The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Depression
Posted by Cécilia (Liège (Belgium)) on 10/02/2024
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
J'ai pris 1 gélule/jour, pendant 3 jours, d'un plante appelée "adaptogène" : la Rhodolia.
Pendant 2 jours, moi qui suis toujours fatiguée, sans joie de vivre, je me suis retrouvée joyeuse, pleine d'entrain, énergique. Patatras, au matin du 3è jour, j'ai eu une méga crise d'angoisse.
Mon neuro-psy ne me prend pas au sérieux mais moi, je voudrais revivre le bonheur des 2 premiers jours, où j'ai véritablement retrouvé mon moi d'avant. Et je me dis qu'il y a dans la plante Rhodolia quelque chose de bénéfique pour moi. Mais quoi?
Après, j'ai cherché sur Internet et j'ai lu que cette plante était à éviter pour les maniaco-dépressifs et les personnes atteinte d'anxiété sévère.
I took 1 capsule/day for 3 days of a plant called an "adaptogen": Rhodiola.
For 2 days, I, who am always tired, without any joy in life, found myself joyful, full of energy, and enthusiastic. But on the morning of the 3rd day, I had a massive anxiety attack.
My neuro-psychiatrist doesn't take me seriously, but I want to relive the happiness of those first two days when I truly found my former self again. And I think there's something beneficial for me in the Rhodiola plant. But what?
Afterward, I searched the Internet and read that this plant should be avoided by people with manic-depression and those with severe anxiety.
Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 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 Anon (Usa) on 11/30/2017
Probiotics and valerian root also boost seratonin if I remember correctly.
Anxiety and Sleep
Posted by Ian (Manchester, England ) on 07/24/2017
This is interesting because rhodiola at only 100mg in the morning literally prevents me getting any sleep at all. Mood seems to be boosted a bit but makes me slightly jittery. I will have to try 50mg. I'm amazed how potent this is.
Mood, Anxiety, Depression
Posted by Damnposeurs (Nashville, Tn) on 07/15/2017
★★★★★
I very recently began taking the Rhodiola Rosea at 150 mg 1/day in the morning and WOW! I started taking it just over a week ago and felt an effect just three days into this dosage. It was gradual for me to realize that it was the Rhodiola having an effect on me, but I just suddenly felt like...doing things. I hate taking prescription drugs and have a deeply rooted belief they are a plague and instill a lack of self-responsibility in many people, so I would much rather not prescribe to the easy way out and find natural solutions to my problems. Although not clinically diagnosed, I believe I suffer from mild anxiety, insomnia (primarily caused by racing thoughts), and mild depression -- can you see how many different types of money-making drugs I would need to take? No thank you.
To combat these ills I have taken 5HTP (works for my deep-seated winter depression and I cycle this), Melatonin (worthless), Vitamin D 50,000 IU, Ashwagandha, and now Rhodiola Rosea. Of these, I believe Rhodiola Rosea has had the quickest, most noticeable effect on my mood, outlook on life, and general well-being. I've read that typical dosage is between 200 mg - 1000 mg; so if I am at 150 mg/day and feeling its effects I cannot IMAGINE how awesome I will feel (and be) at a higher dosage
I hate taking prescription drugs and have a deeply rooted belief they are a plague and instill a lack of self-responsibility in many people. I would much rather not prescribe to the saturated, money-hungry drug industry and find natural solutions to my problems. Although not clinically diagnosed, I believe I suffer from mild anxiety, insomnia (primarily caused by racing thoughts), and mild depression -- can you see how many different types of prescription drugs I would need to take? No thank you.
To combat these ills I have taken 5HTP (works for my deep-seated winter depression and I cycle this), Melatonin (worthless), Vitamin D 50,000 IU, Ashwagandha, and now Rhodiola Rosea. Of these, I believe Rhodiola Rosea has had the quickest, most noticeable effect on my mood, outlook on life, and general well-being. I've read that typical dosage is between 200 mg - 1000 mg; so if I am at 150 mg/day and feeling its effects I cannot IMAGINE how awesome I will feel (and be) at a higher dosage.
Rhodiola Contraindications
Posted by Sheila (Saskatchewan) on 05/30/2017
Can you explain your comment re: rhodiola being hard on the body if you have a thyroid condition?
Anxiety and Sleep
Posted by Vibegirl (Buffalo Ny) on 03/14/2017 14 posts
Robert
It should be the same thing, yes..Herbs can be in pill, powder, tea or tincture form..and most often it's the root of the plant that is used.
Hope that answers your question!
Katy
Anxiety and Sleep
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile , Tn) on 03/13/2017
LESLIE,,,,,,, that is one of my top ten female names. Anyways, I know your are correct in what you say, but I take Rhodiola Exract as a result of watching two Ivy League MD professors of which the wife had to take leave because dementia had set in. She learned of Rhodiola and it cleared up her brain fog is short order. I ordered it from Life Extension and their counsel is to take it in the morning because it is an upper that gives you energy and will affect your sleep.
