Rhodiola rosea
By: Rhodiola

The positive role of herbs in human health has become an accepted truth, even within the mainstream medical community, and the value of the adaptogenic herbs in particular is receiving much attention. Adaptogenic herbs encourage the body to adapt to change, improve performance and increase resistance to disease. The most popular adaptogen available today is undoubtedly ginseng, a herbal family that has earned a reputation around the world for its special abilities. While ginseng has been in the world’s spotlight, a lesser-known herb, Rhodiola rosea has been receiving considerable acclaim in Russia. Russian herbalists consider Rhodiola’s attributes to go above and beyond those of ginseng. Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb, which can help the body better cope with change whether the change be physical, mental or environmental. Adaptogens trigger the body’s normal basic and vital functions, allowing it to carry on its normal processes in an optimum state. This adaptogenic activity can help individuals avoid the need for stimulant or tranquillising foods, drinks or preparations. Athletes and frequent world travellers choose to supplement with Rhodiola rosea on a regular basis. Alongside the B-complex vitamins, Rhodiola rosea has a supportive role to the adrenal system, the centre of your ‘fight or flight’ mechanism. The B-complex and Rhodiola rosea work well together as an excellent all-round adrenal support programme. This adaptogenic activity can help alleviate the following health conditions: Depression Depression is a consequence of insufficient serotonin levels in the body brought about by various stimuli. Active compounds found within rhodiola (rosavin and salidroside) improve the passage of serotonin precursors through the blood-brain barrier. Research has also shown rhodiola to help preserve serotonin by inhibiting the activity of COMT (catechol-o-methyl transferase) rhodiola can increase serotonin by 30% and decrease COMT by up to 60%. The heart By decreasing the release of catecholamines and corticosteroids triggered during the stress response, rhodiola has a positive effect on preventing cardiac damage. Rhodiola’s support of the adrenal glands may also explain its ability to help normalize blood sugar, potassium levels and blood pressure reducing risk factors in heart disease. The immune system When the body is placed in a stressful situation the immune system becomes surpressed in order for the body to use that energy to fuel other responses in the fight or flight mode. By helping the body to resist stress rhodiola aids in immune system support. Stress has also been shown to reduce natural killer cell activity. Rhodiola used in experiments helped to increase the activity of natural killer cells. Physical and mental performance Rhodiola has been shown to increase the levels of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and creatine phosphate in muscle tissue. The level of fatty acids in the blood has also been shown to increase with the use of rhodiola. Some research shows that lower levels of dopamine and norepinephrine increase the mental capacity of the brain. Because of rhodiola’s ability to regulate the release of these hormones, improved mental performance has been noted. Anecdotal evidence indicates a positive benefit to sexual potency and performance. Other benefits Blood sugar maintenance, protection against gum disease, anti-aging, liver protection Supplement with B-Complex vitamins Rhodiola works particularly well when combined with the B-Complex vitamins. The B-complex helps convert food into energy. Vitamin B5 especially, helps support the adrenal glands and reduces stress levels. Prozac, St John’s Wort and Rhodiola – different actions We have seen that depression can be due to low levels of serotonin. Prozac effectively puts a cork on the cell to stop serotonin leaking. St John’s Wort has a gentler action. It is a MAO inhibitor, (MAO breaks down serotonin). Rhodiola effects a balancing action on serotonin by enhancing the production, distribution and uptake of key nutrients essential for the production of serotonin in the brain. St John’s Wort can effect the utilisation of orthodox drugs. St John’s Wort appears to enhance their utilisation and excretion through the liver. There is no evidence to conclude that Rhodiola would have a similar effect on the liver. Contraindications Although rare certain individuals who experience nervous excitability, feverish states, exhaustion of the cortical cells, should not use rhodiola unless supervised by a qualified practitioner. Persons who experience coronary spasm and fluctuations in arterial pressure should also use under supervision. REFERENCES C Germano & Z Ramazanov. Arctic Root (Rhodiola Rosea) The Powerful New Ginseng Alternative. Kensington Books NY, USA. 1999.
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