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Rhodiola Cures and Side Effects

Updated: 10/04/2008

Rhodiola is a powerful anti-aging and anti-stress formula that is very popular in Russia. It is finally gaining momentum in Europe and North America. In Russia, Rhodiola is commonly given to astronauts, soldiers, athletes and aging political leaders! It reportedly helps with fatigue and mental performance. Athletes take it to improve endurance & performance as it aids in the restoration of strength with increased physical loads. We know people taking Rhodiola who are severely sleep-deprived due to odd working hours or stress. Rather than walking zombies, they are alert and well functioning. The difference is quite amazing apparently.

Rhodiola is typically taken by long distance drivers, flight personnel, traffic controllers and the elderly for increased attention.

Soviet studies have shown that Rhodiola rosea, when combined with physical exercise, can be a powerful tool in weight reduction as it activates of fat-tissue lipase, resulting in the breakdown of stored fat.

A Chinese animal study has shown that Rhodiola slowed heart rate and lowered blood pressure. Russian and Korean animal studies have shown that rhodiola protects the liver and can help it recover from exposure to certain poisons.

Rhodiola is known to be a powerful antioxidant and may be used in treating cancer. Studies have shown that rhodiola reduced the cell mutations associated with cancer as well as help the body's ability to repair DNA mutations.

WARNINGS:  Rhodiola can cause anxiety and the "jitters".  Be cautious about buying a brand that also contains caffeine.

DOSAGE:
The typical amounts of Rhodiola are 200 - 600 mg per day of a Rhodiola rosea extract standardized to contain 2-3% rosavins and 0.8-1% salidroside. Rhodiola is taken with water before meals or at meals.

You should buy only Rhodiola of Russian origin with key active components of Rosavin, Rosarin and Rosin. Be careful -- in the USA, Rhodiola rosea formulas sold as "Tibetan" Rhodiola or Chinese Rhodiola contain no active components. These formulas lack the key ingredient Rosavins while they are high in Salidroside. Supposedly, only Rhodiola from West and North Siberia contains the critical components of Rosavin, Rosarin and Salidroside.

Interestingly, it has been noted that Rhodiola has a stimulating effect at lower amounts and a sedating effect at higher amounts. A high dose of Rhodiola extract is considered to be daily intakes of 1,500 - 2,000 mg and above.

Do you take this herb? If so, please write to us and let us know what you think.

ANXIETY

1 YEA   

[YEA]  05/13/2008: Barbara from Minneapolis, MN writes: "Works within an hour. I have outrageous anxiety. Glad I found this web site for an herbal remedy."

07/02/2008: Clara from West Palm Beach, Florida replies: "Barbara: What brand of Rhodiola do you use and dose? Thank you."

DOSAGES

1 YEA   

[YEA]  02/19/2008: Coach from USA, USA writes: "Rhodiola at low doses will give a stimulatory effect and at higher doses of the higher quality 5% Rosavins Rhodiola will give you a calming effect."

ENERGY

05/22/2008: Chris Bates (nigel@bates5442.freeserve.co.uk) from Derby, England writes: "I'm on rhodiola rosea rosavin. very important, been on this for 3 years now. it's a miracle. I'm 46, work 12 hour days plus sat morning. Up at 430am, back home 700pm every night, working in hot laundry. adaption rate is every day. I just get stronger every day, stress easy to cope with, I could go on all day. I'm so happy. I'm paid the minmum wage, but that's not important. I know at the end ov the day that I will be stronger the next day. more people need to know about this supplement."

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ENERGY, ALLERGIES, IMMUNE SYSTEM

1 YEA   

[YEA]  08/28/2006: Tami from Tuscon, AZ writes: "Rhodiola is a wonder herb. It has increased my energy and mental abilities, cured seasonal allergy attacks, and increased my immune system so I don't get sick nearly as often as I used to."

