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.
Anxiety
Posted by Nzcatherine (Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand) on 06/15/2013
I'm sorry to add a negative to such high praise on rhodiola but I have to add my own experience as cautionary tale. I have had high levels of anxiety recently lots of adrenal bursts and not being able to sleep which is how I came to the local health food store - for something to help me unwind and relieve exhausted adrenals (my herbalist since directed me to not take anything that would stimulate my adrenals anymore than they were already) in ignorance I continued with the Rhodiola in the mistaken belief they were to have a sedating effect. Tonight I took two. My blood pressure has gone bursurk I have palpitations in my chest like I've drunk 4 or 5 espresso's. I have not had a decent nights sleep for several days now and I'm exhausted - now I have to wait for the rhodiola to wear off. If you are thinking of taking it (it probably does have a mood elevating effect - but then most stimulants probably do) start on a small dose early in the day and monitor your response to it. I have been taking other supplements which I blamed first, now I know it was the Rhodiola without question. I'm very pleased to hear it's been the answer for most people, I will suffer this out knowing that at least some folk are doing better because of it but will save it for a time when I'd other wise chew on a coffee bean.
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.
Anxiety
Posted by Denyse (Orillia, Ontario Canada) on 12/19/2010
★★★★★
I began taking rhodiola 2 weeks ago, I am a 49yr old women I think I was losing my mind I was unable to sleep or should I say I was unable to stay asleep I was always so tired every morning and all day long, So I went online looking for somrthing to help but I wanted to keep it natural, I am a recovering addict I have not used for 3 and a half yrs so I do stay away from anything that is not natural.
Anyways wow at 1st I shrugged it off but now I kno this stuff really works and works well, I would say that u should only take this in the morning as it will keep u awake I take 500mils every morning and I find this to be perfect. This is the 1st time I have shared my info with anyone I was excited to share with others in the hopes others will feel as good as I Peace And Blessings.
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.
Depression
Posted by Rosemarie (Poole, Dorset, Uk) on 12/31/2012
★★★★★
I'm 45. I've purchased Rhodiola Rosea 1000mg online in the UK. One tablet per day, as a 250mg extract providing Rosavins 8mg. I've had these for some time, not taken, then yesterday, here alone, trying to sort my horrendously cluttered flat, I was feeling depressed then I just started to cry and cry and felt so lonely. In the end I thought about taking a tablet, anything to help... And blimey! , within an hour I was feeling calm and after months of thinking about it I managed to empty and store my 3 suitcases in the alcove behind the kitchen door and clear my hallway and some of the lounge! Is that coincidence? My flat now shows promise of how nice it can look! Anyway I've just had breakfast and taken my second Rhodiola Rosea tablet! I was worried they'd harm long-term but from this site they seem to be a boon of Mother Nature's bounty for us. God bless!
Depression
Posted by Allie (Fullerton, Ca) on 11/07/2011
★★★★★
Rhodiola is my new miracle cure. I have suffered severe chronic depression and fatigue for decades. I began this supplement about three weeks ago, and I feel like a new person. Better than any of the multitude of anti-depressants I have ever tried--and no side effects.
Anxiety
Posted by Barbara (Minneapolis, MN) on 05/13/2008
★★★★★
Works within an hour. I have outrageous anxiety. Glad I found this web site for an herbal remedy.
General Feedback
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 10/31/2013
Hi Mary,
I don't have the answer to the questions you asked, which are certainly valid questions. However, I thought I would pass along my two cents on using supplements for health conditions. I agree that the ideal would be to not have to be dependent on any supplements for good health. At the same time, it isn't the same as having to be dependent upon pharmaceuticals that have side effects. And it beats having to live life with an uncomfortable or painful health condition.
A lot of herbs and natural remedies are helping the body to normalize or they are providing our bodies with something they are missing to function the best. For example, I take an iodine supplement daily. I was diagnosed with low thyroid a few years ago and my symptoms were miserable. I started to take prescription medication which made me feel worse. A lot of research and trial and error and I found that an idodine supplement helped me to feel better and, at least by bloodwork, I don't have low thyroid anymore. If I quit the iodine supplement, my symptoms return. Well, I hear that the iodine in our soil is depleted (as with many other important nutrients.) So, I keep taking the iodine. The thyroid gland needs it and I feel better taking it.
At the same time, my son had an asthma problem. We treated him with nettles. It worked so well for him. He took nettles for a year or more. Interestingly, he no longer needs the nettles, and he no longer has asthma. Often times herbs do cure a health condition.
Well, that is just some food for thought. I hope you find a good solution for your situation!
