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.
Rhodiola Contraindications
Posted by Nora (Iowa) on 01/29/2016
Rhodiola is very hard on your body if you have thyroid condition.
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?
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~
Energy
Posted by Lh (Manchester Uk) on 01/28/2014
★★★★★
Have been suffering from symptoms of anxiety, stress, fatigue, sleeplessness for a couple of years. GP initially prescribed anti-depressants after a 5 minute chat so I felt very reluctant to go down this route. Read a book that was recommended on combatting anxiety and panic attacks, which when I read it made sense and offered advice on how to manage situations but little about the associated symptoms that I have had for a long time.
I tried valerian and Kalms which helped a little with anxiety but did not regulate my sleep patterns. Every morning I wake up feeling exhausted which then exaggerates or adds to the rest of the symptoms.
I have taken a rhodiola rosea capsule for 5 days now and the effects have been instantly noticeable. I feel mentally alert, full of energy that lasts all day and evening and most noticeably this morning, the feeling that I had had a restful nights sleep which feels like the first in a long time. I felt jittery on one particular day but I think that was because I had drunk a strong coffee later that day.
Obviously it is early days but I feel able to make comparisons as to how I feel now and how I felt "before" and the difference I have to say is huge.
I'm not sure how long you can take them for and if prolonged use is advisable, but for now I'm going to keep taking one a day to see if the symptoms relief is long lasting.
General Feedback
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 10/31/2013
The longer you can go between panic attacks, the calmer you become. Initially, you become very sensitive to what you think are triggers of attacks by association, such as "if I sat in the middle of a crowd and thought I may not be able to leave, " bringing on an attack, you may think "I won't be in crowds and will avoid an attack." The longer you go without an attack, the fewer associations will be made and the more confident you will become to be able to handle situations where you feel overwhelmed. Your sensitivities diminish the longer you can go about your business without an attack, so anything that helps in this way is beneficial.
Depression
Posted by Joyce (Englandd) on 08/28/2013
Do rhodiola tablets cause indigestion or any other side effects?
Energy
Posted by T Hank (Detroit, Mi) on 12/22/2012
★★★★★
I have a very hectic stressful lifestyle and fatigue was consuming me everyday! Rhodiola helped me stop drinking Mt. Dew to get home (driving) everyday! And my thinking seems to be MUCH sharper!
Energy
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 06/13/2013
I saw something on TV recently about Mountain Dew containing some dangerous additive.
Energy
Posted by Diane (Palos Hills, Il) on 11/23/2013
Michael, green tea, alone, totally gives me the jitters. Rhodiola on it's own does not. I'd try taking straight up Rhodiola. You might like it better. Also, I just read about green tea having loads of fluoride in it! Do some research!
Energy
Posted by Brendon (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada) on 09/02/2012
★★★★★
I have been in a job where I sell products such as rhodiola and energy drinks, pills, cubes, bars and many more! I have never thought that a pill would be noticeable to wake you up. But I'm in landscaping and took it every morning last week except thursday.. I had extreme fatigue all day, weak and loss energy all day. That friday I took it in the morning after sleeping 1.5 hours because I was up with girls and my friend, and I had more energy all day for that 10 hour shift than I was for 10 hours the thursday with full sleep. I do belive this works and im buying alot of it in the future to come!!
Side Effects
Posted by Andre (Sao Paulo, Brazil) on 08/16/2012
Hi Debra, I completely relate to your post, it happened to me too... In my case I started taking 5HTP (which is extracted from Rhodiola) for several reasons but it made me very anxious and extremelly irritated with everyone and everything to the point I was feeling a bit crazy. The problem went away after a couple of days of stopping taking it (I have tried it twice with the same results).