SIDE EFFECTS

6 SIDE EFFECTS   

[SIDE EFFECTS]  10/04/2008: Louise from NSW, Australia writes: "I started using Rhodila Rosea 500mg after reading how it increases energy. I started taking 1 capsule 1/2 hr before breakfast and it made me VERY tired. I then tried 250mg (1/2 capsule)...same effects...so I diluted 1 500mg capsule in 250 ml water and took 50ml equalling
100mg and I still get tired (not as much) but very moody. My sister gets the same effects as I do."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  07/14/2008: David (djwyninger@comcast.net) from Portland, Oregon writes: "For about six months I've been taking Rhodiola (Rosavin Plus standarized 3% Siberian Rhodiola rosea, RosaFactor 300 mg.) for depression and fatigue. For some weeks now I have been suffering headaches, eye irritation, and general tiredness. I have also had some heart arrhythmia. My doctor can find no other cause of these symptoms and recommends that I stop taking this herb and see if there is improvement. I will report what happens and would like to hear from others who may have had negative side-effects to Rhodiola. DJW"

05/25/2008: Sally from Birmingham, England writes: "i've been using the Rhodiola for a few days, but only one a day. I read the post about someone taking two close together and feeling restless and jittery, and i've been feeling a bit like that. Does that mean i shouldn't take it at all?

Also, my husband has tendonitis in shoulder, any natural remedies. He is taking a capsule of msm; hydrocloride glucosamide; and bought a some turmeric but only used that once or twice. Someone mentioned Black strap molasses for arthritis, would that work? i have some in cupboard."

EC: Possible pages of interest:
http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/bursitis.html
http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/arthritis.html

05/26/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Yes, there is something else that will help your husband's shoulder bursitis. If you know what poke sallet (pokeweed) is, they are just now beginning to blossom and you'll have to wait until they ripen this fall to gather them to take. Contrary to popular belief, they are not poisonous. I have been taking them for 30+ years and I'm still here to answer your question. If you want to know how to take them, I started taking 3 or 4 berries 4 times a day and kept increasing them until I was taking about 20 to 25 berries 4 times a day. Several years after starting them, I read that if you extracted them in alcohol or vinegar, it stayed good for several years but dehydrating them, they were only good for 6 months or so. If you care to get into this, there are many books (or on line information) you can find. A general rule of thumb for beginners is that when using fresh herbs - l part herb to l part diluent used to extract: when using dry herbs use 2 parts diluent to l part dries herb. If you want to research poke berries - google pokeweed instead of poke sallet."

02/06/2008: Rae from Hackensack, NJ writes: "I sent feedback about a week ago about a rash as a possible side effect from Rhodiola (500mg for depression) but I was also taking St John's Wort (900mg). I did more research and found some people have had an itchy rash in response to St. John's Wort! I tried the St. John's again and the same thing happened.  Now I'm on the Rhodiola and 5 htp (50mg)and so far so good."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  01/31/2008: Rae from Hackensack, NJ writes: "I have been taking about 50mg 5 htp with 900mg St. Johns Wort daily to treat my depression with good results. Then I read about Rhodiola and I started taking a 500mg capsule daily. But after 1-2 day I noticed an itchy rash on my face and legs.  I'm not sure if it's the Rhodiola or a combination of all or two of the herbs.  I have stopped the Rhodiola for now but will begin again at a lower dose once the rash has cleared.  I haven't found much about side effects with the Rhodiola but wondered if anyone had a similar experience."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  10/23/2007: Mary from bayonne, nj writes: "I tried rhodiola after reading about all the benefits. What I experiences was a menstrual cycle that was near hemorraging. I immediately quit using it and my cycle returned to normal. There is very little, if any, hard science out there on this product and a whole lot of buzz. I would be careful."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  04/05/2007: Clara from New York City, USA writes: "I recently started taking rhodiola and vitamin E in the mornings and afternoons, and I've noticed a huge difference in my energy levels. My skin is more radiant, and I have a lot more energy than I used to. However, a word of caution -- two rhodiola capsules per day might be too much for some people. I noticed that after the afternoon dose I was feeling a little nervous, jittery, and restless, so now I take only one rhodiola capsule in the morning, and I take the vitamin E in the morning and afternoon, and it seems to work better for me. I'd highly recommend this remedy, but be careful with rhodiola if you're at all prone to nervousness and/or panic attacks."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  02/19/2007: Artemis from Bismarck, ND writes: "I started Rhodiola about a week ago for the "fountain of youth" benefit. When I added the Vitamine E, I experienced severe, nearly arthritic pain in joints and muscles. I have not experienced the improved sleep pattern, either. I plan to stop the herb a few days then restart on lower dosage."

