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 David (Portland, Oregon) on 07/14/2008
For about six months I've been taking Rhodiola (Rosavin Plus standarized 3% Siberian Rhodiola rosea, RosaFactor 300 mg.) for depression and fatigue. For some weeks now I have been suffering headaches, eye irritation, and general tiredness. I have also had some heart arrhythmia. My doctor can find no other cause of these symptoms and recommends that I stop taking this herb and see if there is improvement. I will report what happens and would like to hear from others who may have had negative side-effects to Rhodiola. DJW
Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Yves (Kapuskasing, Ontario) on 06/03/2008
Rhodiola Feedback: Hi, this is for RR from Vancouver. I am wondering what your regimen is (dosage, time of day etc), and if you have found your solution for the remaining anxiety. Long story short I have been suffering terribly from anxiety symptoms, OCD, depression, fatigue etc.. I had tried many years to manage naturally through yoga and other means, but I was forced to realize how I have not been managing at all. Still wanting to find a natural way of doing it(I have taken meds when I was a teen) I discovered Rhodiola 2 weeks ago. Like everyone else it is amazing herb. But I'm still working out my dosage - like you still having a bit of anxiety symptoms left (tight throat). I got some L-Theanine and 5 HTP today and will see what that does. BUT, I also found this product called ESKALOFT which combines Rhodiola, St-John's Wort Extract, B6, Theanine, 5 HTP and a bit of naturally occuring lithium. I have ordered and am waiting for that. I think this one might be a winner. Anyway, please contact me about your current regimen.
Side Effects
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 05/26/2008 490 posts
Yes, there is something else that will help your husband's shoulder bursitis. If you know what poke sallet (pokeweed) is, they are just now beginning to blossom and you'll have to wait until they ripen this fall to gather them to take. Contrary to popular belief, they are not poisonous. I have been taking them for 30+ years and I'm still here to answer your question. If you want to know how to take them, I started taking 3 or 4 berries 4 times a day and kept increasing them until I was taking about 20 to 25 berries 4 times a day. Several years after starting them, I read that if you extracted them in alcohol or vinegar, it stayed good for several years but dehydrating them, they were only good for 6 months or so. If you care to get into this, there are many books (or on line information) you can find. A general rule of thumb for beginners is that when using fresh herbs - l part herb to l part diluent used to extract: when using dry herbs use 2 parts diluent to l part dries herb. If you want to research poke berries - google pokeweed instead of poke sallet.
Side Effects
Posted by Sally (Birmingham, England) on 05/25/2008
i've been using the Rhodiola
for a few days, but only one a day. I read the post about someone taking two close together and feeling restless and jittery, and i've been feeling a bit like that. Does that mean i shouldn't take it at all?
Also, my husband has tendonitis in shoulder, any natural remedies. He is taking a capsule of msm; hydrocloride glucosamide; and bought a some turmeric but only used that once or twice. Someone mentioned Black strap molasses for arthritis, would that work? i have some in cupboard.
Energy
Posted by Chris Bates (Derby, England) on 05/22/2008
★★★★★
I'm on rhodiola rosea rosavin. very important, been on this for 3 years now. it's a miracle. I'm 46, work 12 hour days plus sat morning. Up at 430am, back home 700pm every night, working in hot laundry. adaption rate is every day. I just get stronger every day, stress easy to cope with, I could go on all day. I'm so happy. I'm paid the minmum wage, but that's not important. I know at the end ov the day that I will be stronger the next day. more people need to know about this supplement.
Skin
Posted by Anonymous (Simi Valley, California) on 05/13/2008
★★★★★
Rhodiola Feedback: I take 8 grams a day at night before i go to sleep for skin lightening effects. I started on a high dosage a month ago and never had any side effects. I'm 18, have a history of acute asthma, mild depression, tiredness, and get migraines. When I take it without food, which i usually do, it makes my heart race a little and it is hard to focus. I sleep fine, and wake up earlier. I wouldn't take it in the morning or before doing anything exciting or mentally demanding. My skin feels amazingly soft, but i haven't noticed any lightening.
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.
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.
Skin
Posted by Tanya (Buffalo, NY) on 11/02/2007
I wanted to know if Rhodiola is suitable for the person who has severe anxiety/panic disorder (major symptoms lightheadedness, dizziness, faiting)? Did somebody have any positive results with it for the above mentioned symptoms? Thanks
Skin
Posted by Joanna (Boston) on 08/22/2006
★★★★★
Rhodiola is one of the best supplements to take for the skin. I think it should be taken with Vitamin E and Flax Seed oil for best results.
Physical and Mental Energy, Allergies, Immune System
Posted by Tami (Tuscon, AZ) on 08/28/2006
★★★★★
Rhodiola is a wonder herb. It has increased my energy and mental abilities, cured seasonal allergy attacks, and increased my immune system so I don't get sick nearly as often as I used to.
Side Effects
Posted by Artemis (Bismarck, ND) on 02/19/2007
I started Rhodiola about a week ago for the "
fountain of youth" benefit. When I added the Vitamine E, I experienced severe, nearly arthritic pain in joints and muscles. I have not experienced the improved sleep pattern, either. I plan to stop the herb a few days then restart on lower dosage.
Side Effects
Posted by Clara (New York City, USA) on 04/05/2007
I recently started taking rhodiola and vitamin E in the mornings and afternoons, and I've noticed a huge difference in my energy levels. My skin is more radiant, and I have a lot more energy than I used to. However, a word of caution -- two rhodiola capsules per day might be too much for some people. I noticed that after the afternoon dose I was feeling a little nervous, jittery, and restless, so now I take only one rhodiola capsule in the morning, and I take the vitamin E in the morning and afternoon, and it seems to work better for me. I'd highly recommend this remedy, but be careful with rhodiola if you're at all prone to nervousness and/or panic attacks.
Side Effects
Posted by Mary (bayonne, nj) on 10/23/2007
I tried rhodiola after reading about all the benefits. What I experiences was a menstrual cycle that was near hemorraging. I immediately quit using it and my cycle returned to normal. There is very little, if any, hard science out there on this product and a whole lot of buzz. I would be careful.
Side Effects
Posted by Rae (Hackensack, NJ) on 01/31/2008
I have been taking about 50mg 5 htp with 900mg St. Johns Wort daily to treat my depression with good results. Then I read about Rhodiola and I started taking a 500mg capsule daily. But after 1-2 day I noticed an itchy rash on my face and legs. I'm not sure if it's the Rhodiola or a combination of all or two of the herbs. I have stopped the Rhodiola for now but will begin again at a lower dose once the rash has cleared. I haven't found much about side effects with the Rhodiola but wondered if anyone had a similar experience.
Dosages
Posted by Coach (USA, USA) on 02/19/2008
★★★★★
Rhodiola at low doses will give a stimulatory effect and at higher doses of the higher quality 5% Rosavins Rhodiola will give you a calming effect.
Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Kristine (Belle Chasse, LA) on 08/21/2006
★★★★★
Rhodiola is the best stuff ever for anxiety.
