The Energetics Of Rhodiola
Rhodiola is a relatively new herb and supplement in the American market, however it has a long history of use in Russia and Europe. In my personal and professional practice it has proven itself over the years as an outstanding adaptogen and it’s one of the few herbs that I carry as single herb rather than a combination. It is proving to be a solid asset in my own Covid recovery and that of clients.
Let’s take a look at this fascinating herb.
Rhodiola rosea is a member of the Crassulaceae family along with sedum and stonecrop. No relation to true roses, its name is derived from its rose-like fragrance. Also known as Roseroot, Aaron’s rod, Artic roseroot, and Golden Root, the rhizome has an outer golden skin and lovely inner pink flesh. It thrives in cold regions on rocky mountain slopes from 11,000-16,000 feet and is found throughout the world from the Arctic, Central Asia and the Rocky Mountains to the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Carpathian Mountains, Ireland and Iceland. Why do I mention where it grows? We recognize that ‘like begets like’ when it comes to the energetics of foods and herbs. This tenacious, hardy little plant will transmit its characteristics over to you.
Traditionally, rhodiola has been used in Russian and European cultures for thousands of years as a tonic, to strengthen athletes or to relieve common bronchial symptoms. Since the early 1960’s more than 200 peer-reviewed pharmacological, phytochemical, and clinical studies have been published on rhodiola, with rhodiola rosea is the variety most that has been most studied. It is certified safe for both animal and human use. Most of the studies look at rhodiola’s properties as an adaptogen.
What is an adaptogen
The category of adaptogen herbs and foods is broad and beautiful. It includes ginseng, maca, nettle, rose hips, licorice, elderberry, royal jelly, raspberry leaf and many others. Seriously, the category is huge, which points to the importance of having these foods and herbs show up in our diet.
Adaptogens help us adapt. They regulate, harmonize, strengthen the whole body - the immune, respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebral, and endocrine system. They help maintain the body’s homeo-dynamic balance and help us adapt to life stressors. They assist us in adapting to change due to stress and weather changes.
Adaptogens generally have little to no toxicity or side effects at normal dosages. They are rarely used in times of acute illness such as when you are fighting a cold, flu, acute stomach distress, or a virus. Rather they are used in times of general health and recovery. They can be used for long periods of times at low, gentle dosing with breaks here and there. It’s about the nuance and subtly.
Rhodiola’s actions and functions in Western terms
Well researched, rhodiola rosea is a ‘kingly’ herb, influencing the entire body, mind and spirit. I’ll try to keep this short and sweet so your eyes don’t glaze over.
Rhodiola —
Overall strengthening — Increases physical strength, endurance, sexual functioning, and resistance to disease. It decreases recovery time from illness. Combined with Hippophae, rhodiola is currently being used in the treatment of altitude sickness.
Cardio protective — Regulates heart and blood pressure, reduces stress induced arrhythmia, regulates circulation.
Regulates the endocrine system and hormones — It specifically enhances the functions of the thyroid gland, adrenals, and ovaries. It helps stabilize moods and lifts depression.
Protects the brain — Rhodiola protects the brain by inhibiting the enzymatic decline of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, due to excessive stress hormone release. It increases focus and memory. Studies indicate that the herb can enhance transport of serotonin’s precursors into the brain increasing overall brain serotonin levels by up to 30%.
Anti-tumor, anti-toxic, anti- mestatic and helps protect during chemo and radiation treatment.
Recent studies indicate that rhodiola helps increase tolerance to hypoxia, microwave irradiation, strychnine poisoning and other toxins.
Rhodiola Rosea also regulates leukocyte (white blood cell) count and blood glucose.
The active constituents of rhodiola include: flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol), condensed flavonoids (polyphenols, mainly gallic acid and epigallocatechin), cyanoglycosides (histamine response inhibitors), and rosea, which is deemed the main active ingredient by nearly all authorities.
Asian medicine (Chinese medicine) energetics of rhodiola
Called ‘hongjingtian’ by the Chinese, (hong = red, jingtian = view of heaven, referring to its growth in high altitudes and the small cluster blossoms that look toward heaven.) 红景天. China lists nearly seventy varieties of rhodiola with recent research conducted on over 20 of these varieties.
Energetics and functions
Rhodiola is slightly cooling and astringing. It harmonizes, tonifies Qi, Blood & Yang
Tonifies Qi, Blood and Fluids — Strengthens the entire being.
Tonifies and strengthens the Lungs — Increases Wei Qi, improves the descending and dispersing function and overall generation of Qi. Breathe better, have better immunity and greater endurance.
Enters the Spleen —Improves digestive vitality and the transformation of foods into vital essences. Generates strength in the muscles, helps hold the organs in place.
Strengthens Kidneys and nourishes Jing — The Kidneys are the source of Yin and Yang in the body. Slows aging, improves memory, and sexual functions.
Protects Heart and Heart Envelope — Aids in Blood circulation, regulates the Heart rate and comforts Shen (spirit), lifts depression and calms the spirit.
Dosage
• Available in capsule, tablets and tincture.
• Look for a standardized formula with a 3:1 ratio of rosavins to salidroside. Do not use artificially synthesized forms as not all active components of Rhodiola have been identified and artificially produced forms would be lacking in unidentified components.
• Standard dose: 100 mg 2 times a day
• High doses are over 1,000 mg a day—yet no toxicity levels have been sited. This would be dosing that a mountain climber or Olympic athlete might be using. Not your everyday dosing.
• May be increase to 200 mg three times day if needed.
• Recent Swedish clinical trials for depression in 18-70 year olds sited effective results with dosages of 340-680 mg per day with no side effects demonstrated at these doses.
Toxicity and Contraindications
None noted to date, yet most current research is aimed at rhodiola’s adaptogenic properties rather than treatment of lung issues.
Take early in the day as it may increase anxiety or hyper states and interfere with sleep. Reduce or stop if you become excited or jittery.
Because of its astringing nature, caution should be used with those who are overly tight and Yin deficient, or it should be used in a formulation that nourishes Yin.
Check with your Asian medicine practitioner or herbalist to see if rhodiola may be a match for you.
Be well,
April
References:
Plants for a Future online: http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Rhodiola+rosea
Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism: Donald Yance, CN, MH, RH(AGH)
NCBI PUB/MED: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18536978
Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains: Harrington. H. D.. University of New Mexico
Tibetan Herbal Medicine: Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon
Inner Traditions Medicine online:http://www.itmonline.org/arts/tibherbs.htm
