Rhodiola Rosea: Boost Health, Reduce Stress & Aging

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.

it is written above that chinese source rhodiola does not work

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Other Southerners know it as poke salad. LOL.

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.

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.

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.

5htp has been very helpful to me. I just take 50 mg a day so far.

Mary please tell me what you're using as moisturizer called VCO. Thank you!

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.

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.

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!

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.

Before taking 5HTP please BE CAREFUL and Read This WARNING before taking it: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-794-5-HTP.aspx?activeIngredientId=794&activeIngredientName=5-HTP

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hi Sunni, How much Rhodiola do you take a day and at what time? Also, what brand? Thanks for your feedback:) Denise

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.

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.

While visiting earthclinic's site to see what I could fine to help my anxiety, I saw information about 5HTP as another source to use for anxiety. So I wanted to find out more information about this little pill, because it was a toss up between the two (Rhodiola) I decided to use the Rhodiola which worked out perfect. I then did some more research on 5HTP to see what other benefits it was good for, and I found out that it was recommeded for Fibromyalgia. Such as sleepless nights, waking up 4-5 times in the night, the headaches, the pain in the joints, stiffness upon waking up in morning, I felt like the tin man on the wizard of oz. I also had other related problesm. I have been taking it now for five months and I am a happier person, more energetic, not as moody as before, mine is more clear and well the list goes on, and I don't wake up stiff like before; so getting more rest has made me more alert.

In addition, I have a question for anyone out there to answer if possible. Since I take Rhodiola and 5HTP together I wanted to know if this harmful since both are a mood relaxing vitamin. I take the one for anxiety the other for the Fibroymyalgia. In addition, after reading more information about 5HTP and some side affects I was wondering if I should stop using it for awhile. If anyone has an answer please respond. I want to say though that since I have been using it I have had no side affects that were bad only good ones.

Ted: Hope you are well.

Recently I started taking B-6 100mg 2x day and 1 25mg P5P per day and soon found that these are working very well w/ Zinc in improving detox of which I am twice compromised. My elation of improved detox and quality of life soon subsided as my kidneys are loosing function which has agonized the chronic infection in my bones & joints as a result of inorganic Manganese poisoning more than two decades ago.

I also have what seems to be copolymer poisoning also from long ago. I have taken lots of Zinc & Niacin but am still in the hole. I cannot tolerate even small amounts of alcohol beverage so I know my alcohol detox path is very bad. I am confident the Zinc/B-6/Niacin combination can make a big difference but it is causing the Kidneys to go down. What can I do?? I am also getting good results from Zinc Sulfate footbaths for detox w/ no bad side effects.

For the Manganese detox I am taking Sodium Thiosulfate foot baths or whole body baths. Adding Coffee to detox foot spas has brought out an entirely new level of toxins; and fallowing I take either Activated Charcoal or Bentonite Clay to absorb leftover toxins.

Am wondering about oral EDTA as effective? Do you recommend DMSA (Dimercaptosuccinic Acid) ?? Can it be used orally effectively?? Does it stress the Kidneys?? Agriculture grade Fulvic Acid seems to work very good but I think I need to add Iodine to kill any soil-based pathogens. I heated the FA liquid but I don't think it's enough. You or Bill has recommended adding drops of Iodine if I recall correctly, Yes??

Any response or assistance from you is most appreciated as my quality of living is very poor.