However I have recently given it a shot one more time and it is working wonders now, I love it! The trick it what time of the day you should to take it! You should read the book "Mood Cure" by Julia Ross. She will go into the 4 groups of mood maintenance chemicals our body needs in order to maintain good mental health, how to identify imbalances and properly supplement, and how to maintain it through diet once the issue is fixed. Go to her website and take the questionnaire, and get the book! It's like 10 bucks on B&N. I failed miserably on the serotonin group and 5HTP (taken properly) fixed it. It HEALED me and it was so easy! Good luck!
Stress, Depression
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 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.
Growing Rhodiola From Seeds
Posted by Calgary_rip_off (Calgary, Ab, Canada) on 04/28/2012
★★★★★
On your site you indicated that Rhodiola should only be from Siberia. What studies indicate this? Given that I live in Canada and I want this herb how am I to get it? It actually is grown here in Alberta, which is cold here like Siberia in Russia. The town of Thorsby has numerous farmers that grow Rhodiola. There is a seller that sells the seeds to individuals from Barrhead, AB. You can grow your own in your yard here. Rhodiola is available from supplement companies in eastern B. C. And A. B. So you know its grown locally and it does work. It does something, the effects are subtle, but it is worth the money. It makes me very happy that I can grow it in my backyard and that it is locally grown because it is so cold here in Alberta most of the year. So forget about that nonsense of having to go to Siberia. It is available in North America also.
Depression
Posted by Ella (Flint, Flintshire) on 01/10/2012
★★★★★
I was first introduced to Rhodiola in 2005 for depression, with excellent results the first time in my life I felt alive. The store closed and I haven't been able to find any other rhodiola that works for me they either send my anxiety levels way too high or I suffer from deliberating headaches. I am not sure if the fillers cause problems or the rhodiola is not good quality, I would love to feel alive again please can anyone help.
Is there a difference between rhodiola rosea and rhodiola rosea root extract? I have bought both in the past but nothing worked like the stores own brand I tried in 2005.
Depression
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Usa) on 01/11/2012 2048 posts
Ella, St. Johns Wort is standard herb for depression. I get good results in combination with the amino acid Tyrosine. Consider 3 mg Melatonin before retiring for good night sleep AND a Glutathione boost. Take a good multivitamin/mineral supplement w/ every meal. Maybe extra Vit B-12 and D.
There are very many causes of Depression, have you tried any detoxification or body cleanses, fast???
Any type spiritual practice, particularly Meditation can allow some degree of light from BEING into consciousness. Cannabis is a wonderful happy herb, but can cause anxiety if used improperly.
Hope this helps.
Energy
Posted by Melody (Pine Valley, Ca) on 12/29/2011
★★★★★
Rhodiola was prescribed for me by a naturopathic doctor in a la di dah clinic in La Jolla, CA, for helping my adrenals. It is an adaptogen that lowers or raises your cortisol levels depending upon what's needed. I noticed an increase in energy as soon as I started taking it.
Energy
Posted by Marilyn (Belleville Ont, Canada) on 10/27/2011
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I like AOR rhodiola and it does give me a lot of energy and stamina in my exercise classes. But I do always have a low grade headache that makes me feel out of sorts. I also am annoyed with companies that claim Asian Rhodiola is the same as Siberian as there is a massive difference. I have absolutely no effect from Asian Rhodiola. Over all a very good herb but you should cycle this from time to time. Take a few days off a week for instance.
General Feedback
Posted by Evan (Boulder, Colorado) on 08/15/2011
The dose is everything with Rhodiola. Low doses are stimulatory, raising dopamine/norepi levels. High doses are (paradoxically) sedating, raising serotonin levels. To make things more complex, each brand has a different potency and source, so the amount in milligrams is not the only indicator of strength. If you want to get serious about trying Rhodiola, you need to try different brands. I have tried three (Planetary Herbals, Thorne, and NSI), all have different effects.
I also want to add that Rhodiola should be seen as something you take in times of stress, not something you should plan to take every day for months at a time. I can personally only take it every other day, even during stressful times.
