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Rhodiola Rosea: Boost Health, Reduce Stress & Aging

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Stamina

1 User Review
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Posted by Daniel (Williams, Or) on 06/15/2015
 ★★★★★

I having been using Rhodiolia for a little over a month, I am 68 and generally in good health, I was having stamina problems hiking with my left calf cramping and the problem seems to be gone, I am taking small doses about ever other day and so far so good, I do feel that my overall stamina and energy is better.

Stress

2 User Reviews
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Posted by Diane (Palos Hills, Il) on 11/23/2013
 ★★★★★

I've experienced positive results from taking a supplement called Rhodiola force 300, by New Chapter. I don't have bipolar disorder but was taking it at an intensely stressful time. What I experienced was amazing. My mood was elevated, I had mental clarity and I was functioning optimally. How many of us can say that on a regular basis? It took the edge completely off, without making me feel wired or tired. It just calmed me the perfect amount. I didn't feel drugged or anything strange- just really well! When I purchased this product, I was told that it was potent. It was recommended by the health food store employee where I frequent. He personally takes the product and was the one to tell me that it was a stress adaptogen, which means that it helps the body deal better with stress. I definitely needed it! I would recommend it for high levels of stress, but cannot speak for anyone having bipolar disorder. I believe there is a less potent Rhodiola product available by New Chapter, also. I've also read that Holy Basil is another stress adaptogen, but haven't tried it.

Stress
Posted by Diane (Alkmaar, Noord Holland, The Netherlands) on 04/11/2010
 ★★★★★

I have been taking Rhodiola rosea for four months, starting at 100mg per day for a few days, then 2oomg for a few weeks, ultimately increasing over the last four months to 1000mg currently, and I have had only positive effects from taking this.
Due to extreme circumstances I found myself, a very sensative and professionally artistic person, before taking the Rhodiola rosea, in a "burn-out" situation, highly stressed, and completely exhausted. This condition lasted 4 years. And doctor's originally wanted to treat me with anti-depressant drugs which I declined, so they prescriped temazapam, and oxzapam, at 10mg, 3 times a day.

I was on those drugs for 2 1/2 years, and felt weak, and had to ultimately take two of the sleeping pills at night, and still found myself in a state of only sleeping 2 1/2 to 6 hours per night. And my condition not improving.

I decided to stop those medicines and take a combination of Bach Flower Remedies, Valarien root at night for sleep, and the Rhodiola rosea (without caffine),which I have been doing for the last 4 months, and I am returning to a more natural way of life without any negative side-effects at all.

Feelings of stress are almost completely gone, sleep has improved to 10 - 12 hours a night (which I never could sleep so long my whole life), I have been able to gain weight with my renewed, proper natural appetite, and I feel much calmer and more centered.

Stress and Anxiety

1 User Review
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Posted by Brittany (Erie, Pa Usa) on 11/15/2009
 ★★★☆☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

I began taking a rhodiola supplement in 300 mg per day. It has not worked miracles, but it seems to help with stress and anxiety by promoting concentration and mood regulation. I seem desensitized to stress but at the same time focused, but sometimes to the point where I am withdrawn and placid, the effect I hear some anti-depressants have. Furthermore, if I stop taking it for even one day, the aches and pain, the impatience and anxiety return in more their usual force. I get the shakes and extreme irritability if I skip taking the herb. Rhodiola does not give me energy the way it effects some people, but it subdues my stress response which allows me to be more productive. I do not think this herb is for me, however; I think it would work better for an athlete or someone who lives in a city and walks places, someone who can take full advantage of the physical adaptogenic qualities. I will try Ashwaganda and hope it subdues less and uplifts more.

Stress, Depression

Posted by Bruce (St Louis, Missouri) on 05/14/2012

I'm sorry. I've read this entire blog and came away with several versions and several dosages. Some from Siberia, Some from Canada, some from Asia.

I need something to relieve my stress and depression I've developed over my wife's diagnosis of advanced cancer. I'm depressed and simply wake up sick to my stomach every morning. This cannot help her either.

Can someone give me a link to a spot that they know works for certain (has the 3% rosavins, salidroside, Siberian, choice of dosages, etc.)?

Thanks to all......

Replied by Debbie
(Melbourne, Australia)
05/14/2012

Bruce, so sorry about your wife. It would make anyone wake up with a sick stomach every morning.

I know you didn't ask about your wife but has she tried Essiac Tea for the cancer? If you go to youtube and search for Rene Caisse, she cured people of even advanced cancer with Essiac Tea in about the 1940's. Many came to her unable to even walk after being given up by their Doctors and in a short time were able to walk back into her clinic. She was eventually shut down. The videos are very telling as to what is happening in the medical world.

You need the original Rene Case Essiac Tea. When you take the tea the tumor will go slightly bigger and turn hard as it is healing and then go.

She could also take comfrey leaves and roots in a tea. Comfrey has been used for thousands of years medicinally.

Also if she stops everything in her diet including all meat and dairy (except the teas above) and drinks nothing else but green smoothies (wheatgrass, chlorella and spirulina). Cancer cannot survive in an alkaline body. Wheatgrass also contains B17 which is anticancer. She could remain in these juices for a long time as they will provide all the needed nutrients she needs.

Replied by Bruce
(St Louis, Missouri)
05/15/2012

Debbie, Thanks for the information on the tea for my wife. I am going to dedicate my day to researching this.

Replied by Debbie
(Melbourne, Australia)
05/15/2012

Bruce, also remember that cancer cannot survive in an alkaline body, so lots of organic green juices. No sugar, because cancer feeds on sugar. No meat because it is acidic. No processed foods.

