Advertising

Rhodiola is the Answer to Stress and Anxiety

| Print |

E-mail

Written by Keith Woolley

Wednesday, 26 March 2008

by KeithWoolley

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.

Despite its long history, the Western world has only recently become aware of the health benefits of Rhodiola Rosea. It has come to the attention of many natural health practitioners because of studies which tested 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 this fantastic root show that it not only stimulates neurotransmitters and enhances their effects on the brain but also enhances 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 it's effects on biological, chemical and physical stress.

A study was performed to test the effects of Rhodiola Rosea when stress is caused by intense mental work (such as final exams). Such tests concluded that using Rhodiola Rosea improved the amount and quality of work, increasing mental clarity and reducing the effects of fatigue.

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.

This report included details of studies which highlight the overall health benefits of Rhodiola Rosea.

The generally accepted recommended dose is 200-600mg/day. The active properties should be a minimum 0.8 percent salidroside and 3 percent rosavin.

It is important for anyone considering the benefits of Rhodiola that it may be sold using other species that do not share the properties of Rhodiola Rosea, or at strengths considered innefective for treatment. Anyone with chronic depression or serious anxiety should also check with a health professional when treating these symptoms.

The more authentic information about Rhodiola you know, the more likely people are to consider you a Rhodiola expert. Read on for even more Rhodiola facts that you can share.

About the Author:

Keith Woolley is Chief Scientific Director of Boots Herbal Stores, in the United Kingdom. Rhodiola Rosea is one of the herbs that is now realising world wide attention. For more Information on Rhodiola Rosea Click Here. Again, take care of poor brands and potencies that will be effective.

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.