Drug info - Rhodiola rosea

[sunyata]

This is agreat herb that can be used for many things:

-Reduces physical and mental stress
-Increases vitality
-Depression
-Impotens
-Weak heart

This herb is defined as an adaptogen(endurance enhancer) and is considered to be more effective than Ginseng and with less side-effects. Here are some quotes about Rhodiola:

Rhodiola appears to work by influencing key central nervous system chemicals--neurotransmitters called monoamines (dopamine and serotonin are examples). An imbalance of monoamines is believed to be involved in several hard-to-treat illnesses, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD); some herbalists believe taking rhodiola to normalize monoamine levels may benefit these ailments.

In contrast, most other adaptogens, such as Siberian ginseng, seem to boost the body's reserves by enhancing the output of stress-fighting hormones from the adrenal glands.

Other studies on rhodiola have shown benefits in such varied areas as increased learning capacity and memory enhancement, regulation of menstrual periods and infertility, reduction of side effects from cancer chemotherapy, increased sexual libido and erectile dysfunction, enhancement of thyroid gland function, increased capacity for work and endurance, and protection from environmental toxins.
To improve work endurance capacity and prevent stress-related illness: 100 to 200 mg three times a day in preparation for a stressful situation (increased workload, exposure to pollutants, and so on).

For chronic fatigue syndrome: 100 mg standardized to 3% rosavin, two or three times a day; dose may be increased to 200 mg three times a day if needed.

For an anticipated episode of acute stress, e.g., final examinations, an oral presentation: 200 mg 3 times a day.

Guidelines for Use
Rhodiola has been safely administered for periods ranging from one day to four months.
Until more specific information is available about long-term supplementation, take a one- to two-week pause in your daily rhodiola regimen at least every three months to give your body a rest. In other words, keep to repeat cycles separated by short intervals of no supplementation.

General Interaction
There are no known drug or nutrient interactions associated with Rhodiola rosea. However, much remains to be learned about this herb and how it may interact with other adaptogens, such as Siberian ginseng, as well as with other dietary supplements.

Possible Side Effects
Irritability and insomnia may be a risk with high doses of rhodiola. A high dose is considered to be daily intakes of 1,500 to 2,000 mg and above of a Rhodiola rosea extract standardized to contain 2% rosavin.

Cautions
Care should be taken when using this herb. Research on R. rosea is still in its early stages, even though Russian scientists have studied the herb intensively. Clinical trials and more study are needed, however, before it's clear just what the plant can or can't do, and whether it may be harmful in certain circumstances.
Don't take rhodiola during pregnancy or while breast-feeding; risks have not been adequately studied.
Because of its stimulating nature, rhodiola should be avoided by individuals with bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder.

The plant grows in abundance where I live and I have made a tincture from the roots that work very nice. It makes you feel very refreshed in the morning if you're hung-over from too much weed smoking. Foul taste though. I've read stories about Sibirians who take a lot of this root when they want to get high, but this is probably not something one should do often and I have no experience with large doses of it. Two tablesoons of tincture is enough for me. Here's a quick recipe of the tincture:

You need: 50-70% alcohol, chopped(the finer the better) Rhodiola Rosea, pickle jar(s).
Chop the root as finely as possible, fill the pickle jar until it's 3/5 full, fill the rest of the jar with alcohol and put the lid on(needs to be airtight). Shake it once a day and let it sit for a minimum of 3 weeks, the longer you let it sit, the stronger it gets.
The alcohol should now have turned deep red and is ready to be separated from the chopped root. Use a coffee filter for this. Your tincture is now ready.
Harvest from plants that are at least five years old, the root is what contains the good stuff.
Here's a picture of the plant in question:

Reputation Comments on this post:

	excellent...have always been interested in Rhodiola
	nice info on this herb
	great post keep up the good work. there needs to be more posts in the ethnobotanicals like this