Rhodiola is sometimes referred to as golden root, arctic root, or rose root. The rhodiola plant is part of the Crassulaceae family. This plant can be found growing at high elevations in the arctic areas of Europe and Asia. These locations include much of the Arctic, the mountains of Central Asia, the Rocky Mountains, and mountainous parts of Europe, such as the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathian Mountains, Scandinavia, Iceland, Great Britain, and Ireland. This plant grows in areas up to 2280 meters in elevation. The root produces several shoots that reach heights between five to thirty five centimeters. For centuries, this plant has been used in Russian and Scandinavian folk medicine. Swedish researchers believed that the Vikings used rhodiola regularly. A bouquet of the plant is still often presented to a bride and groom in Siberia in order to ensure a bountiful marriage.

This herb is an adaptogen. Studies of its medicinal benefits have been performed in France, Sweden, Norway, Germany, the Soviet Union, and Iceland. It is currently used in Russia as a tonic and treatment for fatigue, lack of concentration, and poor memory. It is also used to increase worker productivity. In Sweden and other Scandinavian nations, it is used to enhance the capacity for mental work and also as a general strengthener.

A recent review found in Herbalgram, the Journal of the American Botanical Council, stated that numerous studies of rhodiola in vitro and in animals and humans have determined that the herb helps combat fatigue, stress, and the harmful effects of oxygen deprivation. Rhodiola can also protect against cancer and increase immunity. Other research has found that this herb can help boost learning capacity, enhance memory, regulate menstrual periods, help with infertility, reduce chemotherapy side effects. It can also enhance libido, aid erectile dysfunction, improve thyroid function, expand endurance, and protect against environmental toxins.

It seems as if rhodiola acts differently in the body than other adaptogens. This herb, unlike the others, acts on key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin. An imbalance of these two chemicals is thought to be one of the key reasons for illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and seasonal affective disorder. Some herbalists believe that rhodiola may help to regulate levels of these neurotransmitters, which alleviates these ailments. Most other adaptogens, on the other hand, appear to fortify the body’s reserves by increasing the production of stress-fighting hormones from the adrenal glands.

In short, the root of the rhodiola plant is used to provide adaptogen, anticarinogenic, and antioxidant properties. Primarily, rhodiola is extremely beneficial in dealing with cancer, endurance, fatigue, immune function, infertility, libido, poor memory, menstrual irregularity, stress, and thyroid function. It should be noted that high doses may cause a risk for irritability and insomnia.

In order to obtain the best results when supplementing with this, or any herb, it is important to consult your health care provider before beginning any regimen. For more information on the many beneficial effects provided by rhodiola, please feel free to consult a representative from your local health food store with questions.

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Look for Discount rhodiola at VitaNet ®, LLC Vitamin Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

Author Bio: Look for Discount rhodiola at VitaNet ®, LLC Vitamin Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Rhodiola, Stress, Fatigue, Adaptogen, Memory, Libido, Infertility, Thyroid Function