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.
Where to Buy
Posted by Craig (Hopkins, Mn Usa) on 07/31/2012
Hi... Would you please suggest resources from which I can procure the appropriate form of Rhodiola as mentioned in your article, "Rhodiola Cures and Side Effects"? Please advise. Regards, Craig
Where to Buy
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 07/31/2012
Hi Craig, I have always benefited from Chinese herbs so am a big advocate of them. I use Ron Teeguarden's Chinese herbs because I have such faith in his ethics and he is so passionate about his work. I have had the great fortune of hearing him speak a few times and his knowledge is absolutely remarkable. I have even been able to speak with him for personal advice regarding my health. His site also offers a lot of valuable information.
He goes back and forth between here and China often to check on his plants, herbs and sources. So, though he uses Wild Tibetan Rhodiola which is mentioned in the section you are referring to, I have no doubts of the quality he offers. I use his 8 Immortals formula which has this in it but my results are amazing. I have so much energy and find I wake up easily at about 5:45am after using this now on a regular basis. You might want to check it out. I will add the link to the actual Formula I take but, you will then be on his site.
http://www.dragonherbs.com/prodinfo.asp?number=017
He offers other formulas as well with this as an ingredient but it is not offered alone. Often in Chinese medicine, you will find that combinations are superior as the formulas have key and supporting players.
I hope this helps, Lisa
Broad Benefits
Posted by Debbiee (Pit, Pa) on 11/23/2012
What happened with your Dr. Did you get the results you epected? Just wondering because I'm having similar isues.
Where to Buy
Posted by Paul (Leavenworth, Ks) on 05/16/2012
Hello where can I get the true Russian version of Rhodiola Rosea? Thanks
Where to Buy
Posted by Ulrike (Boston, Ma Usa) on 07/25/2012
I'm also trying to find Siberian Rhodiola, the root, not a tincture or pills. I'm looking for the root in chopped rather than powdered form. I have not been able to find it online. Anyone have any ideas? If you want a tincture with both alcohol and glycerine, Herb Pharm makes one with Siberian hand-picked rhodiola rosea.
Where to Buy
Posted by Gale (Orlando, Florida) on 09/16/2012
Search herb pharm store locator to find stores that sell roots.
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......
Stress, Depression
Posted by Bruce (St Louis, Missouri) on 05/15/2012
Debbie, Thanks for the information on the tea for my wife. I am going to dedicate my day to researching this.
Stress, Depression
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 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
Stress, Depression
Posted by Toni (Nashville, Tn) on 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!
Sources
Posted by Calgary (Calgary, Ab Canada) on 05/09/2012
I disagree that Rhodiola has to be from Siberia. How are you going to find it if you are in North America? Sure the seeds have to be shipped from Finland or Siberia. But then you can grow them in Alberta as Alberta farmers have done here in Canada for several years. And then the root can be processed into supplements. I even bought some seedlings of Rhodiola from Harmonic Herbs in Barrhead AB and planted them in my backyard, they appear to be doing well. Once the plants grow I'm using the leaves and flowers to make Rhodiola tea, and around 2017 once I know how to harvest the roots, I will do that too. In October of this year I plan on gettings some seeds germinating in the cold and then once they are big enough in the small planters, planting them in the front yard, here in Calgary.
Growing Rhodiola From Seeds
Posted by Amyalaska (Interior Of, Alaska) on 05/01/2012
★★★★★
It is also grown in somewhat limited quantities in Alaska.
Rhodiola Feedback
Posted by B.k. (Calgary, Alberta/canada) on 03/26/2012
After months of reading about ACV treatments and uses and getting great ideas and info from others, I can finally contribute a bit to this great site. I read about someone looking for Rhodiola rosea. I actually started taking this just over a month ago. For me it has helped reduce that brain fog I have from FM. The energy increase for me has been noticable. The other thing I have read from online research is that it can also help with stopping smoking, currently assessing this (hope they are right). Anyways, the type I found in Canada with high quality guarantee was Rhoziva brand. After reading the stuff I could buy, this was the best for me. Hope this can help others. Not sure if it still works but I even got a discount code NGS25 for 25% off since their free shipping was for 5 boxes or more and since I didn't know how the product worked didn't want to do more then two. Will be updating results after more time has passed, so far, "yea" to rhodiola rosea.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Gb08 (Chicago, Illinois) on 03/06/2012
I started taking Rhodiola 5 days ago and have immediately noticed improvements across the board! I take one capsule (340 mg of Rhodiola) in the morning and have seen an increase in my energy. I work long hours and often times have found myself drained by the end of a long shift; with Rhodiola in my system I've worked some of the longest/hardest shifts of my life and felt COMPLETELY FINE by the end! My memory has improved and I have noticed a tangible spike in my happiness/personality. It's a wonder drug, and taking it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I used to take SSRIs like sertraline and citalopram and this makes me feel much better, without the nasty side effects!