~Mama to Many~
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
Anxiety
Posted by Nzregan (Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand) on 08/03/2013
★★★★★
Hey Catherine, I am thinking you should stay on the rhodiola but limit your intake to one per day at lunch time.. I have recently been taking this to help with side effects after taking Champix or Chamtix in US and EU, nothing else was working to decrease the dark moods and anger and anxiety I was having... this "goldenroot" is an incredible herb.. Here's wishing you well... Long Live Christchurch
Depression
Posted by Lottie Earp (Cornwall, UK) on 06/11/2013
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Rhodiola root changed my life for the better, as soon as I began taking it 6 years ago I started seeing the brighter side of life. I told the doctor and he said be careful as you can get yourself into situations that you dont know how to get out of because youve never done it before. Low and behold thats whats happened to me. I became so emotionally powerful that it was like limetless the movie, like a role in my own movie. I read morning and night to improve my vocabulary and communication skills. I met influential people. Im not taking it now as these cancerous people ruined me cos they hated how well and mantally fast I was. So the moral of the story is be careful on it.
Energy
Posted by Michael (Lorain, Ohio) on 12/17/2012
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I've been taking rhodiola for over a year now. It is a miricle herb. I'm so motivated to do all sorts of things every time I'm on it. I notice that I'm sharper and can concentrate better. I notice a ton more energy (note that my rhodiola is paired with a little green tea extract). When I run really hard, it hurts less (and I run really freaking hard lol). When I'm just having "one of those days" it always turns it around for me.
I do however get the "jitters", but better the jitters than the "ughs" or the "idon'twannas" I say lol.
Energy, Depression
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa - Usa) on 06/23/2012
Hi Jennifer - What you are describing sounds like carbon monoxide poisoning to me. Your entire family is effected? That is not normal. If I were you I would have ALL of my gas appliances checked out by a professional HVAC type person. Also, make sure nobody is starting a car and letting it warm up in the garage, and no other gas type items or BBQ's are being used indoors, or any enclosed type area off of the house.
I would open my windows 24 hours a day until you verify that you are not being overloaded with carbon monoxide. Serious business. In small doses you can feel like you are describing, groggy, sleepy, out of it, like you have the flu.... In larger doses it can KILL YOU IN YOUR SLEEP! Please get it checked!
Energy
Posted by Debbie (Mt. Sinai, Ny) on 04/06/2012
★★★★★
Rhodiola is amazing. I am completely normal while taking this product and if I run out I am unable to keep up the vigorous daily schedule I have, high school teacher, tutor after school, practice 1 1/2 hours yoga daily, single mom, home owner. I had been getting exhausted in the afternoons recently (after taking 1 capsule 250 miligrams daily for about 1 year) I started taking another one in afternoon and my day can continue throughout the evening in a more balanced and productive way ( with a smile ) instead of miserable. I sleep by 10:30, 11 each night and arise at 4:45 feeling rested. I WAS NEVER LIKE THIS. Thanks to my naturopath doctor who recommended it after I refused anti-depressants, or anxiety medicine. THIS STUFF WORKS. I wish more people new about it!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jennifer (Sunrise, Fl, Usa) on 11/23/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Rhodiola is one of the best supplements in my product arsenal!! It has helped me tremendously with my depression, physical stamina, fatigue, anxiety, and with my skin.
I suffer from Hashimoto's thyroiditis and have very low energy reserves. One of the biggest problems that I had was that I could barely get through the day without taking a nap. In addition, although I exercise every day, I had to exercise at night because after 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, I would be completely wiped out (if I could get through 30 minutes at all).
After taking rhodiola (and oil pulling) every day, I noticed that I no longer needed to take a nap during the day anymore. Since taking rhodiola and oil pulling, I feel alert, energized, and refreshed all day - After 6 years of suffering with low thyroid, I finally feel like a "normal" person again. The difference in my physical stamina is just incredible. I feel like I can accomplish almost anything physically - now I can run for 30 minutes with extra energy to spare!
Another wonderful benefit is that rhodiola is great for your skin. I take it with vitamin E and now my acne-prone skin is much clearer, even-toned, and has a wonderful "glow".
The only side effect/drawback of rhodiola that I experiencd was with my anxiety. At first, rhodiola really helped me with my mild anxiety, but after a few weeks, my anxiety became very severe to the point where I was starting to get panic attacks and a constant feeling of dread, so I discontinued use. (I had the same anxiety "rebound" problem with 5-HTP and Acetyl L-Carnitine when I was taking those too). Now, I take a teaspoon of ionic magnesium citrate every day, which has cured my anxiety. With the magnesium, I can finally take the rhodiola again without any anxiety problems.
