Reduce Your Stress and Anxiety With Rhodiola Rosea

[rosemary wahlberg]

Rhodiola Rosea, a native plant of arctic Siberia, also known as Golden
Root, is the latest natural remedy to join the arsenal of natural
anxiety and stress reducers.
For centuries it has been used by eastern European and Asian cultures
for physical endurance, work productivity, longevity, resistance to
high altitude sickness, and to treat fatigue, depression, anemia,
impotence,gastrointestinal ailments, infections, and nervous system
disorders.
The first recorded medicinal applications of rodia riza (renamed
Rhodiola Rosea) was made by the Greek physician, Dioscorides, in 77
C.E. in 'De Materia Medica'. Rhodiola Rosea has been included in
official Russian medicine since 1969.
Despite its long history, the Western world has only recently become
aware of its health benefits. It has come to the attention of many
natural health practitioners because of studies, which tested its
affects on combating anxiety and stress.
The herb is considered an adaptogen. This means it has an overall
stabilizing effect on the body without disrupting other functions. Its
ability to normalize hormones may be effective for treating depression
and anxiety.
Studies show that it stimulates neurotransmitters and enhances their
effects on the brain. This includes the ability for the brain to
process serotonin which helps the body to adapt to stress.
Since adaptogens improve the body's overall ability to handle stress,
it has been studied to identify it's effects on biological, chemical
and physical stress.
A study was performed to test the herbs effects when stress is caused
by intense mental work (such as final exams). Such tests concluded
that using this plant improved the amount and quality of work,
increasing mental clarity and reducing the effects of fatigue.
These effects have also been tested on stress and anxiety from both
physical and emotional sources. A report by the American Botanical
Council states that "Most users find that it improves their mood,
energy level, and mental clarity." It can also increase stress
tolerance while at the same time protecting the brain and heart from
the physical affects of stress.
The generally recommended dose is 200-600mg/day. The active properties
should be a minimum 0.8 percent salidroside and 3 percent rosavin.
It is important for consumers to know that Rhodiola may be sold using
other species that do not share the properties of Rhodiola Rosea, or
at ineffective strengths for treatment. Anyone with depression or
anxiety should also check with a health professional when treating
these symptoms.