SKIN

3 YEA   

[YEA]  05/13/2008: Anonymous from Simi Valley, California writes: "Rhodiola Feedback: I take 8 grams a day at night before i go to sleep for skin lightening effects. I started on a high dosage a month ago and never had any side effects. I'm 18, have a history of acute asthma, mild depression, tiredness, and get migraines. When I take it without food, which i usually do, it makes my heart race a little and it is hard to focus. I sleep fine, and wake up earlier. I wouldn't take it in the morning or before doing anything exciting or mentally demanding. My skin feels amazingly soft, but i haven't noticed any lightening."

[YEA]  11/02/2007: Tanya from Buffalo, NY writes: "[QUESTION]' I wanted to know if Rhodiola is suitable for the person who has severe anxiety/panic disorder (major symptoms lightheadedness, dizziness, faiting)? Did somebody have any positive results with it for the above mentioned symptoms? Thanks"

08/22/2008: Robert from Manhattan, New York replies: "Tanya, being prone to panic attacks myself, I have learned to stay away from many stimulants, especially caffiene. Rhodiola seemed to excite more than calm me. Above all, I would recommend Magnesium. And occasional use of Valerian, which can be sleep inducing. Also Ashwaganda is a good adaptogen with calming qualities."

08/23/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello Robert, I agree with you that magnesium will help with those panic attacks. However, I do suggest that you google "excitotoxins" and do an honest evaluation of how much of two of the major excitotoxins you are ingesting (monosodium glutamate or MSG and aspartame or nutri-sweet), as both of these are known to cause mood swings and panic attacks. You are in for a rude awakening if you think MSG is only ingested when you eat Chinese, Asian or stirfried foods. Interestingly enough, magnesium competes with the same sites with MSG, but removing the excitotoxins makes more sense than continuing to ingest them and hoping you are getting enough magnesium to counteract same. If you are still having the panic attacks, you obviously aren't."

09/21/2008: Robert from Manhattan, NY replies: "Thanks Joyce...

08/23/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello Robert, I agree with you that magnesium will help with those panic attacks. However, I do suggest that you google "excitotoxins" and do an honest evaluation of how much of two of the major excitotoxins you are ingesting (monosodium glutamate or MSG and aspartame or nutri-sweet), as both of these are known to cause mood swings and panic attacks. You are in for a rude awakening if you think MSG is only ingested when you eat Chinese, Asian or stirfried foods. Interestingly enough, magnesium competes with the same sites with MSG, but removing the excitotoxins makes more sense than continuing to ingest them and hoping you are getting enough magnesium to counteract same. If you are still having the panic attacks, you obviously aren't."

Yes, I stay away from those additives. Stress is accumulative and it just piles up living in NYC. I know my sources, a long running litigation, money, and loss. Add a little genetics to the mix and you start to have panic attacks. In an effort to keep on top of it, I take a vigorous yoga class 3 to 4 times a week, and the above mentioned supplements. Getting out in nature would work wonders as well."

[YEA]  08/22/2006: Joanna from Boston writes: "Rhodiola is one of the best supplements to take for the skin. I think it should be taken with Vitamin E and Flax Seed oil for best results."

STRESS, FATIGUE, DEPRESSION

11 YEA   

[YEA]  04/08/2008: Mary from Newport News, VA writes: "Wow! Where do I start. I have been obsessed with your website for a couple of months now. It started when I was looking for an alternative to visiting a Dr. yet again for recurring UTI's and yeast infections. Well, that was easy. I started using Borax, Sea Salt, and I started oil pulling. These of course gave me more benefits than just no UTI's, or yeast infections. This has been an expensive venture. I am constantly browsing natural food stores, and have used several other remedies. My sunuses are amazingly better, and I think one of my favorite discoveries here is VCO. I am a youthful looking 49 year old. But I have always had very oily skin and have fought acne my entire life. I started washing with Baking Soda, using a ACV toner and following with VCO. No more acne. NONE! I bathe in Borax and Epsom Salt and use VCO as a moisturizer. My cellulite is going away. And, the rest of my skin seems to be doing an age reversal. I have a lot of sun damage for years in the sun in my youth in California. And the main reason I am praising this site; after having such amazing results from all I have listed so far. I was given the courage to stop taking my antidepressants. I have clinical depression. One of those things that runs in the family. I was convinced that I would be on antidepressants for the rest of my life. There was no way I was going to risk feeling like I remember feeling. I started lowering my dosages (I was taking Wellbutrin and Zoloft without any noticable side effects). I purchased some Rhdiola, and just waited to see what would happen when I stopped completely. Keeping the Rhodiola handy for when/if I needed it. Last night I was really edgy. I was very crabby with my kids (I got a late start here and have three at home, ages 15, 13 & 8) until one of them asked me about my medications, and I realized where I was. Later I found myself on the verge of tears for no good reason. I took my first Rhodiola this morning, and within a few hours knew I was feeling better. I took another one before lunch, and I cannot believe how good I feel. IT WORKS! I never would have believed anyone would get me off my medications. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU! And I'm sure my kids thank you. Now I will be looking for the 5htp."

