Rhodiola Rosea)

Rhodiola (Rhodiola Rosea)

Rhodiola, often called Arctic Root, is revered as being the most powerful adaptogenic herbal medicine in existence, being even more powerful than the more famous Ashwaghanda and Ginseng. In both Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Rhodiola is valued as an exceptional tonic herb that excels in supporting and nourishing both the body and mind during periods of stress, overwhelm, fatigue and a lowered level of collective vitality. It is interesting that the Rhodiola plant itself is an incredibly robust perennial that grows at high altitude in extreme conditions across the arctic latitudes of Europe (including Scotland), the Himalayas, China, Russia and North America. Energetically speaking, it is said that the more robust the plant, the more powerful its impacts upon the human physiology as the plant works to impart its “cellular robustness” upon the weaker human cells. And whilst the energetic study of plants is still in its infancy, this is a concept that we wholeheartedly subscribe to as we have seen this amazing herbal medicine transform many people’s collective levels of bodily vitality over the years. Rhodiola has an interesting and varied history going back thousands of years. In Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine is has a documented use dating from abound 3000BC. In more recent times, it was used by the Vikings to enhance physical and cognitive endurance, perhaps going some way to explaining their amazing ability to row such huge distances, in largely open boats in the Northern latitudes, and still be fresh and ready for battle upon arrival at their chosen destination! Rhodiola was also used and valued by both Hippocrates and Dioscorides in the 1st century where it was entered into the latter’s “De Materia Medica,” arguably the largest herbal treaties every written and still referred to today.

Identifying Rhodiola As discussed, Rhodiola is a hardy perennial that grows at high altitude across the arctic latitudes of Europe, the Himalayas, China, Russia and North America. There are close to 100 types of Rhodiola growing around the world, of which around 20 have a recorded use as medicine. In this herb profile, it is Rhodiola Rosea that we are referring to as this is the most widely used and researched type of Rhodiola used in clinical practice. The plant itself is low lying with small, pointed leaves that grow in very strong, dense clusters in alternate patterns up the stem. The plant produces an abundance of beautiful yellow to red/pink flowers and is classified as being “dioecious,” meaning that any given plant is either male or female but not both. It produces a dense cluster of thick scaly roots that grow horizontally rather than vertically. These are what are used a medicine when using Rhodiola. When these roots are crushed, they give off a distinct rose-like smell, hence the suffix, “rosea.” For those with green fingers, it is possible to grow Rhodiola in the UK with many nurseries now offering seedlings. Below you will find some detailed pictures of this amazing medicinal herb:

Rhodiola Flower

Rhodiola Plants

Rhodiola Roots

The Medicinal Properties of Rhodiola Immunity: Within Ayurvedic medicine, Rhodiola has been valued and used as an immune tonic herb to help prevent and treat infections for thousands of years. Western evidence now supports this claim, showing that Rhodiola helps to stimulate immunity and increase the circulating counts of Natural Killer

cells and other immune cells in the body. As a result, it helps increase immune resistance to infections and helps the body fight off infections more quickly when they occur. Rhodiola is also a powerful anti-cancer tonic herb that appears to have strong chemo-preventative mechanisms with dozens of studies showing that it is effective at killing a wide variety of cancer cells, including breast and colon cancers. Similarly, research has also shown that Rhodiola helps people undergoing chemotherapy to both reduce their oral ulcers (a common adverse effect of chemotherapy) and to more quickly recover their white blood cell counts. Lastly, Rhodiola is strongly indicated in the management of post-viral fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, ME, Long-Term Covid Syndrome and in states of general weakness, physical debility and convalescence as it increases energy, vitality, strength and endurance; in this capacity it truly excels. Cognitive Function: Unlike coffee, Rhodiola has the capacity to stimulate the cognitive systems without causing a subsequent “crash and burn” – this makes it a fantastic herb to turn to when we are feeling cognitively tired, fatigued or exhausted. As such, Rhodiola is clinically indicated in the management of poor concentration, lack of attentional focus, cognitive fatigue, over-work, mental exhaustion and poor memory. Research has tested Rhodiola in this capacity and has shown that soldiers stayed more alert and cognitively sharper for longer during night shifts and multi-day exercises than those not taking Rhodiola. Likewise, research with astronauts has shown that Rhodiola increases memory, concentration, psychometric ability and endurance during times of both calm and acute stress. Similarly, research into athletes has shown that Rhodiola increases the ability to focus on specific skills (such as rifle aiming or tactic recall) during times of fatigue and exhaustion in comparison to those not taking Rhodiola. Adaptogenic Properties: Along with its concentration enhancing benefits, Rhodiola’s primary claim to fame is as an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogenic herbs are those that are building and nourishing and offer broad spectrum resilience, helping the nervous system positively respond to new, challenging or stressful situations. In Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, Rhodiola is stated as being the most important and powerful adaptogen of them all. As such, it excels in the management of stress, depression, anxiety, overwhelm, tension, physical fatigue, adrenal burn-out, debility and a general state of being “run down.” We use Rhodiola extensively in our clinic to manage such ailments and find it so be tremendously effective. Furthermore, by helping to nullify some of the physiological changes caused by excess cortisol and adrenaline secretion, it also helps to lower blood pressure that is caused by stress and anxiety