Also a book I am reading at the moment by Dr. H. E. Kirschner ("Live Juices") speaks of the amazing properties of carrots. This was written in about 1959 and says even back then food was losing its nutritional value. He says the way to get nutrition into the body is via juicing. He says that in the past carrots were known as an antiseptic in the body. They clear up toxins in the body and heal it. He cited some people in the book (with photographs) who were on nothing but a carrot juice diet (not even water) for sometimes over 12 months and they cured their cancers. They ate or drank nothing else. A baby who was born with leukemia drank nothing but carrot juice for the first three months of his life to no ill effect. One little boy was 2 1/2 and for 2 years had nothing but carrots. His transformation in the photos was amazing. Organic carrots would be the best of course. Funny, none of them turned orange (like we have been led to believe by eating too many carrots!! ).

All the best

Replied by Toni
(Nashville, Tn)
07/07/2012

For Bruce and any others who are interested: I am not too well-versed in supplements and am here to learn. But I read your letter and thought of something I have had experience with. Although there many kinds of herbs and natural supplements that may be recommended here, there is something else that can often get relief very quickly. It costs nothing, is simple, and easy to learn. It is especially effective on emotional issues. It is called, "tapping" or EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and it really works. It has even proven to be a Godsend for people with PTSD.

Go to www.garythink.com and even though you might think it silly or impossible... Just try it once. I believe you will feel relief instantly!

Stress, Fatigue, Depression

13 User Reviews
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Posted by Richard (Tallahassee, Florida) on 12/27/2008
 ★★★★★

Rhodiola completely eliminates feelings of depression and sadness. I feel happy and content for the first time in many, many years. I feel like a normal person must feel. Great, great stuff.

Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Mary (Newport News, VA) on 04/08/2008
 ★★★★★

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.

Replied by Pc
(La Costa, Ca)
06/04/2011
★★★★★

5htp has been very helpful to me. I just take 50 mg a day so far.

Replied by Kristina
(Victoria, Bc)
04/04/2012

Mary please tell me what you're using as moisturizer called VCO. Thank you!

EC: VCO= virgin coconut oil

Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Sara (West Palm Beach, Florida USA) on 03/25/2008
 ★★★★★

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.

Replied by Clara
(West Palm Beach, Florida, Florida)
05/02/2009

Sara: What brand of Rhodiola did you get and how long did it take for you to feel better. I just got my Rosavin yesterday and started taking it this a.m. Thank you.

Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by RR (Vancouver, Canada) on 02/21/2008
 ★★★★★

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!

Replied by Yves
(Kapuskasing, Ontario)
06/03/2008

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.

Replied by Heather
(Tucson, Arizona)
09/08/2013
Replied by Anon
(Anon)
11/30/2017

Anxiety. Depression. Fatigue. That was me. Before going raw vegan. Cooked eggs give me anxiety. Raw eggs do the opposite. Eating meat gives me social anxiety, like while shopping. Citrus fruit helps my anxiety and depression. I also feel better when I avoid soap, I feel better using vinegar, baking soda, and borax for showering and wear gloves while washing dishes. Cold showers are great, too. Green tea is another anxiety buster.

Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by S. B. (Louisville, KY) on 01/18/2008
 ★★★★★

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.

Replied by Anon
(Usa)
11/30/2017

Probiotics and valerian root also boost seratonin if I remember correctly.

Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Sunni (Seattle, WA) on 06/24/2007
 ★★★★★

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.

Replied by Denise
(Carlsbad, CA)
01/26/2009

Hi Sunni, How much Rhodiola do you take a day and at what time? Also, what brand? Thanks for your feedback:) Denise

Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Margie (Upper Marlboro, Maryland) on 04/03/2007
 ★★★★★

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.

Replied by Timh
(Ky)
02/11/2015
2048 posts

Ted: Hope you are well.

Recently I started taking B-6 100mg 2x day and 1 25mg P5P per day and soon found that these are working very well w/ Zinc in improving detox of which I am twice compromised. My elation of improved detox and quality of life soon subsided as my kidneys are loosing function which has agonized the chronic infection in my bones & joints as a result of inorganic Manganese poisoning more than two decades ago.

I also have what seems to be copolymer poisoning also from long ago. I have taken lots of Zinc & Niacin but am still in the hole. I cannot tolerate even small amounts of alcohol beverage so I know my alcohol detox path is very bad. I am confident the Zinc/B-6/Niacin combination can make a big difference but it is causing the Kidneys to go down. What can I do?? I am also getting good results from Zinc Sulfate footbaths for detox w/ no bad side effects.

For the Manganese detox I am taking Sodium Thiosulfate foot baths or whole body baths. Adding Coffee to detox foot spas has brought out an entirely new level of toxins; and fallowing I take either Activated Charcoal or Bentonite Clay to absorb leftover toxins.

Am wondering about oral EDTA as effective? Do you recommend DMSA (Dimercaptosuccinic Acid) ?? Can it be used orally effectively?? Does it stress the Kidneys?? Agriculture grade Fulvic Acid seems to work very good but I think I need to add Iodine to kill any soil-based pathogens. I heated the FA liquid but I don't think it's enough. You or Bill has recommended adding drops of Iodine if I recall correctly, Yes??

Any response or assistance from you is most appreciated as my quality of living is very poor.

Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Raquel (Portland, USA) on 03/20/2007
 ★★★★★

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,

Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Karen (Ft Worth, TX) on 02/07/2007
 ★★★★★

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.

Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Margie (Upper Marlboro, MD) on 12/13/2006
 ★★★★★

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.


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