[YEA]  03/25/2008: Sara from West Palm Beach, Florida USA writes: "I took this for fatigue, stress and a bit of low mood. I took it for 2 months and noticed I wasn't tired anymore and could deal with things more. I finally had energy to do things that I didn't before . Caffeine didn't work because I believe I stressed out the adrenals.

I really noticed that this worked when I stopped taking it for a week to cycle it. Back to being tired and not wanting to do much.

This herb has given me my life back. It sounds cliche, but it's true."

[YEA]  02/21/2008: RR from Vancouver, Canada writes: "Rhodiola is amazing! I've been taking rr for about 6 months with fantastic improvements. I suffer from major anxiety/stress disorder, minor depression, was taking effexor xr for 5 years prior to this wonderful herb..the effexor caused me to gain 35lbs, made me sweat heavily, and actually gave me more anxiety, the sweating is still a problem, but is getting much better since taking rhodiola, almost gone, except when i get really anxious - socially, i start to sweat from my head/face..which is pretty dam embarrassing..DONT TAKE EFFEXOR! as this never happened before even with the anxiety i had.
Since taking rhodiola and stopping the effexor..i've lost the 35lbs that i gained..alot faster then iv'e ever lost weight before...so YES..it does help you lose weight..as long as you exercise hard and eat reasonably healthy.  I dont eat that great, still eat pizza,wings, and drink beer occasionally. Just cut that deep fried food..mcd's etc to a minimum. EXERCISE is the key to losing weight with this herb, although when i took a break from working out...i still dropped a couple pounds.

Thanks to rhodiola, i'm almost back to my old self, except for this lingering little bit of anxiety. rhodiola works best with other herbs, acutally makes those other herbs work better then if u were to take them alone. My stress is so dramatically reduced, i almost feel normal again.

I'm currently on the search for the best combination to combat this left over anxiety issue, looks like i'll try 5-htp as people seem to have success with this combo.

I've been using the Arctic Root brand, from proactivebio, and currently trying out the
Ameriden brand..just google ameriden..you'll find it...apparantly its from Siberia where this
root was first discovered.

And as far as i know..you cannot grow it properly here, the active compounds will not be present
if grown here, needs that cold arctic condition to grow properly.

U have nothing but to benefit from taking this herb. I'm getting my whole family on it now!

and usually takes about 2-3 weeks before you really notice the effects!"

06/03/2008: Yves (ycloutier2000[@]yahoo.ca) from Kapuskasing, Ontario replies: "Rhodiola Feedback: Hi, this is for RR from Vancouver. I am wondering what your regimen is (dosage, time of day etc), and if you have found your solution for the remaining anxiety. Long story short I have been suffering terribly from anxiety symptoms, OCD, depression, fatigue etc.. I had tried many years to manage naturally through yoga and other means, but I was forced to realize how I have not been managing at all. Still wanting to find a natural way of doing it(I have taken meds when I was a teen) I discovered Rhodiola 2 weeks ago. Like everyone else it is amazing herb. But I'm still working out my dosage - like you still having a bit of anxiety symptoms left (tight throat). I got some L-Theanine and 5 HTP today and will see what that does. BUT, I also found this product called ESKALOFT which combines Rhodiola, St-John's Wort Extract, B6, Theanine, 5 HTP and a bit of naturally occuring lithium. I have ordered and am waiting for that. I think this one might be a winner. Anyway, please contact me about your current regimen."

[YEA]  01/18/2008: S. B. from Louisville, KY writes: "Just wanted to echo the positive experiences reported here. After a bit of internet research, I kind of guessed at a regimen that might work for me, which is one 250mg rhodiola capsule before breakfast, one before lunch, and then 50mg 5-HTP before bed. In fact I found this site because I Googled "5-HTP" and "rhodiola" to see if there was any danger in taking them both, but I see several of you have also come up with a similar plan. Very assuring, and I have to say I felt a bit of triumph for having arrived at the same conclusion that others have made of my own accord.

