Rhodiola rosea/arctic root/golden root has been used in Scandinavian countries for years to help treat a number of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Its roots contain over 140 active ingredients, among them salidroside and rosavin are the most potent which posses healing properties that can provide a variety of health benefits, and can be found in the form of capsules, tablets, supplements, and herbal teas.
Rhodiola can help the body to effectively respond to stress and minimize the negative impacts on the body due to the adaptogenic properties. Adaptogenic herbs can help to increase resistance to negative mental and physical stress, and help regulate mood related neurotransmitters to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. In one study 101 subjects with work and life stress issues were given 400 mg of rhodiola extract daily for four weeks; after three days subjects began to exhibit improvement in stress symptoms.
The adaptogenic herb can help protect cells from effects of oxidative stress and premature aging, and keep skin looking youthful by preserving skin cells and aiding in production of healthier skin.
When you suffer from any combination of stress, depression, and anxiety you may also experience chronic fatigue which may cause feelings of mental and physical exhaustion that is linked to buildup of carbon dioxide and lactic acid. The build up can reduce oxygen uptake, rhodiola extract can help to counter negative effects of this buildup to ward off fatigue and improve endurance.
The immune system weakens with age which can leave the body vulnerable to infection and disease. If taken on a regular basis rhodiola can help to slow down immune senescence by supporting immune functions.
The endocrine system produces cortisol when under chronic stress, when taken on a regular basis rhodiola extract can help to lower cortisol levels and put the nervous system at ease, as well as aid in regulating the endocrine system.
Physical activity can cause some stress on the body, adaptogenic herbs can help the body to resist stress and boost endurance during exercise. Rhodiola has been shown to decrease perceived exertion, meaning those who took the herb felt that they did not have to work as hard to do the same tasks they did without taking it.
