In folk medicine, rhodiola is known under the names golden root, rose root, Aaron's wort and new ginseng. This perennial herb belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It grows in Northern Asia, North America and Iceland, in the mountainous areas above 2300 meters above sea level. Forms a tuft of densely leafy stems.
The leaves are fleshy, grey-green and sessile. In summer, the bright yellow flowers appear, collected in top inflorescences.
The first written records of the use of the plant for medicinal purposes date back to 77 AD. In his work De Materia Medica, the ancient Greek physician Dioscorides described the effect of the herb on those suffering from mental illnesses and colds. The Vikings were also well aware of the medicinal properties of the plant and used them to increase physical and mental endurance in warfare. Its popularity centuries ago was so great that in order to get hold of the magical herb, Chinese emperors organized expeditions to Siberia.
The first comprehensive scientific information on Rhodiola rosea was published in 1961. Its author is the Russian botanist G.V. Krylov, who conducted an expedition in Altai and differentiated the herb as a subspecies of the evergreen plant Rodiola.
Rhodiola has a unique chemical composition: rosiridol, monoterpentine alcohols and their glycosides, cyanogenic glycosides, phenylethanoids, phenylpropanoids, aryl glycosides, gallic acid derivatives and others. Its exceptional healing properties are due to compounds such as: roazvin, rosarin, rosin, p-tyrosol, rhodioloside, rhodiolin, rosiridine and salidroside. The beneficial ingredients are extracted in dry extracts, spirit extracts and essential oils obtained only from the flowers.
Along with mushrooms and other herbs with similar properties, golden root is widely used in homeopathy as an herbal tonic and adaptogen. Adaptogens increase the body's resistance to cold, heat, stress, viruses, infections, toxins and heavy metals. In case of colds or infectious diseases, they accelerate the return of the body to its normal functioning. The herb has no side effects, and in hypersensitive patients, they are insignificant. The golden root owes its adaptogenic and tonic properties mainly to rhodioloside and tyrosol. They are an indispensable supplement for active sportsmen and people with intense physical activity. As a result of taking it, there is an increase in the levels of enzymes and proteins important for muscle recovery after heavy physical exertion.
Through a number of scientific experiments, the beneficial effect of rhodiola on the bioelectric activity of the brain, which is important for improving mental activity and memory, has been proven. Taking an extract of the herb reduces mental fatigue, increases motivation for work and ensures restful sleep.
The ability of golden root to increase the body's resistance to toxins and support its antitumor activity is impressive. Its effectiveness has been proven when taken in parallel with antitumor pharmaceutical products. In experiments conducted on animals, this therapy has shown significant results. Tumor growth was limited to 39%, the spread of metastases – to 50%, and life was significantly extended. Studies of oncological patients taking rhodiola extract simultaneously with three types of antitumor drugs indicate a reduction in the toxic effect of the drugs on the liver while increasing their anticancer properties. In people in good physical health, the herb acts as an antioxidant and protects the nervous system from stress.
Diabetes is one of the most serious health problems of our time. It is caused by the inability of specialized cells in the pancreas to produce the required amount of insulin. As a result, the body is unable to absorb glucose from the blood and the blood sugar level rises. The treatment is medication with a concomitant diet. Golden root extract, which reduces blood sugar levels, has a positive effect in this direction.
Statistics show that every third adult is overweight. An increased amount of body fat increases the risk of serious health problems. If the balance between the calories taken in and their expenditure is disturbed, the intake of products containing golden root accelerates fat burning and normalizes body weight.
One of the most valuable properties of rhodiola extract is improving thyroid function without causing hyperthyroidism.
Fatigue is a natural result after strenuous physical or mental activity and goes away after relaxation and sound sleep. Constant tiredness, stress, depressive conditions, characteristic of chronic fatigue, are favorably affected by the intake of herbal products containing golden root. They improve body homeostasis, cope with fatigue, depressive states, headaches and improve the emotional state. The product increases the working capacity of those engaged in mental work.
Northern peoples use the herb to treat colds and infections. Gargling with a few drops of tincture dissolved in a glass of water successfully treats acute inflammations of the oral cavity and throat.
Golden root is a strong aphrodisiac and treats erectile dysfunction. In women, it regulates the monthly cycle and stimulates the function of the ovaries.
Despite the absence of side effects, it is not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers to take products containing golden root. In order to achieve a positive result when taken in parallel with pharmaceutical products, consultation with the attending physician is mandatory.
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
