Rhodiola Rosea Overview:
Also Known As:
Helps With:
Dosing:
Half-Life
Rhodiola Rosea (or the Golden Root, among other names) has long been used as a therapeutic herb for colds and infections. Modern research has now classified it as a potential nootropic that can boost productivity and energy via natural mechanisms!
Not to mention, it is a great natural anti-depressant as well! (More on that later…)
What Is Rhodiola Rosea?
Rhodiola Rosea is a flowering plant that is mostly found in European and Asian regions – for which it is also known as the ‘Eurasian Flowering Plant’.
It thrives in the arctic region,s where it grows perenially (all year round).
Its discovery is credited to the Greek physician cum pharmacologist; Pedanius Dioscorides from the 40-90 Anno Domini!
Dioscorides whilst serving the Roman army managed to produced a 5-volume encyclopedia – rich in knowledge about all sorts of herbs and alike!
Rhodiola Rosea, along with its energy-boosting and memory-aiding properties has also been known for helping man break the shackles of anxiety and stress.
Today, meticulous research has been conducted on this perennial flower to establish its role as a potent nootropic.
And it can also help YOU in many ways!
Backing Claims With Scientific Knowledge – Proof That Rhodiola Rosea Actually Works!
Rhodiola Rosea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate the detrimental effects of diseases such as diabetes, infections, and even cancer!
Which is great!
The body needs to fight off inflammatory substances almost all the time – most of which are the ones that we get via our sugary and carbohydrate-rich diet.
We all love soft drinks and confectionaries – guilty as charged!
Speaking of cancer, despite enormous studies and research on this disease – man is still left in an unkempt haze.
Rhodiola Rosea due to its constituents is able to induce appropriate physiological behavior in the boy whilst preventing cancer!
That being said, there is still more room for research as far as this claim is concerned.
Now, coming onto the most investigated property of Rhodiola Rosea – its anxiolytic superpowers!
A randomized control trial was conducted amongst 8 depressed patients, where half of them were sorted into the control or placebo group (in simple words, they did not receive a dose of Rhodiola Rosea.
The results were markedly distinctive between the two groups – the trial group showed significant improvement in areas of mood elevation and anger management in comparison to the control group.
The results were recorded over a span of 14 days. [Trials: (1)(2)(3)]
Rhodiola Rosea modulates the exit of certain stress hormones whilst enhancing the energy metabolism – resulting in an energized man who can actively combat anxiety!
These effects of Rhodiola Rosea are accounted for its property of encouraging brain plasticity!
It works to increase the efficiency of synapses and also halt their age-related weakening.
Its role in alleviating the effects of depression and stress is well praised in the fields of herbology & Botany. In other words, it is considered to be a botanical antidepressant by many professionals.
Rhodiola Rosea also contributes to fighting free radicals in the body, thanks to its antioxidant properties.
And its not just an antioxidant, but an anti-bacterial agent as well!
This explains why its still used as a therapeutic agent to fight off infections!
This study also suggests that these antioxidant properties are put to good use to protect the neurons against memory-disabling disorder, such as the Alzheimer’s diseases.
This area however, still lacks proper research.
What Is It About Rhodiola Rosea That Makes It So Special?
Rhodiola Rosea is made up of over 140 constituents!
It is also known as the rose root due to its rose-like aroma.
This flowering plant is rich in polyphenols such as rosavin, rosin, rosarin,salidrosides, and many many more!
These polyphenols are what contribute towards the unique properties of Rhodiola Rosea, thus making it a potent anxiolytic.
What is the Proper Rhodiola Rosea Dose? (Dosage Guidelines)
Many supplements that contain Rhodiola Rosea are calibrated to a ratio of 3:1 between rosavins and saidrosides.
How much rhodiola rosea should I take?
Many supplements that contain Rhodiola Rosea are calibrated to a ratio of 3:1 between rosavins and saidrosides.
The recommended dosage being 150-200 mg per day.
You may take it up to 680 mg for mildly enhanced benefits, however, anything above 1000 mg is not effective.
And MAY cause unwanted side effects.
We recommend you to cycle this herb periodically to prevent developing tolerance.
Taking it before your breakfast or meal is the right way to ingest it, but taking it right after is fine too.
Since Rhodiola Rosea yields you a decent amount of energy, we’d suggest you to administer it early in the morning or whenever you plan on starting your day.
Its half-life is around 4-6 hours.
What Are The Benefits Of Taking Rhodiola Rosea As A Nootropic?
Fights Off Fatigue & Yields Energy
Perfect for those who wish to spend a productive day everyday!
Boosts Memory And Concentration
Thanks to its efficient neuroendocrine mechanisms!
A Well-Renowned Anxiolytic And Mood-Booster
This polyphenol rich flower does the trick just right!
May Play A Neuroprotective Role
To protect you from various detrimental effects or diseases
Potent Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Oxidant
So your body can fight off those nasty free-radicals easily
Is Rhodiola Rosea Safe – Warnings & Interactions!
Yes!
Rhodiola Rosea is considered safe and non toxic. (Just follow proper dosage guidelines.)
But it is recommended to use it for around 6-12 weeks, after which you should consider cycling it for 3-4 weeks.
There aren’t any credible reports about the toxicity or overdose of Rhodiola Rosea, but heed should be paid towards maintaining safe dosage regimens.
And the following special considerations should be kept in mind before administration:
- Always consult your doctor prior to consumption of ANY nootropic, especially if you are on medication or have been diagnosed with a certain diseases/disorder
- For those of you on monoamine oxidase inhibitors or other anti-depressants, make sure to establish rapport with your physician before you ingest this herb
- Pregnant or lactating females should avoid the use of Rhodiola Rosea
- Individuals below 18 years of age should also avoid the use of Rhodiola Rosea OR consult a physician before administering this herb
Are There Any Side Efffects Of Rhodiola Rosea?