Brand Recommendations
Posted by Wendy (Nanaimo, Bc, Canada) on 02/07/2013
★★★★★
Rhodiola from PureBulk
I buy my rhodiola from purebulk. I have my own capsules I put it in. There is no additives in it. Much cheaper to do it this way also. I started to take it mostly for my menopause.
I love taking this stuff as I never ever get depressed. It can be dark dismal weather for a week and I still feel awesome. I have been taking this for about one year. Every morning one capsule.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Kim52 (College Station, Tx) on 07/08/2010
★★★★★
My mother inlaw was very very sick... No energy, acting very disoriented. She was always such a active and I mean ACTIVE person. Then she got the flu and from there everything went down hill. The doctors had her on so much antibiotics her system had to be rebuilt with a probiotic treatment. This did not help and her family really thought she was a hypocondriac. To make a long story short, after one year of nothing helping and her getting weaker and weaker.... She went to see a German doctor in Dallas. He put some "machines" on her (that was her words, she was very ill)... And he prescribed her with Rhodiola (Siberian). OH MY GOSH... What a complete turn around. This woman is 74 and energetic and very beautiful for her age.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Patricia (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) on 05/10/2009
★★★★★
I've been taking Rhodiola for 5 weeks and have increased energy and have lost about 15 pounds that I have been struggling with for the last 5 years. I have had breast cysts that have disappeared and my memory has definitely improved. 6 weeks ago I attempted to climb the 7 flights of stairs to my condo when the elevator was out. I had to stop and rest at each floor. Today I take the stairs instead of the elevator without stopping at all.
When I started taking Rhodiola, my daughter had told me about it but I didn't know much about the herb only that it would give me an energy boost that I really needed. The only negative factor that I have experienced is insomnia, so now I make sure that I don't take the herb after about 3pm. I take 2 - 250 mg per day. One in the morning as soon as I get up with 10 oz of warm distilled water and the juice of 1/2 freshly squeezed lemon, and one around 3pm at my work breaktime with lots of water.
EC: Great feedback, thanks Patricia. Would you please let us know which brand you are taking? Rhodiola can be hit or miss depending on the brand. Thanks!
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=====
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.
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
Anxiety
Posted by Candsmom (Ann Arbor, Mi) on 07/05/2012
★★★★★
I have had severe anxiety for years. At first I tried SSRIs but had too many side effects. Then I tried SNRI (cymbalta) and this worked for me but was very sedating as well as having sexual side effects. When my insurance ran out I could not pay the $400 a month for the dose I needed so I transitioned to Rhodiola. I was looking around trying to find something that might help my norepinephrine levels since plain old SSRI always seemed to make my symtoms worse. I take 680mg (3% rosavins) a day and seem to be holding steady. I have slightly more anxiety than on perscription drugs, but I am doing much better than not taking anything. I also do not have as much sedation and sexual side effects. Breathing exercises and working out really seem to be helping. I also take 4000 grams of epa/dha (fish oil) daily. I am not a doctor, just someone who has suffered with debilitating anxiety since 2000. Everyone's chemistry is different and this worked for me, and costs about $30 a month.
Brand Recommendations
Posted by Matt (Ireland) on 09/13/2010
Hello I just began taking a combo of rhodiola and 5-htp for anxiety and depression. But I recently purchased a more potent rhodiola root by yarrow 500 mm online. And it said on the bottle not to be taken for anxiety so I'm confused as to what I should do?
Depression
Posted by Art (California) on 10/02/2024 2325 posts
Hi Cécilia,
There are other adaptogens you can consider if Rhodiola isn't quite giving a consistent response for you. Two that come to mind are Ashwagandha and Ginkgo Biloba both of which are thought to be useful for depression and anxiety. The following two links suggest that Ginkgo Biloba may be useful for both health issues :
Depression :
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10982363/
Here is a relevant quote from the systematic review and meta analysis :
' In conclusion, the main finding was that patients treated with GKB had better MBI, MESSS, BDNF, 5-HT, and HAMD values after 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks than the control group. GKB might reduce the risk of depression or depressive symptoms with safe clinical efficacy.'
Anxiety :
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/ginkgo-biloba#:~:text=Anxiety, than those who took placebo.
Here is a relevant quote from the article :
' One preliminary study found that a special formulation of ginkgo extract called EGB 761 might help relieve anxiety. People with generalized anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder who took this specific extract had fewer anxiety symptoms than those who took placebo. '
I think you will find similar articles or studies for Ashwagandha.
Art
Depression
Posted by Art (California) on 10/15/2024 2325 posts
Hi Cecilia,
A simple Google search will answer your Rhodiola questions.
Art