My question to you is Rhodiola Extract the same as Rhodiola Root. Right now I have a sleep problem, but took this supplement to delay or avoid dementia. Things are not as simple as they seem sometimes.
Appreciate you or anyone responding to my inquiry.
=======ORH=====
Rhodiola Usage Tips
Posted by Wendy (Columbus, Oh) on 03/13/2017
★★★★★
Anxiety and Sleep
Posted by Leslie (Goose Creek) on 03/12/2017
★★★★★
I take 250 mg Rhodiola Root twice daily; one before bed (improves sleep) and one in the morning (reduces stress). I started taking it when working in an extremely stressful and mentally abusive environment. It took a few days, maybe as many as 5 days, to feel significant results. The results are real! I had tried Melatonin for sleep; but, found it ineffective when experiencing a high degree of anxiety. Melatonin also left me with something of a "hangover" the next day. The Rhodiola Root drastically improves my ability to fall asleep; and drastically improves my stress level. The most notable symptom of reduced stress that I no longer feel compelled to get on other people's "crazy train". I have become somewhat immune to internalizing others' anxiety at work.
Medication Interaction
Posted by Patricia (Florida) on 03/10/2017
Can I take rhodiola while taking levothyroxine?
Anxiety
Posted by Lola (Oh) on 11/05/2016
So glad I'm not alone. I had the exact same problem which is why I was on here reading.
Anxiety
Posted by Shawna (Vancouver Island) on 09/26/2016
I take 1 in the morning with breakfast, there is a warning on my bottle that says do not take at night. They work so well for me I'm worried about having to stop them as I have been told to take a break from them after 6 weeks.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Max (America) on 06/29/2016
The 2 the best rhodiola brands that I know of are:
Mountain Rose 440 mg capsules herbs rhodiola and Rhoziva 100 mg capsules.
General Feedback
Posted by Patti Rizzo (Seattle, Washington) on 02/08/2016
Rhodiola Rosea by itself does not contain caffeine, but some brands are combined with green tea, which has caffeine. If there is added caffeine, it should say so on the label. Otherwise assume that tea has it and avoid added tea. The energy from Rhodiola is healthy feeling, smooth and steady. Unlike caffeine, it does not rob your body, leaving you more pooped when it drops you off. Instead, it is supplying you with energy and helping your body to work more efficiently. It is especially important if you have a thyroid deficiency, as low adrenal function is usually present, having been taxed as a result of trying to cover for weak thyroid function. It is even more important to use Rhodiola when you are taking thyroid hormone, as your now faster metabolism will require more from your adrenals. Think of it like a car-your thyroid is the battery and your adrenals are the alternator. If the battery goes bad, the alternator will run the battery for awhile, but it will eventually die, too. If both are in good shape, you are on your merry way!
Rhodiola Contraindications
Posted by Nora (Iowa) on 01/29/2016
Rhodiola is very hard on your body if you have thyroid condition.
Adrenal Fatigue
Posted by Cindy 2 (Roberts, Mt) on 09/26/2015
Try dried elderberries. I am 66 & 13 wks after a positive Epstein Barr, although have had a better blood draw. You're doing a lot of change, stay consistent, & drink lots of good water & healthy food. I have a reverse osmosis system.
Side Effects
Posted by Jean (Smelterville, Idaho) on 08/22/2015
I am 65, woman with Mitral valve and an adrenalin problem. I was told by an herbologist that rhodiola mixed with a couple other herbs would improve my libido. I have been taking a combo with about 9 different herbs with rhodiola of each 75%...and on the end of the first week...I woke up with rapid heartbeat, had to take athenolol to stop it...
I am wondering what I should supplement with rhodiola to prevent this in the future...how much each day? Thank you. Jean
Calming
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 08/14/2015
★★★★★
I started taking rhodiola last Tuesday. From the moment I took the first capsule I felt different. Now after five days I am starting to get my memory back and feel a lot more relaxed and feel more refreshed and less tired by the end of the day. I find the tablet remarkable. I was prescribed this from a naturapath.
ADHD
Posted by Cam (Australia) on 08/03/2015
★★★★★
Your dose looks low (between half & one sixth of typical doses) as per article:- Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea extract standardized to contain 2-3% rosavins and 0.8-1% salidroside) is typically dosed at 200-600 mg per day with water and before meals. Perhaps increasing your dose to 300mg twice a day could make a difference?
Side Effects
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 08/01/2015
Dear Rhodiola Fan,
Wow, after your comment I went and found all of the "side effects" posts. I had not seen them in the past. I know that herbs affect people differently and the dosing is important.
