Rhodiola Rosea a herb with many functions
Rhodiola Rosea is a favourite herb of mine, one that I often recommend at the shop. It’s mostly known for its ability to lift the mood. It aids concentration, supports recall and retention of information, enhances work performance, reduces stress, improves energy, improves libido, and helps recovery after exercise. No wonder I talk about this herb a lot. There are records going back as far as the Vikings who used it to enhance their physical strength and endurance.
Rhodiola, also known as artic root or golden root is classed as classed an adaptogenic herb this means that it adapts to help support the body’s needs. Adaptogens are substances that help the body deal with stress and they help to normalise bodily functions. Rhodiola plays a role in improving serotonin levels, an important neurotransmitter in the brain that helps control mood. The lack of sufficient amounts of serotonin in the brain is associated with symptoms of depression. When serotonin levels are balanced, it imparts a sense of contentment and mental ease.
There are many situations where Rhodiola could be used, for example you could use it if your mood is low, or you’re feeling down, feeling miserable or weary. Rhodiola can help lift you out of a low depressed type mood.
It’s a great herb for dealing with stress whether that’s from work, family, school, college, or juggling work and home life, or legal issues, the list is endless. Stress can drain you leaving you feeling exhausted, Rhodiala can help improve energy levels so that you can deal with the situation a bit better.
Rhodiola is fantastic for students facing exams or anyone who needs help with concentration, or the ability to improve memory and recall information. If you’re sitting exams then it can become your best friend. It can help you to achieve the marks you know you’re capable of.
There are many brands available including Solgar, Solo and Natures Answer. Viridian and Terra Nova promise that they only use ingredients that enhance the properties of the herb itself and never use fillers or binders. For optimum benefit you could take Rhodiola with a good multi vitamin.
Talk to the staff at your local health store to find out more about Rhodiola, make sure to tell them if you’re on any medication.
Clair Whitty is a Bach Flower Practitioner, a Nutritional Health Coach accredited with Thought Leader Natural Health 2018 and a Vega Food Intolerance Tester at The Natural Health Store, 24 North Main Street, Wexford 053 9121613 | clairm1@eircom.net | www.naturalhealthstore.ie