The medical literature includes one case study of a woman who had a complete recovery from depression with daily dosage of Rhodiola over many years, but everyone has different genetic, environmental, and dietary factors. You have to experiment to know what works for you, and since it's something you should only take when you're stressed, you might provoke a negative reaction. So be careful, Rhodiola is powerful and can have negative effects, but it can also be a lifesaver in times of persistent stress and anxiety.
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!
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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Lisa (Las Vegas, NV) on 06/20/2010
★★★★★
Love this. Started taking Rhodiola a week ago due to fatigue and menopause issues. Haven't felt this good in a long time. Major improvement in overall energy, mental clarity and depression.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Martha (Greenville, Sc) on 05/01/2010
The best brand of this product is New Chapter. Buy it on vitacost.com -- cheaper than anywhere. Read what people say about the product.
Side Effects
Posted by Rob (Manhattan, New York) on 10/05/2009
Side Effects
Posted by Anonymous (Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Usa) on 04/07/2010
Mix 1 tablespoon each Chamomile, Catnip, and Basil in hot water, steep 10 minutes or so. While it's steeping eat a cup of plain yogurt, not lowfat or anything. Then drink the tea, strain out the leaves if you like. This makes the abdominals quite relaxed and peaceful. Also try Horse Chestnut with yogurt.
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 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.
Breast Pain
Posted by Susan Cole (Beverly, Ma.) on 03/14/2009
★★★★★
I have cysts in my breasts and was having xrays at hospital done and they made my left side breast cyst burst . The pain was very bad and I went looking for natural cures and found Rhodiola rosea and one capsules stopped the pain . I took it every day from that time on to now. I use only natural cures now and eat natural foods only
Breast Pain
Posted by Sarah (Bloomfield Twp., Michigan/ Usa) on 08/04/2010
I have chronic pain and would need to know the dosage, frequency and the brand. Thank you, Sarah
Rhodiola Elixir Recipe
Posted by Bev (Long Beach, CA/USA) on 03/07/2009
Hi All; I love this website. I am interested in making the Rhodiola Elixir as seen on Oprah/Dr. Oz using 80 proof vodka. Has anyone made this? I can't find the recipe anywhere. And where would I get the pure Rhodiola Root to use in this elixir? Thanks for all your help. Bev
EC: Don't know where you'd find Rhodiola chips, but we found a simple recipe on Oprah's website for you... http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/health/wellnessandprevention/20081111_expert_droz_restoration/10
"Hunted in Siberia and extracted from chips, Rhodiola rosea anecdotally promotes energy, tamina and sexual function and libido. What do you do with it? Try stuffing some Rhodiola chips into a pint container and fill it with vodka. Then try a tablespoon a night. If the mixture is beet-red, it will have 200 to 600 mg of Rhodiola in it."
Here's another recipe on Yahoo Answers http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071101221648AAqepeF
"Dr. Mehmet Oz was on The Oprah Winfrey Show (November 1, 2007) and he had prepared the herb rhodiola rosea and vodka as an adaptogenic tonic for stress. "This [drink] stimulates dopamine and serotonin," Dr. Oz says. "It has an influence on sexuality. It also helps immune function."
In ADAPTOGENS (chapter on Adaptogens as Food), we discuss how this medicinal alcoholic tonic is prepared in present-day Ukraine. It is called nastojka and is prepared by mixing 80 proof vodka with an equal weight of fresh rhodiola and allowing the mixture to stand for a few weeks. Only a few teaspoonfuls should be consumed daily.
Rhodiola rosea can also be taken in tablets and is best consumed on an empty stomach before breakfast.
Rhodiola has broad-reaching benefits -- it helps to balance blood sugar levels, protect the heart and reduce stress. It is a cooling adaptogen and unlikely to cause overstimulation.
Source(s): ADAPTOGENS: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief (Maimes & Winston)
How good are the data on Rhodiola? Not solid enough to recommend to everyone, but it probably won't hurt. We know a little alcohol every night—even if it's not red wine—keeps your cardiovascular system younger.
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.
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.
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.
