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.
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 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 Robert Bernard (Moscow, Russia) on 12/03/2010
RHODIOLA ROSEA (Golden root)
This is a perennial plant with red, pink, or yellowish flowers. It is no biological relation of the "common" rose, but due to its similar fragrance it has been used as a substitute for Attar of Roses. One of the greatest things Rhodiola does is enhance mental and physical performance. It has been widely used by Russian athletes to increase energy. Rhodiola is cardio-protective, normalizing the heart-rate immediately after intense exercise. It improves nervous system and mental functions such as memory by increasing blood-supply to the muscles and brain, and also increases protein synthesis. Rhodiola rosea has extraordinary pharmacological properties as an anti-mutagen and anti-depressive agent. In this respect Rhodiola rosea is much more powerful than other adaptogens.
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.
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.
Rhodiola Feedback
Posted by Brygivrob (Escondido, Ca) on 11/08/2009
it is written above that chinese source rhodiola does not work
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.
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
Side Effects
Posted by Abisha5192 (Staten Island, New York) on 01/21/2013
Thanks for posting this. I'm a healthy 56 yo, with a heart of a 26 yo, no history of heart disease in my family, non smoker and non drinker, I am in ICU right now with arrhythmic palpitations that almost killed me. I will see my cardiologist tomorrow and tell him that there is no doubt in my mind it is the 275 mg Rhodiola Rosea I take daily.
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.
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 Sammi (Flowery Branch, Ga) on 06/02/2009
Other Southerners know it as poke salad. LOL.
Side Effects
Posted by Beth (Savannah, Ga.) on 05/01/2012
I've only been on Rhodiola a few days, but I seem to be having the opposite affect. I'm tired, and sad. I took 350 mg for several days, thought it was too high so I found Gaiya brand at 250 mg. Still napping twice a day, no impetus to do anything. I get stuff done eventually, but no zeal-always a chore. Break up issues, very alone, and work related sadness, money issues-maybe I'm just too depressed for this to work. Any feedback.
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.
Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Pc (La Costa, Ca) on 06/04/2011
★★★★★
5htp has been very helpful to me. I just take 50 mg a day so far.
Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Kristina (Victoria, Bc) on 04/04/2012
Mary please tell me what you're using as moisturizer called VCO. Thank you!
EC: VCO= virgin coconut oil
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.
Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by RR (Vancouver, Canada) on 02/21/2008
★★★★★
Rhodiola is amazing! I've been taking rr for about 6 months with fantastic improvements. I suffer from major anxiety/stress disorder, minor depression, was taking effexor xr for 5 years prior to this wonderful herb..the effexor caused me to gain 35lbs, made me sweat heavily, and actually gave me more anxiety, the sweating is still a problem, but is getting much better since taking rhodiola, almost gone, except when i get really anxious - socially, i start to sweat from my head/face..which is pretty dam embarrassing..DONT TAKE EFFEXOR! as this never happened before even with the anxiety i had.
Since taking rhodiola and stopping the effexor..i've lost the 35lbs that i gained..alot faster then iv'e ever lost weight before...so YES..it does help you lose weight..as long as you exercise hard and eat reasonably healthy. I dont eat that great, still eat pizza,wings, and drink beer occasionally. Just cut that deep fried food..mcd's etc to a minimum. EXERCISE is the key to losing weight with this herb, although when i took a break from working out...i still dropped a couple pounds.
Thanks to rhodiola, i'm almost back to my old self, except for this lingering little bit of anxiety. rhodiola works best with other herbs, acutally makes those other herbs work better then if u were to take them alone. My stress is so dramatically reduced, i almost feel normal again.
I'm currently on the search for the best combination to combat this left over anxiety issue, looks like i'll try 5-htp as people seem to have success with this combo.
I've been using the Arctic Root brand, from proactivebio, and currently trying out the
Ameriden brand..just google ameriden..you'll find it...apparantly its from Siberia where this
root was first discovered.
And as far as i know..you cannot grow it properly here, the active compounds will not be present
if grown here, needs that cold arctic condition to grow properly.
U have nothing but to benefit from taking this herb. I'm getting my whole family on it now!
and usually takes about 2-3 weeks before you really notice the effects!
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.
Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Heather (Tucson, Arizona) on 09/08/2013
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.
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.
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.
Side Effects
Posted by Caroline (Newbridge, Ireland) on 04/28/2010
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I started taking Rhodiola Rosea standardised extract 250mg 1%salidrosides four months ago. 2 capsules in the am daily for mild depression. I have felt the benefits moods wise but have been driven crazy with itchy skin on my back and stomach accompanied by a red rash. I stopped taking Rhodiola (after exhausting all manner of skin lotions) three days ago and have noticed an easing in the itchiness. I feel in no doubt that Rhodiola was the cause. Hope this helps.
Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by S. B. (Louisville, KY) on 01/18/2008
★★★★★
Just wanted to echo the positive experiences reported here. After a bit of internet research, I kind of guessed at a regimen that might work for me, which is one 250mg rhodiola capsule before breakfast, one before lunch, and then 50mg 5-HTP before bed. In fact I found this site because I Googled "5-HTP" and "rhodiola" to see if there was any danger in taking them both, but I see several of you have also come up with a similar plan. Very assuring, and I have to say I felt a bit of triumph for having arrived at the same conclusion that others have made of my own accord.
Anyway, I've been taking it for a short while and I am still flabbergasted at how effective it is. I really just can't get over it. I could feel the effects after the very first dose of rhodiola. Not only did it improve my mood, it made me feel, well, happy! And it improved my personality. Low seratonin levels were impacting my life in many negative ways but now I am a new person.
Also it seems to have eliminated my morning headaches and neck stiffness, but I can't say whether that is attributed to the rhodiola or the 5-HTP. From what I've read it may likely be the 5-HTP.
However as others have stated, I would take caution in the dosage of rhodiola. I have found that if I take the afternoon dose too close to the morning dose, I do become a bit jittery and restless. Still happy--not nervous--but jittery and restless nonetheless.
Rhodiola is obviously powerful stuff and I'm sure it's not for everyone, but if you are the type of person that it can benefit, then like the others here that have reported positive experiences, I think you'll be astounded as to how effective it can be.
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 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.
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, 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.
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 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.
Side Effects
Posted by Louise (Orlando, Fl) on 04/14/2010
I am having this same reaction and am so disappointed because I feel like other than that it might really help me. Wondering if this side effect will subside? I started with Nature's Way 250mg capsules 1%salidroside and 3%rosavins for a few days and then switched to New Chapter 100mg capsules 1% and 6%.
Can anyone help with this? Am I just using too high a dosage or the wrong brand? Any advice appreciated.
Side Effects
Posted by Cj (Honolulu, Hi) on 11/11/2012
I am actually on the combined contrceptive pill, and the rhodiola has caused breakthrough bleeding, like a normal period. I too am hoping it will subside as the energy and mood effects of the rhodiola are excellent. I'd been on it 18 days when the spotting started, and 3 days later it has progressed to a normal period.
I wonder if this is a little known/rare side effect as there are only a handful of posters here over the last few years and I can't see any info about it anywhere else so far.
SJW and Vitex also cause this problem for me, so I had to discontinue use before I saw any results - I saw results with this stuff after the headaches went away and am so pleased - really don't want to stop! I'll give it some more time and see what happens, and will update this info when I know...
(started 100mg, now on 500mg per day, in the AM)
I also had a daily headache (that some here have mentioned) when I started taking the rhodiola but I persisted and they went away after 10 days.
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