How To Use Rhodiola 1. Decoctions: Rhodiola possesses a wonderfully fragrant and refreshing taste which makes it a great choice to drink as tea. It is very easy to source dried Rhodiola roots online these days which makes drinking strong decoctions a fantastic way of obtaining the medicinal properties of the herb. To use the roots it is necessary to first decoct them. Herbal decoctions are similar to herbal infusions but they differ in that rather than using the soft aerial parts of the plant (such as the flowers and leaves), they use the harder parts of the plant such as the roots. Because these have far tougher cell walls, it is necessary to boil them

before use which frees more of the active chemical constituents they contain. To make a herbal decoction, add 2 tsps of dried root per cupful of water into a saucepan, bring to the boil and then simmer for 10- minutes. Strain through a sieve and drink. 2. Tincture: This is another excellent means of taking Rhodiola, particularly when managing acute infections to support immunity, as liquid tinctures are absorbed into the blood stream more quickly, meaning they start to work sooner. When using tincture, it is best to use a 1:3 strength tincture taken as 5mls three times daily, ideally in the morning, afternoon and evening. Top quality 1:3 strength tinctures are readily available from Baldwins, Napiers and Indigo Herbs. 3. Rhodiola Freezer Fudge: This is a fantastic way to integrate Rhodiola into an amazingly tasty and healthy form of fudge. Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and the goodness inherent in Rhodiola, it packs a real punch! Ingredients

• 1 cup cashews soaked for at least 4-5 hours • 1 cup melted coconut oil • ½ cup beetroot powder • ¼ cup coconut sugar • ¼ cup pure maple syrup • ¼ cup cacao powder • ¼ cup almond milk • 1-2 tbsp Rhodiola powder (use 2 tbsps if you need additional support) • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar • 2 tsp vanilla extract • Pinch sea salt Instructions

• Grease and line a small brownie tin with greaseproof paper • Combine all of your ingredients for the fudge into the bowl of your food processor and blend until the mixture forms a smooth consistency. Scrape the sides frequently using a spatula to ensure that the ingredients mix thoroughly. • Pour the fudge mixture into your lined tin and place into the freezer for 30 minutes, until it becomes firm. • Cut into squares and store in the fridge where it will last for 4-5 days. • Enjoy 1 slice a day for a physical and mental pick-me-up. 4. Rhodiola Inspired Mood Elevating Hot Chocolate: Perfect on a cold winters evening or whenever you are feeling tired, run down, stressed out or overwhelmed, this powerful re-vitalising hot chocolate not only tastes great but can also impart a discernible impact upon our collective levels of energy and vitality: Ingredients

• 1 tbsp cacao powder • 2/3 cup of almond milk • 1/3 cup of boiling water • 1 tsp of extra-virgin coconut oil • 1-2 tsps of Rhodiola powder • ½ tsp cardamon powder • ½ tsp vanilla powder

• 1 tsp of raw honey or pure maple syrup Instructions

• Add all the dry ingredients, coconut oil and hot water into a blender and blend until a smooth consistency is reached. • Warm the milk and pour this into the blender and blend until it froths up. • Add the raw honey or maple syrup • Enjoy!