Rhodiola, a Natural Herbal Alternative
​by Karla Beatty

Rhodiola has very few side effects and does not cause addiction or dependency. 
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When you are feeling depreciated, angry or drained, it is a sign that other people are not open to your energy.   
                               —Sanaya Roman

Rhodiola, a Natural Herbal Alternative
10 Reasons to Supplement

Bottles of herbal supplements.

Rhodiola rosea is an herb that has been widely used throughout Europe and Russia. It has a long history and a wide variety of uses. Rhodiola is classified as an adaptogen, great for helping the body become better at dealing with stress. Though research on rhodiola is continuing, take a look at some of these areas being studied.

10. Reduce Stress
Rhodiola, as an adaptogen, helps the body handle stressful situations. Taking rhodiola regularly can help you fight stress-related fatigue and stress-induced burnout. 
9. Enhance Memory and Focus
Rhodiola rosea improves the ability to concentrate and focus over prolonged periods. It increases the bioelectrical activity of the brain that enhances memory and boosts brain energy.
8. Fight Depression
Rhodiola enhances serotonin and neurotransmitters such as dopamine in the brain. Balanced serotonin gives a sense of mental ease and contentment. Too much or too little serotonin is linked to depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Rhodiola is sometimes used in combination with antidepressants, but may also be an effective alternative to antidepressants, with no serious side effects.
7. Speed Up Muscle Recovery 
Rhodiola can help to shorten recovery time after long exercise workouts. It spurs muscle recovery after prolonged exercise. A benefit to exercise is that it stimulates anabolic activity and actually helps you be able to exercise more.
6. Burn the Belly Fat
Rhodiola can reduce the amount of cortisol released. Cortisol is a stress hormone indicated in abdominal weight gain. Rhodiola helps the body burn belly fat and lose weight. Also, when your body is producing excess cortisol, you are more likely to do binge eating. By balancing the cortisol, Rhodiola has a calming effect on the body and aids in shedding the pounds.
5. Enhance Work Performance
Studies with Rhodiola rosea extract showed statistically significant reductions in mental fatigue. Rhodiola boosts the oxygen-carrying capacity of our red blood cells. That makes it effective for both increasing energy and keeping you alert. Improved attention span and enhanced work performance can be positive results. 
4. Regulate Heart Beat
Rhodiola has qualities that reduce harmful stress hormones. Thus it may benefit those cardiac problems caused by or aggravated in times of personal stress. Another potential heart benefit is in arrhythmia, the irregular beating of the heart. Rhodiola helps to regulate the heart beat and may be effective in preventing arrhythmias. More studies need to be done in this area, however.
3. Cancer
Rhodiola appears to have strong antioxidant properties and significant free-radical activity. It may help your body build a resistance to toxins and thus increase the anti-tumor activity. Rhodiola might be used along with pharmaceutical anti-tumor drugs.
2. Enhance Immune System
Rhodiola helps return the balance of hormones in your body. This both stimulates and protects your basic immune system.
1. Prevent High-Altitude Sickness
Among other effects, Rhodiola may be beneficial to aiding a better insulin response for diabetes, strengthening the nervous system, boosting sexual function, and in preventing high-altitude sickness. More studies need to be done.
Rhodiola comes in capsule, liquid, or tea form. Look for it in health and natural food stores.  Rhodiola has very few side effects and does not cause addiction or dependency. 
Note: Although it is generally thought to be safe, it may cause mild effects of irritability and insomnia. Before using rhodiola for a medical condition, you might want to consult a physician.

Want to learn more about natural medicines? Read this article Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) for Vibrant Health.

If you enjoyed this list, read more articles like this about health at Well-Being.

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