Rhodiola rosea as a healthier version of tea?
Discover the properties of this arctic root
Do you feel tired all the time, you don’t have time for anything and you eat poorly? Do you have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, especially in winter when it’s dark, cold and dull outside? To make matters worse, you have to be at full strength at work all the time, because your boss doesn’t know the rebate tariff … Environmental pollution is also not good for you: smog everywhere , car exhaust fumes, food chemistry.
How do we know all this… Modern life can be difficult. Haste and stress can finish off even the most resistant organism. Then our immunity begins to decline and we catch infections easily . Weakness of the body can even lead to symptoms of depression. Then the risk of developing chronic civilization diseases increases.
But do not worry! There are a number of safe and proven methods that can help support a weakened body from the inside. Naturally and long term. Our editorial team has found several ways for you to take care of your body safely, permanently and naturally.
In this article you will find the most important advice and recommendations, as well as useful recipes and opinions.
Rhodiola rosea as a weapon in the fight against chronic fatigue
Below we will introduce you to a plant that can be particularly valuable in relieving the effects of stress , fatigue and reduced immunity . This plant is the mountain rhododendron , otherwise known as the arctic root.
It is worth learning more about the properties of this high-mountain plant, ways of using roseroot , get to know opinions about it , possible side effects and contraindications to its use.
The origin of the mountain rosary
Rhodiola rosea can be found high in the mountains, on limestone rocks, in unfavorable arctic conditions. Rhodiola rhizome is a plant resistant to cold, lack of water and nutrients. At the same time, it emits a delicate rose scent, for which the geraniol present in the essential oil is responsible.
Arctic root has been used by the peoples of Siberia and China for centuries. In Siberia, it was used to treat colds and flu . The Vikings took rosary to increase their physical endurance. The Chinese had such a good opinion of the effects of roseroot that they organized special expeditions to bring the plant to the country. Mongolian doctors recommended rhodiola infusion for tuberculosis and cancer. Interestingly, among the Georgians there was a custom of giving the young couple roseroot bouquets to ensure fertility to the spouses, and strength and health to their future children.
This raw material was even included in the Swedish Pharmacopoeia in 1775.
Health-promoting properties of herbs
Originally, the entire art of medicine was based on herbal medicine. In ancient times and in the Middle Ages, plant raw materials were the basic tool in the fight against pain and digestive ailments ; they helped stop bleeding, or were used in the process of faster healing of wounds.
Proponents of herbal medicine claim that conventional medicine is more effective in emergencies, when time is of the essence. However, appropriate and consistent herbal treatment can help the patient stop the development of a chronic disease, improve well-being and support the immune system. Therefore, the aim of herbal therapy is primarily prevention and regulation of the body’s natural functions. In addition, herbs are in most cases well tolerated by the body and do not cause side effects.
acc. According to the data of the World Health Organization, as many as 80% of the world’s population uses herbs as part of health care . It is estimated that about a quarter of modern drugs used in the US are derived from plants.
What makes the mountain rosary so special?
The composition of roseroot is distinguished by the presence of a high concentration of salidrosides – strong plant compounds with anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and stimulating properties for the nervous system.
Arctic root – composition
- flavonoids (gossypetin, herbacetin, tricine, kaempferol);
- rosarine, rosin, rosavin;
- salidroside derivatives.
These substances increase the level of serotonin in the body and reduce the level of norepinephrine and dopamine in the cerebral cortex.
Thanks to this, a properly applied roseroot root extract can improve cognitive abilities, as well as strengthen memory and learning processes. In addition, the antioxidants contained in rhodiola root facilitate the removal of free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in brain cells.
Mountain rosary for fatigue and depression
Studies have confirmed that the compounds contained in rhodiola rosea, rosarine, rosine and salidroside, i.e. derivatives of cinnamic acid and tyrosol, reduce the concentration of the stress hormone (cortisol) in the body. They also help to balance the level of serotonin in the brain and hippocampus, which can alleviate the symptoms of depression.
These substances support the stimulation of the nervous system. The studies noted an increase in cognitive functions: improvement in memory, concentration, learning, and logical reasoning.
Rhodiola rosea helps in maintaining mental health , easing anxiety and increasing resistance to stress. Thanks to this, it facilitates the return to mental balance after the stress factors have subsided.
Therefore , roseroot extract can be used as an auxiliary in alleviating depressed mood.
NOTE: Taking rhodiola rosea extracts to treat depression is not a substitute for seeing a doctor. It should be considered as a supportive therapy.