I can't speak to all their experiences, but I can add my "yea" to Rhodiola. I have been taking it for many months and found it to be very helpful for a muscle spasm I have in my throat. I take 500 mg once or twice a day. Sometimes I take two at once if my spasm is bad. Always helps. And works better for me than passionflower or valerian, though I find them to help to a degree.
~Mama to Many~
Side Effects
Posted by Rhodiola Fan (Uk) on 08/01/2015
It's funny how many people here are stating that RR has made them worse, and cited all sorts of side effects, yet none are shouting from the rooftops about all the good it can do you. How many of you have been brainwashed by the medical establishment? It interferes with pharmaceutical antidepressants does it? Maybe you shouldn't be taking the antidepressants!! They're what is poisoning you.
How many of these posts have been 'written' by people in the medical industry just for scare-mongering purposes, to shoehorn people in need of help towards their expensive and poisonous, addictive drugs?
I know RR affects people in different ways, but I have nothing but good things to say about it, as do millions of others. If you misuse or abuse it, yes it may have some minor side effects, and can increase anxiety or irritability in a SMALL PERCENTAGE of cases, but why are all of these people apparently posting on here? It does not give a balanced representation in any way.
My suggestion - don't be put off by the scaremongering and all that - try it for yourself. Buy a good brand (not one of the chinese brands as they are NOT the same) like Viridian and follow thesuggested dosage, building up slowly. It can work wonders.
Just my opinion obviously, if you experience any side effects then stop, but fewer people than you think experience any negative effects. They've just all clubbed together to post here!!!
Be happy :-)
Stamina
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.
ADHD
Posted by Alvarocr (South America) on 06/13/2015
★★★☆☆
I have been on a Russian Rhodiola rosea extract from Gem***ia since 4 days, the dose being 100 mg per day with 6% rosavins and 2% salidrosides, to help with my ADHD Inattentive type and anxiety. So far I haven't seen any effects on concentration, memory or mood lifting.
Is it the dosing that may be raised for that purpose? Is it that some people don't react to rhodiola and I am one of the unlucky bunch?
Adrenal Fatigue
Posted by John (Kitchener) on 05/24/2015
If your adrenals are burnt then why not try raw adrenal gland (for your general health). It is a common product and is effective. I know of nothing else that will compensate for burnt adrenals.
Anxiety
Posted by Chris (Wollaston, Mass. Usa) on 04/24/2015
★★★★★
What to do if Rhodiola is causing sleeplessness is to take melatonin one hour before you want to go to sleep. Melatonin is natural, and actually produced by the body naturally during the day to signal the brain that you will sleep later. I wake early with tons of energy, and take the Rhodiola in the morning.
Sincerely, Chris
Adrenal Fatigue
Posted by Carlee (Seattle, WA) on 04/20/2015
Adrenomend by douglas laboratories... I suffered from cfs for years. I just wish I would've discovered it sooner. Also read "Grain Brain", some brands of rhodiola are a sham and not the real stuff. Douglas laboratories has a really good reputation.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Johanna (Australia) on 03/26/2015
Iherb sells Siberian Rhodiola. Just enter Siberian Rhodiola in search and you will find this particular product.
Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 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.
Breast Pain
Posted by Maureen (Capbreton, France) on 01/02/2015
please research "lugol' iodine drops for breast cysts" ...you appear to be deficient. Also, if you are taking lugol's iodine drops, be sure to take a selenium supplement as well (separately, not at the same time).
Where to Buy: UK
Posted by Chris (West Sussex, UK) on 12/23/2014
Viridian is a trusted UK brand. Go for the high potency 150 Rhodolia Rosea. I don't usually get on with herbs but this works and is amazing..... , hope it helps you
Side Effects
Posted by Beeonthyme (Plattsmouth, Nebraska) on 11/27/2014
I was a very strong advocate for Rhodiola. I loved how it helped me with mental clarity. It helped me to focus on tasks that needed attention. It kept my mind from obsessing over a bad divorce. I loved how it helped me cope in high stress situations. I took a Swedish brand called Adapt 232. It had Eleutherococcus senticocus and Schisandra chiensis in the formula. It gave me energy, mentally, more so than physically.
I loved it.
I had run out as iherb.com had run out. I bought the Now brand of rhodiola...just straight rhodiola. It wasn't as good as the proprietary brand, adapt 232.
So...when the supplier got their shipment of adapt 232 in, they sent me an email alert to let me know they had replenished their stock. I was in fear of them and me running out again so I ordered three boxes.
When it arrived I took two immediately.
BIG MISTAKE...REALLY BIG MISTAKE.
I went to the emergency room that night. I woke up from a dead sleep at 4 a.m. my heart pounding and racing wildly. I felt as though my internal organs were separating...I felt a deep deep sense of DOOM. I was certain I was having a heart attack or something but it hurt like hell and I was having trouble breathing.
