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.
Side Effects
Posted by Bee (USA) on 10/05/2009
I tried Rhodiola for the first time, and really hoped it would lighten my mood. I am also currently tapering off Paxil, down to 10 mg from 20 mg. The withdrawal is physically and mentally a struggle, and unfortunately the Rhodiola seemed to greatly worsen my anxiety. I felt like I could not sit still and was overly sensitive, emotional and distressed. My abdominal muscles were so tight I felt I could not take deep breaths. I can only attribute this change to Rhodiola, as I have been at this half dose for about a month and things were getting better. I am trying magnesium and tyrosine now. Also, before tapering I started on 5-htp 100mg and that was helping. I still hope to find some combo that allows me to get rid of the constant and emotionally draining anxiety, as well as the persistent down mood as it's taking over my life. But I don't want to be stuck forever on prescription medicines, as I worry about long-term effects.
Side Effects
Posted by Rob (Manhattan, New York) on 10/02/2009
yes, same for me... I also experimented with the New Chapter brand at 300mg and found it was too strong. I was able to take half a capsule. There are other brands that are less potent. You may also want to cycle it at three days on, 2 days off and taking a week off every couple weeks. Taking time off is a good idea for many supplements.
Side Effects
Posted by Sisterlouise (Portland, Oregon) on 10/01/2009
I did have trouble with anxiety when taking rhodiola. I only tried it a few days. The energy level was great, felt very positive throughout the day (took in a.m. as recommended by New Chapter, but in the evening, I was miserable, anxious, even my bp went up a bit. Had to drop it. It is GREAT for my husband, but, alas, not for me.
Skin
Posted by Karla (Regina, Sask) on 08/05/2009
I am taking 250mg daily in the morning for the past 2 months. Have noticed an improvement in brain fog and anxiety, but am experiencing itchy skin (forearms and shins). Has anyone else experienced this side effect?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sixfurlongs (Corona, Ca.) on 08/03/2009
★★★★★
rhodiola with 3% of rosavin two to four per day, results clear mind, reduces anxieties, balanced attitude better sex drive, increases stamina and fights the blues. I take it with 50mg. of zoloft no interaction and helps the side effect of sex. I find it the better the quality the better the results.
Side Effects
Posted by Ruser (New York, NY) on 07/09/2009
manic episode on rhodiola... Hi, i am a psychologist reporting that a client of mine who worked her way up to 600 mg of Rhodiola wound up feeling agitated, "out of her mine" chopping at ther hair, and ultimately got arrested in a department store for shoplifing. she describes confusion at the time and persevaritive thoughts. I have consulted with some psychiatrist friends of mine who indicate the drug might potentiate a manic or hypomanic episode. does anyyone else have any info to report on this matter? Thanks.
Side Effects
Posted by Maxine (Rochester, NY) on 06/06/2009
I've been trying 2 full squirts of this herb in tincture form (small bottle with dropper) daily in the mornings, sometimes with an extra dose in the afternoon, for a couple of weeks now. As a person with chronic fatigue, I have see a noticeable difference in my mental clarity and ability to get through the day, and with way less anxiety than before. I wake up feeling better, am still not 100% but am more productive overall, and am happy with the increased energy and functioning. My period this month, however, was BARELY present at all--a trade off I am more than willing to accept! :-)
The brand I use is Herb Pharm purchased on sale at local health food store for $8.99. It tastes terrible in a small glass of water as suggested, so I take mine with juice instead. I prefer tinctures because they're a good alternative to swallowing pills, and has a much longer shelf life.
Good luck all!
Side Effects
Posted by Sammi (Flowery Branch, Ga) on 06/02/2009
Other Southerners know it as poke salad. LOL.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Janice (Coloma, Mi) on 05/11/2009
Thought I'd throw in my two cents worth. I have had a lot of stress in my life the past two months. I finally reached the point that I was afraid I was going to have to start on my anti-depressant. Then I remembered I had a new bottle of Rhodiola Rosea Extract. I thought I would give that a try first. What a pleasant surprise. It really turned me around. I felt good all day and had plenty of energy. I would highly recommend it. Since you asked about brands, you can print it if you want. I used Planetary Herbals. I bought it at the health food store.
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!
Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Clara (West Palm Beach, Florida, Florida) on 05/02/2009
Sara: What brand of Rhodiola did you get and how long did it take for you to feel better. I just got my Rosavin yesterday and started taking it this a.m. Thank you.