Question: Does anyone have a brand that they swear by? I use the GNC version but am considering looking for something more potent. Thanks!!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 03/07/2012 2048 posts
Gb08, thanks for your Rhodiola post as I recalled that I had failed to include it in one of my recent post on tonic or CHI herbs. R seems a great stand-alone herb, but I would still rotate with others in that class as the body has such complex needs. I have used NOW Rhodiola but I can't verify anything as my condition is such, but if you're looking for potency, always buy "standardized extract" of whichever brand; and herb potencies do vary from region-to-region and crop-to-crop so it's good to also rotate brands. Nature's Answer, Nature's Way, Nature's Sunshine have long been considered "superior" brands from my personal experience, but I don't hesitate to buy generic brands especially if the price is right.
One good indicator of potency is smell. When you first open the bottle get a good whiff (usually the stronger the odor the greater the potency) or always smell before consuming as this signals the body to its oncoming natural beneficiary; sort of like Aroma Therapy, but it's simply a synergistic mechanism allowing the body to "know" the particular substance.
Broad Benefits
Posted by P (Middle, Fl) on 03/07/2012
Hello! Thank you for your imput on Rhodiola, I will purchase this for my hubby & son! Swanson Vitamins- many people on the site as myself recommend them and they're half the price of GNC.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Pam (Lexington, Sc) on 04/21/2012
I have a question about the Rhodiola. You mentioned you had taken Citalopram. Did you take the Rhodiola while you were taking the other meds? I currently take 40 mg of Citalopram daily, and am a bit concerned with mixing the two, but really like what I am reading about Rhodiola and would like to give it a try. I just dont seem to get the results that I think I should from the Citalopram, however have been on it for years because its been "just o. K. " and havent wanted to go through the trouble of weining off it and starting a new one.
If you could also let me know where the best place to purchase TRUE Rhodiola is, that would be much appreciated.
Thank you, Pam
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.
Rhodiola Feedback
Posted by Celloslola (Chester, Va) on 01/27/2012
★★★★★
I have taken Rhodiola daily for the past 7 years. When I had a high-pressure job, it helped me to stay calm and organized through the multi-taskings I had to do. My daughter is a stay-at-home mom with a 2 year old. I purchased a bottle for her. I have a full-time job, family, and also go to school. My memory isn't what it used to be and neither is my patience. I won't go a day without taking this.
Friends of mine thank me for encouraging them to purchase Rhodiola. It's wonderful.
Where to Buy
Posted by Carolyn (Slave Lake, Alberta, Canada) on 01/19/2012
Pertaining to the following paragraph:
You should buy only Rhodiola of Russian origin with key active components of Rosavin, Rosarin and Rosin. Be careful -- in the USA, Rhodiola rosea formulas sold as "Tibetan" Rhodiola or Chinese Rhodiola contain no active components. These formulas lack the key ingredient Rosavins while they are high in Salidroside. Supposedly, only Rhodiola from West and North Siberia contains the critical components of Rosavin, Rosarin and Salidroside.
What are the names of the Russian products and where can they be purchased?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mom2 (Chicago, Illinois) on 12/02/2011
Jennifer, what brand and dose of ionic magnesium citrate do you take for your anxiety? Is it generalized anxiety disorder?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jennifer (Sunrise, Fl) on 05/06/2012
Mom2, yes, I have generalized anxiety disorder and mild OCD. I use Natural Calm. A little pricey but worth it! I also recommend epsom baths or bathing in the ocean as an alternative. Yoga and meditation also helps a lot, although the meditation heightened my anxiety in the beginning.