Common side effects:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters to manufacturers of R. rosea dietary supplement products unapproved as new drugs, adulterated, misbranded and in federal violation for not having proof of safety or efficacy for the advertised conditions of alleviating Raynaud syndrome, altitude sickness, depression or cancer.
*These symptoms are not subject to everyone who might take rhodiola rosea.
Where Can I Buy Rhodiola Rosea?
Rhodiola Rosea is easily available over the counter in the form of a stand alone supplement, as well as a common ingredient in some popular nootropic stacks (More on that in a bit!).
You can also buy it online on Amazon or other e-stores, where it is sold by a large number of brands.
Which Brand of Rhodiola Rosea is Best?
We Recommend this Brand of Rhodiola Rosea Extract for its quality and effectiveness.
(Plus, 500mg is the best dosage, and some of the other brands are 1000mg which is too high if you want the most out of it!)
This also means you do not need a prescription to enjoy the benefits of Rhodiola Rosea!
Win win!
Our “Next Best” Recommendation for a Stand Alone Rhodiola Rosea Supplement is…
Our 2nd choice on Amazon would be: Nature’s Way Rhodiola Extract
This is also for those of you who wish to use Rhodiola Rosea as an individual supplement, without stacking.
(Our recommended pre-formulated stacks are in the next section)
Nature’s way supplement is equipped with 250 mg of Rhodiola Rosea, which is a smaller dose, but it’s enough for you to notice the results, and gives you more flexibility as far as testing out different dosages is concerned.
But always keep in mind… With individual supplements like these, you need to be extra strict and use it on a regular schedule long term to acheive noticeable results.
Nootropic Stack Time! (Stacking Rhodiola Rosea For Synergy!)
A a general pharmacological principal, it is advised to stack substances (especially nootropics) for enhanced benefits!
Here are a few killer combinations that you can make with Rhodiola Rosea to experience amplified effects!
With Bacopa Monneiri
Bacopa Monneiri has pretty much the same benefits as that of Rhodiola Rosea.
Bacopa, however, has stronger antioxidant properties.
The both of them contribute to lowered stress levels and aid superior brain functioning when used in conjunction!
With Piracetam
This is perhaps one of the most popular stacking strategy.
Piracetam (member of the racetam family), is excellent for boosting memory and helping out individuals with dementia.
One combined with Rhodiola Rosea, its power doubles!
With Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been one of the most hyped nootropic elements with benefits beyond the scope of this article.
For amplified brain functioning and relaxing vibes – this is the cocktail you should be brewing!
With Alpha-GPC
The memory boosting effects of Alpha-GPC blended with those of Rhodiola will make the memory retention and recall process much more efficient!
“Pre-Formulated Stack Time!” Some Awesome Supplements That Contain Rhodiola Rosea as an Ingredient!
1) Qualia Mind
While this supplement is actually a combination of nootropic ingredients (Not just Rhodiola Rosea alone), I will always suggest this potent stack to all those who need results FAST!
This blend is one of the most comprehensive and powerful ones I have ever come across.
In fact, I even wrote an entire Product Review on Qualia Mind which you can see here!
2) Mind Lab Pro
Another quality pre-formulated nootropic stack supplement is Mind Lab Pro! It’s definitely one of the more well-known brain supplements on the market, and for good reason.
It has a great ingredient list with multiple nootropic substances that work together synergistically! (Including Rhodiola Rosea)
Note: We also have a Full Detailed Review All About Mind Lab Pro Here: Mind Lab Pro Review
Frequently Asked Questions…
How long does rhodiola last?
Rhodiola rosea has a half-life of approximately three to four hours. The effects of the herb are usually felt for about four to six hours.
How long does it take rhodiola to work?
You should be able to feel the effects of rhodiola almost immediately. (Within 20 to 45 minutes after consumption)
How long does rhodiola rosea stay in your system?
It can take around 50 hours (2-3 days) for rhodiola rosea to completely leave your system.
What is the difference between rhodiola crenulata vs rhodiola rosea?
The main difference between Rhodiola crenulata and Rhodiola rosea is that Rhodiola crenulata contains salidroside and Rosavin, while Rhodiola rosea only contains Rosavin.
Other differences include the appearance of the plants – Rhodiola crenulata has smaller, less-defined leaves than Rhodiola rosea – and where they grow – Rhodiola crenulata is found in cold climates at high altitudes, while Rhodiola rosea is found in milder climates.
“Words of Wisdom” – My Final Thougts About Rhodiola Rosea as a Nootropic…
This perenneial flower grows all year round and survives extreme temperatures.
It’s antioxidant rich constituents contribute towards its relaxing and therapeutic properties.
Rhodiola Rosea could prove to be a great addition to your lifestyle if you wish to seek boosted concentration and markedly reduced stress levels!
If you like to keep things “natural”, and are looking for a stress releiving / calming supplement to add to your own personal nootropic stack, then trying out rhodiola rosea as a botanical therapeutic wouldn’t be a bad idea.
It’s fairly cheap, super safe, and it’s from Mother Earth!
Try out one of our recommendations listed above, and let us know your results!
List Of Nootropics Related to Rhodiola Rosea:
- Vinpocetine
- ALCAR
- Bacopa Monneiri
- Ashwagandha
- Aniracetam (Part of the Racetam family of nootropics)
*See Our Full List of Nootropic Substances Here… (Over 120+)
