Known as the golden rootnot so much for its color as for its value, the rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) It is considered a medicinal wonder, which has only recently begun to receive deserved attention in the West.

Its healing virtues were well known since ancient times in the East and it is known that Chinese emperors promoted long expeditions to Siberia, where it seems to originate, to obtain this plant.

Native peoples of Siberia and Mongolia have also been using it for centuries to gain physical resistance, as well as to overcome adverse situations and physical and mental weakness.

In Russia it is possible to find rhodiola-based energy drinks and it is known that cosmonauts used it in space. Nevertheless, rhodiola is not a plant foreign to our flora. It also grows in the Pyrenees, in rocky terrain and along the banks of torrents.

What is rhodiola?

The rhodiola (Sedum rosea or Rhodiola rosea) is a succulent plantwith pointed leaves bluish green and whitish or yellowish flowers, with red dots. It blooms in summer and has a pleasant aroma, reminiscent of roses.

For medicinal purposes the root is harvestedat the end of summer or already in autumn.

Proliferates in humid environmentswith a marked Atlantic character, between 1,700 and almost 3,000 meters above sea level, on rock formations and next to streams.

With some grandiloquence, it has come to be baptized as the «Nordic ginseng», for its tonic and adaptogenic virtuescomparable to those of different ginsengs.

It is certainly a common plant in Scandinavian countriesScotland, Iceland and Russia. However, it also grows in our country, in the Pyrenees, although there is no tradition of collecting it and it is, in fact, a scarce plant that must be respected.

The one we find in herbalists comes from Russia or China. It is considered the first one is betterabout twice as powerful, although it is also more expensive.

Medicinal properties of rhodiola

Rhodiola contains polyphenols, rhodioloside and rosavin, and adaptogenic, stimulating and restorative effects are attributed to it. It is very suitable for helping the body adapt to a difficult, adverse or changing situation.

The passage of time causes wear and tear on the body’s vital functions, including the ability of cells to metabolize energy, which decreases significantly.

rhodiola root appears as a natural support for increase physical vitalitycombat fatigue, increase resistance capacity and improve concentration.

It is advisable in situations of astheniafatigue and weakness. It contains different active ingredients such as rosavin, salidrosides (rhodioloside) and polyphenols, which give it adaptogenic properties, anti-stress, antidepressantsfatigue relievers, antioxidants and immunostimulants.

He adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a biochemical instrument that together with creatine phosphate (CP) constitute the pathways to store and use the energy that the body demands during more or less intense physical exercise. The body receives energy through several systems, from phosphates or glycogens.

The energy produced by ATP is primarily used for the first three seconds of effort, then it decreases. For replenish lost ATP levelsmuscle cells have phosphocreatine.

With age this ability to generate creatine levels decreases. This is where rhodiola is effectivesince by raising the levels of ATP and creatine it partially counteracts this process.

Rhodiola against stress

Rhodiola also stands out as a very useful plant against excessive or prolonged stress. It has been shown that it affects the adrenal glands and the hypothalamus, which is where the hormonal response to stress is triggered.

When the stress reaction system is overstimulated More or less chronically, it is easy to feel anxious, depressed, irritated or even very fatigued.

The root of rhodiola It also helps to rebalance the body’s response to stress, reducing levels of anxiety or nervousness, and reinforces serenity and the ability to face difficult situations, which provides greater well-being.

High levels of the hormone cortisol, caused by excessive stress, can translate into more or less persistent episodes of insomnia. Rhodiola improves sleep quality by presenting a reducing effect on cortisol.

By reducing the incidence of stress, rhodiola enhances the body’s immune response and hinders the action of infectious agents.

His adaptogenic action It is considered even superior to that of eleutherococcus and its effect is more immediate. Although there is no scientific certification to support it, defenders of the benefits of this Arctic root also include among its virtues the ability to promote sexual response, increase libidoespecially on men, and to have a very positive impact on sexual activity. It is also part of the plant’s fame.

What is rhodiola used for?

Although it is mainly intended for relieve states of fatigue, weakness and lack of motivationrhodiola has other health benefits:

• Different double-blind clinical studies have provided positive conclusions about the use of this plant. to promote mental acuity and the ability to concentrate.
• Other studies carried out in Belgium showed positive results on its effectiveness in increasing physical resistance when taken in doses of 200 mg one hour before starting physical exercise. It is, therefore, a first-class ally. for athletesespecially those of resistance.
• No less important is its capacity to strengthen the immune responseoften diminished by stress, which increases vulnerability to infections and attack by toxic agents.
• Besides, It is attributed, as is the case with ginseng, certain libido-stimulating effectand It has been indicated to improve male sexual responsebut there is no scientific evidence on this point.
• As a mild antidepressantit is indicated especially in women in menopause.

How to take rhodiola? Dosage and home remedies

Can buy rhodiola root in bulkchopped, for decoction, or in capsules and tablets.

The recommended generic doses are from 170 to 185 mg dailywith which an absorption of 4.5 mg rhodiolosideits most therapeutically active component. Before taking any type of plant, we recommend that you consult with a specialist.

Infusion to deal with stressful situations

This adaptogenic herbal tea combine rhodiola with plants stimulating effect that reinforce their action against stress.

How is it prepared: Rhodiola is mixed with savory, rosemary and eleutherococcus or Siberian ginseng. One level tablespoon of the mixture per quarter of a liter of water is enough. Boil it for 3 minutes and let it rest for another 10. Strain it and, if you want to sweeten it, add rosemary honey, for example.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”