Energy
Posted by Allie (Fullerton, Ca) on 11/07/2011
★★★★★
Which Rhodiola brands do you prefer? I have used only the Thorne and love it. Im only taking 100 mg per morning, but now I feel alive again!
Side Effects
Posted by Mark (Nottingham, Uk) on 10/05/2011
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I was taking Rhodiola Rosea 250mg standardised to contain 1% salidrosides. One in morning, one at lunch.
I hadn't heard about the stimulating effects of this and took it for 3 months and had awful anxiety attacks. It wasn't until I found this site that I stopped taking it and my anxiety attacks stopped.
It doesn't say the origin of the root extract on the label.
In short be very careful with this herb, introduce it gradually and monitor the effects.
Perhaps I needed a higher dose but the label said max 2 capsules. If I ever considered this herb again I would purchase a higher quality one. Begs the question 'How do we really know what's in it?'
Side Effects
Posted by Diane (Vernon, B.c., Canada) on 07/19/2011
Rhodiola: Was prescribed by naturopath. Fine for a couple of weeks. Noticed now have symptoms similar to too much caffeine. She prescribed it for stress, thinks it's my adrenals. Should I discontinue?
Where to Buy
Posted by Jj22vv (Mobile, Alabama) on 06/19/2011
I am trying to find where I can buy the RHODIOLA ROSEA in the correct form & place of origin. I really need something for energy. I'm anemic & have no energy. HELP PLEASE. ~tanx, jj22vv
General Feedback
Posted by Chris (Shelby, Nc) on 05/20/2011
I would to ask you a question about rhodiloa rosea extract.. I want to know if (energy 28 or Morenaturalenergy pills) have caffeine in it? as brand they said they don't have caffeine in it.. They brand " no caffeine" I have an irregular heart.. but I read somewhere they warn that they could have some caffeine in it.. Because of Rhodiloa rosea extract.. They have some caffeine it.. But they label " no caffeine" on any bottles.. Please tell me the truth.
Thank you, Chris
Medication Interaction
Posted by Ronni (Wilton, Ct) on 04/22/2011
A friend of mine gave me a bottle of rhodiola and after reading about how wonderful it is, I am a little nervous about taking it because I am on effexor and ritalin not to mention blood pressure meds and cholesterol meds. Has anyone tried it while still on these kind of meds?
Medication Interaction
Posted by Yvonne (Houston, Tx Usa) on 09/27/2011
I have been taking rhodiola since August 17, 2011. Today is 9/27/11. I have lost 21 lbs.
Medication Interaction
Posted by Niecy (Detroit, Michigan) on 10/08/2011
I am on wellbutrin, BP meds and cholesterol meds. Will this supplement interact with these?
Medication Interaction
Posted by Mom2 (Chicago, Illinois) on 12/02/2011
Yvonne, what brand and dose do you take?
Medication Interaction
Posted by Patricia (Florida) on 03/10/2017
Can I take rhodiola while taking levothyroxine?
Side Effects
Posted by Larry (Bloomington, In) on 03/10/2011
I experienced malignant hypertension with a small dose over a one month period.
Side Effects
Posted by Mary R. (St. Paul, Minnesota) on 08/20/2011
I just came across this forum when I did a search for rhodiola side effects, not really expecting to find anything. I've been taking rhodiola for a few months at a low dose (100 mg/day), which didn't have much effect. I increased it about a month ago to 500 mg a day and loved the boost to my mood and energy.
But a few days ago I started having fierce hot flashes (I'm 55 and seldom get them any more). I also started getting dizzy when I was doing yard work--that was pretty scary. I reduced the dose to 250 today with no change in the side effects, which also seem to include panic attacks (they go with hot flashes) and twitchiness. I wish I'd just stopped taking it. I do take Wellbutrin (bupropion) for SAD and at first blamed a bad batch of that for my odd symptoms. But after reading other people's feedback here, I think the rhodiola is probably interfering with the antidepressant. I suspect my blood sugar has also gotten high the last few days. I'm a big fan of supplements and I tend to forget they can be as potent and potentially harmful as prescription drugs. Next time I'll do my homework.