I was diagnosed with panic disorder...I think I was injected with tranquilizers... because I calmed down. I asked if they gave me something... two separate personnel said no...but I felt a change. I was relaxed. After many tests and drawn blood they shoved me out the door at 6 a.m. and sent me home with a script for lorazepan... which I filled for just in case. I've never taken one.
I researched side effects for rhodiola.. and panic attacks was one of them. I quit rhodiola...much asI loved it. And have not had any heart fluttering since. Im having difficulty with this mobile site continuing with my testimony/ review.
EC: Sorry about that. We'll have our programmer look into our mobile site asap.
Improved Mood
Posted by Angel (Glenn County, California) on 11/18/2014
★★★★★
Rhodiola Rosea for Better Mood and Health:
I'm typically not one to write reviews, but this herb is one of a kind! The brand I use is G---a Herbs and it helps me tremendously! I refuse to go a day without it because it helps me generally feel happy. My whole life since I was a kid had suffered extreme anxiety and now in my early 20's started to experience depression, but not anymore!! Not as long as I have my Rhodiola. I take 4-5 Capsules in the morning on a empty stomach, and another 4-5 in the evening and my life quality has changed for the better! The first week of taking it I felt literally euphoric, so full of life and actually started to joke around (which is really not like me to joke) The only thing I hate is the organic health food store sells it for $35.99 and the bottle only lasts me 2 1/2 weeks, but I pay the price because the happiness is worth it! It is the only thing that I found to keep my mood balanced so that the things that used to bother me can now just enter my mind and leave with out it affecting me all day like it used to! I first started out with 6 capsules a day, 3 in the morning and another 3 in the evening and graduated to 10 a day. Just thought I'd write this to possibly help somebody else out there like me who refuses to take prescription meds!
Dosages
Posted by Megan (Fl) on 06/09/2014
Hello,
I recently ordered a bulk package of Rhodiola Rosea root powder, and discovered the package didn't contain dosage directions or a "scoop" of any sort. I was wondering, since you provide a standard dosage of 200-600mg, what exactly that would look like in terms of teaspoons? As in, how many milligrams of Rhodiola is in 1/4 tsp - 1/2 tsp?
I contacted the website but they couldn't provide any information, so I greatly appreciate any information you may have! We are using the powder for research and development of a product, so it is (obviously) crucial to know dosage equivalents!
Thank you for your time, Megan
Calming
Posted by Jessica (Dc) on 05/30/2014
★★★★★
I've been taking Rhodiola twice a day for about three weeks. I love it! It gives me this subtle calming effect. I've noticed when things get hectic I still feel calm and centered. I love it! And the fact that it's an anti-carcinogen only makes me love it more!
Side Effects
Posted by Jo-ann (Ca) on 05/01/2014
I started taking Rhodiola Rosea off & on a few months ago. (Gaia Herbs brand) with one capsule before food (120 mg). When trying it at the recommended higher dose (240 mg), I became incredibly tired, as if I took a sleeping pill. I do have insomnia so I'm guessing that had something to do with it.
Have read to take this herb "one week on & one week off". Please advise. Thank you.
Adrenal Fatigue
Posted by Rescueman911 (Minnesota) on 03/16/2014
Your extreme fatigue is due to caffeine withdrawal. Withdrawing from caffeine and white sugar has a host of crazy and debilitating symptoms.the extreme fatigue will pass. Once it does you will feel like a million bucks.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Posted by Jennifer (Sunrise, Fl) on 03/01/2014
Yikes! You absolutely cannot get off your thyroid meds by taking rhodiola alone. Rhodiola does not increase thyroid production and it does not regulate your hormones. It only increases energy. Do not get off your thyroid meds unless your thyroid levels have returned to normal on your own and this has been cleared with your doctor.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Posted by Mike62 (Denver) on 02/20/2014
Bear: I was just like you a while back, confused, worried, and suffering. After I learned that God put healing in creation for all His dear beloved creatures I discovered all a person has to do is eat right. When I get a sore heal I apply a salve. Herbs are good for local conditions. You have an autoimmune disorder caused by eating cooked conventionally grown food that is low in nutrients and high in toxins. Meds are a toxin. You need a best food program. Search raw food videos, become enlightened, and function optimally.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Posted by Bear (Mascotte/fl/usa) on 02/20/2014
I Have Hypothyroidism and desperately want to get off my medication. I'm having heart issues that can be caused by thyroid issues and really want to know if you can get off your thyroid meds with rhodiola.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Posted by Deni (Lake Forest, Ca) on 02/17/2014
★★★★★
I purchased Rhodiola Rosea for a fat belly. When I was having withdrawals from Norco I took it and it took away my restless legs and shakes. I took 3 a day before meals.