Arctic root promotes women’s health
In the studies, it was observed that after 2 weeks of taking Rhodiola rosea extracts, the process of normalizing the menstrual cycle began , and some women managed to get pregnant. Therefore , roseroot extract is also recommended as an auxiliary in the treatment of fertility problems.
Other interesting studies have shown that there is a connection between the intake of rhodiola rosea extract and the reduction of stress leading to compulsive overeating. It turns out that regular consumption of rhodiola rosea infusion may have an impact on reducing the appetite caused by stress . As a result, arctic root helps maintain healthier eating habits and promotes weight loss.
Rhodiola rosea as a natural doping in sport
Rhodiola rosea also affects the reduction of fatigue during physical exertion. Helps to speed up the recovery of soreness; facilitates post-workout regeneration; supports the regression of muscle and periarticular edema and effusions.
Testing among physically untrained subjects showed an increase in work duration, a delay in exhaustion , and an increase in pulmonary ventilation. There was even a study of the cardiovascular fitness of the cyclists – which showed an overall improvement in fitness and better 10 km performance.
That is why rhodiola rosea extracts in the form of capsules available at the pharmacy are recommended by well-known personal trainers to athletes and all people who want to strengthen the body before training and delay muscle fatigue.
Thanks to the right dose of Rhodiola rosea extract, you will be able to exercise longer and more efficiently, and your muscles will be more durable.
In what form can the mountain rosary be taken?
Rhodiola rosea tea
The most popular product containing mountain rhododendron is an infusion or tea .
It is best to drink roseroot infusion in small sips 3 to 5 times a day. Due to the rose flavor, you can add raspberry juice to the infusion. The drink prepared in this way will successfully replace ordinary tea .
Capsules containing rhodiola rosea
Recommended especially as a dietary supplement that increases the body’s endurance before training . Recommended dosage: 1 capsule once a day. Rhodiola rosea extract capsules are often taken by athletes and recommended by personal trainers. Their main advantage is that they reduce muscle fatigue without causing side effects and are safe for the body.
Rosary tincture
Indications for drinking rhodiola rosea tincture: states of physical and mental exhaustion, learning difficulties, adaptation disorders to the new environment, stress, depression, intensive training and mental and physical work. Decreased body immunity. In geriatrics , rhodiola rosea tincture is used to relieve fatigue and improve well-being.
Rhodiola rosea tincture recipe
- 30 grams of dry roseroot root pour 150 ml of pure 40% vodka
- Keep the decoction at room temperature for 3 to 5 days. Shake occasionally
- You get a highly concentrated substance: 10 drops of tincture is about 100-150 mg of extract
General recommendations for the consumption of rhodiola rosea tincture:
5-10 drops 2-3 times a day for 10-20 days. Preferably 30 minutes. before meals. With depression, the period of taking tincture drops can be extended to 1-2 months.
NOTE: Taking rhodiola rosea extracts to treat depression is not a substitute for seeing a doctor. It should be considered as a supportive therapy.
Nastojka – rhodiola rose tonic
In Switzerland, a tonic containing rose root extract (50 francs per bottle with 370 ml of elixir; 18% alcohol) was launched, which is produced from raw material obtained from domestic crops. This preparation is credited with cardioprotective (protective for the heart), antidepressant, toning the nervous system, improving metabolism and increasing the mental and physical abilities of the body.
Rhodiola rosea tonic recipe
Take an equal part of fresh roseroot rhizome and an equal part of 80% alcohol. Leave the mixture for several days until the color of the liquid changes to beetroot-red. Dosage: 1-2 teaspoons in the morning.
Rhodiola rosea – what is the dosage and how long to use it?
The dosage of rhodiola rosea depends on why it is used and on the sensitivity of the nervous system of the person. The most common doses are 100-150 mg of rhodiola root extract , 2% strength, 2-3 times a day. In neurodegenerative diseases and dementia, it is worth considering taking higher doses after consultation with a specialist, as long as they are well tolerated.
Rhodiola rosea – contraindications
Rhodiola rosea has few side effects and is usually exceptionally well tolerated. In some people with a high level of anxiety, it can result in excessive stimulation of the nervous system. Then the dose should be reduced. Rhodiola rosea does not interact with other drugs, although in combination with stimulants (e.g. Korean or Siberian ginseng ) it can enhance their stimulating effect.
Rhodiola rosea can be used by pregnant women and children, but you should determine the appropriate dose of this supplement with your doctor.
It is not recommended to take rhodiola in the evening before bedtime, due to its stimulating properties that reduce fatigue and may make it difficult to fall asleep.
Rhodiola rosea can be used after discontinuing caffeine as its replacement, because it shows similar stimulating properties, while not being addictive.