★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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.