Side Effects
Posted by Diana (Arlington, VA) on 04/17/2009
I have been taking Nutrilite's Rhodiola 110 for about a month now (take twice a day) and I found that after two weeks of taking it, my period stopped. I thought I might have been pregnant after being 2 weeks late and took 5 pregnancy tests - all negative. So, I am now almost 6 weeks late on my period and not pregnant, so I would have to say after reading others' feedback, that my missed periods and subtle cramping is due to taking this pill.
Although it gave me great energy, it has altered my cycle and put me through some stressful weeks.
Rhodiola Elixir Recipe
Posted by Bev (Long Beach, CA/USA) on 04/10/2009
T from Maryland - I found mountainroseherbs site and ordered 2# of Rhodiola Rosea to make an elixir. Unfortunately, I didn't realize their Rhodiola comes from China and not Russia. I will have to box it up and send it back. Still looking for a reasonable cost site and checking with my local Vitamin City that sells organic produce, fruit, etc. Will comment more if I find it reasonably priced.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Posted by Paola (Lugano, Ticino/Switzerland) on 03/16/2009
★★★★★
Rhodiola for Hashimoto Disease: Thyroid:
I have been taking Russian-Rhodiola for a week now, 300g in the morning. I'll see my Doctor tomorrow, as I am also under pills for my thyroid, and I would like to replace thyroid chemical pills (Levothyroxine sodium - thyroid hormones) with rhodiola's cure, let's see what he's going to tell me. I feel definitely better, from the first day. I used to be chronically tired, now not anymore.
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
Rhodiola Elixir Recipe
Posted by T (Maryland, USA) on 03/09/2009
Those Life Extension prices are insane. Try mountainroseherbs.com. An entire pound of rhodiola root is just $9.00 there as opposed to a whopping $119 at LE.
Rhodiola Elixir Recipe
Posted by Bev (Long Beach, CA/USA) on 03/08/2009
I FINALLY found a site that sells Rhodiola Root. S&H is pricey.
http://www.life-extension-drugs.com/rhodiolaroot.html
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.
Side Effects
Posted by Marina (NY, NY) on 03/05/2009
again, you did not specify the amount. how are we supposed to know what you are talking about?
Side Effects
Posted by Marina (NY, NY) on 03/05/2009
You did not specify the amount of each capsule. i just started taking 500mgs, 3%r osavins and 1% salidrosides, and i am feeling a bit jittery. this is only day 2 for me on this.
Rhodiola Feedback
Posted by Diana (London, England) on 02/07/2009
hi, I have read all your comments on Rhodiola - in England, we have brands like Solgar and Viridien who sell the Standardised Rhodiola Root Extract (1% salidrozid, 40% polyphenols) 250mg, Rhodiola Root Powder 100mg - I am hoping this is Siberian but have no way of knowing. Any advice? I have been using for 4 days but only expect to see a difference after 10 days according to Viridien. I have to say that I have loads of energy in the last couple of days- I have 2 small children and a big house to keep tidy. I may try taking the herb at night after 10 days if i dont see a marked difference (improvement) in my sleep. Thank you all for sharing your info. Diana
Side Effects
Posted by Rae (Hackensack, NJ) on 02/06/2008
I sent feedback about a week ago about a rash as a possible side effect from Rhodiola (500mg for depression) but I was also taking St John's Wort (900mg). I did more research and found some people have had an itchy rash in response to St. John's Wort! I tried the St. John's again and the same thing happened. Now I'm on the Rhodiola and 5 htp (50mg)and so far so good.
Rhodiola Feedback
Posted by J Phil Murray (Longmont, Colorado) on 02/05/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Rhodioloa has been very helpful to me but also has some problems--
First, I have chronic adrenal exhaustion and also hypoglycemia. Rhodiola helps me with both problems. I am also anxiety prone and Rhodioloa usually helps that but sometimes makes it a little worse (although I have a pretty good recovery from anxiety using self-help techniques).
I have recently been taking a higher dose which does not work as well for me. It increases my emotional sensitivity, gives me slight headaches and also makes me slightly irritable.
What I have been doing in the last few days is to take an aspirin with the second pill (I take one pill an hour before breakfast and the second pill between 11:00am and 11:30am an hour before lunch, so I'll take an aspirin at lunch to offset the headache).
At lower doses, it doesn't have these side effects for me so I will try that again soon.
Also I really prefer Jiagulan which has the same benefits but is less overstimulating. This is not medical advice however and I encourage anyone using any herbs to carefully research all side effects and contraindications before trying anything. You have some people who are very close-minded about herbs, I don't agree with those folks, but you also have people who are blindly positive about herbs and will take anything without thinking or on the smallest snippet of information. These folks are irresponsible. Herbs can help but can also be dangerous. Do your homework THOROUGHLY before taking.
Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Denise (Carlsbad, CA) on 01/26/2009
Hi Sunni, How much Rhodiola do you take a day and at what time? Also, what brand? Thanks for your feedback:) Denise
Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Richard (Tallahassee, Florida) on 12/27/2008
★★★★★
Rhodiola completely eliminates feelings of depression and sadness. I feel happy and content for the first time in many, many years. I feel like a normal person must feel. Great, great stuff.
Side Effects
Posted by Mary (London, UK) on 11/14/2008
I took Rhodiola Rosea- Each one-a-day capsule contained 250mg standardised Rhodiola Rosea root extract (1% each rosavins, salidrozid and polyphenols) and also 130mg Raw Rhodolia Root powder.
I bought these after internet research from a reputable vitamin company, mainly for an energy lift and adrenal support following a period of chronic stress. I didn't expect to experience any results for a week at least but have stopped taking this after only 3 days because of a marked change in mood - feeling depressed, irritable and very tired. Foggy, negative thinking. Eye irriation and head ache. I was not previously depressed. I am a skeptical person and wary of attributing these effects to R.Rosea after such a very short period of time, but I have no other explanation than to consider this a negative reaction to the herb. Disappointed and concerned, this was not at all what I expected.
Side Effects
Posted by Joy (Toronto, Ontario) on 11/12/2008
I took Rhodiola for two days and the pain in my joints was terrible. I stopped taking it. I started again 3 weeks later and had the same effect. It also worsens my fibromyalgia. I have taken Rhodiola on 5 occasions. I like how it helps increase my clarity of thought and focus, nevertheless I must always discontinue use because of the pain.
Side Effects
Posted by Nas (Silver Spring, MD) on 11/10/2008
I have to agree with this, I felt like stuff was pouring out of my body. I think women should be careful with this stuff. I had only been taking it for like two weeks when my cycle started. I was taking Gaia Herbs Rhodiola. Gave a presentation at work and literally had to rush to the bathroom afterward.
Rhodiola Feedback
Posted by Ruth-Ann (Bellmawr, NJ) on 10/23/2008
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
Greetings! First, I so thank you for the wonderful gift of this site. It has been of immense help to me during various times. I wanted to write in to tell of my experience with Rhodiola Rosea. I absolutely love this herb. I get mine from Mountain Rose Herbs (great place) and it is usually about 300mg of non standardized powdered herb. I have tried the new chapter organics one and didn't feel any different. Anyway, when I take the mountain rose herb one, I really feel a great noticable difference....calmer, more alert, but at PEACE. My only concern is that this effect does not last for me. I will have this for about a week and a half and then no further effect is noticed until I stop taking it for a month and start again. Anyone else experience this? I feel it is a wonderful tool to use.
Side Effects
Posted by Louise (NSW, Australia) on 10/04/2008
I started using Rhodila Rosea 500mg after reading how it increases energy. I started taking 1 capsule 1/2 hr before breakfast and it made me VERY tired. I then tried 250mg (1/2 capsule)...same effects...so I diluted 1 500mg capsule in 250 ml water and took 50ml equalling
100mg and I still get tired (not as much) but very moody. My sister gets the same effects as I do.
Skin
Posted by Robert (Manhattan, NY) on 09/21/2008
Thanks Joyce... Yes, I stay away from those additives. Stress is accumulative and it just piles up living in NYC. I know my sources, a long running litigation, money, and loss. Add a little genetics to the mix and you start to have panic attacks. In an effort to keep on top of it, I take a vigorous yoga class 3 to 4 times a week, and the above mentioned supplements. Getting out in nature would work wonders as well.
Skin
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 08/23/2008 490 posts
Hello Robert, I agree with you that magnesium will help with those panic attacks. However, I do suggest that you google "excitotoxins" and do an honest evaluation of how much of two of the major excitotoxins you are ingesting (monosodium glutamate or MSG and aspartame or nutri-sweet), as both of these are known to cause mood swings and panic attacks. You are in for a rude awakening if you think MSG is only ingested when you eat Chinese, Asian or stirfried foods. Interestingly enough, magnesium competes with the same sites with MSG, but removing the excitotoxins makes more sense than continuing to ingest them and hoping you are getting enough magnesium to counteract same. If you are still having the panic attacks, you obviously aren't.
Skin
Posted by Robert (Manhattan, New York) on 08/22/2008
Tanya, being prone to panic attacks myself, I have learned to stay away from many stimulants, especially caffiene. Rhodiola seemed to excite more than calm me. Above all, I would recommend Magnesium. And occasional use of Valerian, which can be sleep inducing. Also Ashwaganda is a good adaptogen with calming qualities.