Anyway, I've been taking it for a short while and I am still flabbergasted at how effective it is. I really just can't get over it. I could feel the effects after the very first dose of rhodiola. Not only did it improve my mood, it made me feel, well, happy! And it improved my personality. Low seratonin levels were impacting my life in many negative ways but now I am a new person.

Also it seems to have eliminated my morning headaches and neck stiffness, but I can't say whether that is attributed to the rhodiola or the 5-HTP. From what I've read it may likely be the 5-HTP.

However as others have stated, I would take caution in the dosage of rhodiola. I have found that if I take the afternoon dose too close to the morning dose, I do become a bit jittery and restless. Still happy--not nervous--but jittery and restless nonetheless.

Rhodiola is obviously powerful stuff and I'm sure it's not for everyone, but if you are the type of person that it can benefit, then like the others here that have reported positive experiences, I think you'll be astounded as to how effective it can be."

[YEA]  06/24/2007: Sunni from Seattle, WA writes: "I have suffered from mild to moderate depression my whole life. I've tried many things over the years ... Zoloft, therapy, hypnosis, yoga, seminars ... you name it. Nothing helped much. I had also tried natural supplements like SAM-e, 5-HTP, etc. They help some but not a lot. When I started Rhodiola on the second day I felt transformed! Not only did it lift my depression but it actually made me happy! I wanted to do things, live life! I had enthusiam and energy, which I've never really had my whole life. This wonderful little herb has made me feel the best I've ever felt in my life."

[YEA]  04/03/2007: Margie from Upper Marlboro, Maryland writes: "

While visiting earthclinic's site to see what I could fine to help my anxiety, I saw information about 5HTP as another source to use for anxiety. So I wanted to find out more information about this little pill, because it was a toss up between the two (Rhodiola) I decided to use the Rhodiola which worked out perfect. I then did some more research on 5HTP to see what other benefits it was good for, and I found out that it was recommeded for Fibromyalgia. Such as sleepless nights, waking up 4-5 times in the night, the headaches, the pain in the joints, stiffness upon waking up in morning, I felt like the tin man on the wizard of oz. I also had other related problesm. I have been taking it now for five months and I am a happier person, more energetic, not as moody as before, mine is more clear and well the list goes on, and I don't wake up stiff like before; so getting more rest has made me more alert.

In addition, I have a question for anyone out there to answer if possible. Since I take Rhodiola and 5HTP together I wanted to know if this harmful since both are a mood relaxing vitamin. I take the one for anxiety the other for the Fibroymyalgia. In addition, after reading more information about 5HTP and some side affects I was wondering if I should stop using it for awhile. If anyone has an answer please respond. I want to say though that since I have been using it I have had no side affects that were bad only good ones."

[YEA]  03/20/2007: Raquel (mighty_mouse@comcast.net) from Portland, USA writes: "Hi Everyone! I started taking Rhodies (Rhodiola) because I work nights and have to remain alert. What I didn't expect was the side effects of weight loss, relief of depression and anxiety, increase in mental sharpness, a tremendous amount of energy and increase in strength. It just lifted the "dark cloud" over my head. It really is a super herb! If u are thinking of trying it, just go for it! Regards,"

[YEA]  02/07/2007: Karen from Ft Worth, TX writes: "I often travel internationally on business will be up for up to 36 hours sometimes. I have found that 500mg of high quality Rhodiola (I prefer the Solaray brand) relieves the anxiety and clamminess I feel from lack of sleep. Also keeps me from snapping at my family members as it relieves my gruppiness, too! (I am a 5'8'', 130 lb woman.) Be careful about the brand you choose because there is definitely a difference in quality out there. Check this website's fact sheet on Rhodiola to learn why."

[YEA]  12/13/2006: Margie from Upper Marlboro, MD writes: "I want to thank the person who said that Rhodiola was the best for anxiety attacks. I read the article and immediately searched the internet to find get more information regarding this vitamin. I then went out to get it for my symptoms and it worked. I feel normal again, before I was having a panic attack daily. I didn't know what triggered it, but I was suffering regularly. I also tried the 5HTP and I take them both together, the 5HTP helps with my stiffness in my joints and relaxes my body and mind. I take both daily and had not had any problems in three weeks. It feels good to be normal again."

[YEA]  08/21/2006: Kristine from Belle Chasse, LA writes: "Rhodiola is the best stuff ever for anxiety."

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