautions
The use of rhodiola rosea is considered safe, and usually does not have significant side effects. However, it is important to comply with the amount indicated for daily consumption, since overdose can lead to tachycardia, psychic agitation and insomnia .
General characteristics of rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea is abundant in cold climate regions, being present in mountainous areas both in Europe and Asia. It has yellow flowers and its stems can reach 70 centimeters in height.
Curiosity: its roots, when cut, give off rose fragrance.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.