Rhodiola rosea (pink, golden root) is a herbaceous perennial plant from the Crassulaceae family. It has a distinctive feature: the root and rhizomes are the color of bronze or old gilding with a noticeable pearlescent sheen, due to which it received its second “precious” name. The plant is included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation.
It is found in regions with temperate and cold climates, including Great Britain, North America and Ireland, grows well in alpine mountain meadows (in the Pyrenees, Alps, Carpathians), found in Kazakhstan, grown in China, Bulgaria, India. In the Russian Federation it is found in Altai and the Urals, in the mountainous regions of the Far East, Eastern and Western Siberia, in the polar regions of Yakutia, on the coasts of the Barents and White Seas. The plant is undemanding to light and heat, but needs plenty of moisture. It grows on rocks and rocky outcrops, in flat tundra, on the banks of mountain rivers and streams.
It has long been used in folk and official medicine as an effective adaptogen that increases resistance to adverse environmental factors, as well as a stimulant of the central nervous system. Part of the group of adaptogens, it combines and competes with eleutherococcus and ginseng.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The plant belongs to the Crassulaceae family. Distributed in the Far East and Siberia. The layers of its rhizomes are lemon yellow. Therefore, another name that Rhodiola rosea has is golden root. This plant is also called Rhodiola cold, red brush, Rhodiola four-membered.
In folk medicine, this plant is used as a remedy that relieves fatigue and improves performance. The healing properties of Rhodiola rosea have been known for many years. Tincture from this plant has long been taken to relieve nervous tension. Moreover, planting and caring for Rhodiola rosea is not so difficult. It is easier to propagate the plant vegetatively. A part of the rhizome with roots, which has a pair of renewal buds, is planted in the ground. Further care comes down to weeding the soil to remove weeds and loosening it.
Photo of Rhodiola rosea (golden root):
Adaptogen Rhodiola Rosea extract includes tannins, organic acids, b-sitosterol and essential oils. It also contains 2 crystalline substances: n-tyrosol and rhodioliside. They have stimulating properties.
Application
Rhodiola rosea is a powerful adaptogen that has a visible effect after the first use of the drug! But you can’t take plant preparations every day without reason. Constant stimulation of the body, even with herbal preparations, can lead to an effect opposite to the expected one.
Rhodiola is used for many diseases and pathological conditions, and is characterized by a whole range of pharmacological properties. The most common indications for the use of plant preparations:
- poor appetite;
- metabolic disorders;
- physical and mental fatigue;
- VSD;
- neuroses;
- asthenic condition after long-term illnesses;
- inflammatory processes;
- allergic reactions;
- radiation injuries (acute and chronic);
- reduced visual acuity;
- poor hearing;
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- anemia;
- oncological diseases;
- bone fracture;
- menorrhagia;
- dysmenorrhea;
- amenorrhea primary and secondary;
- gynecological diseases (adnexitis, polycystic ovary syndrome, fibrocystic mastopathy);
- early menopause;
- impotence;
- oligospermia;
- late puberty;
- toothache;
- headache;
- gout;
- diabetes;
- conjunctivitis;
- angina;
- pyorrhea;
- diarrhea;
- wounds, skin lesions, rashes, abscesses.
Golden root is often used for men and women: it helps with impotence and is indicated for many diseases of the female reproductive system. Plant preparations enhance the functioning of the sex glands, stimulate the ovaries and are widely used in the treatment of early menopause. The plant has a positive effect on potency, and its effectiveness is higher than that of ginseng root.
It has been proven that the plant enhances the effect of cytostatics that cause necrosis of cancer cells: the membrane, core and parts of the cell are destroyed, which leads to its death.
Instructions for use of Rhodiola Rosea tincture (Method and dosage)
For those who are indicated for Rhodiola Rosea tincture, the instructions for use inform that the medicine should be taken orally. This should be done 15-30 minutes before meals. The dosage is 5-10 drops, which are taken 2-3 times every day. The duration of treatment is 10-20 days.
In psychoneurological practice, Rhodiola liquid extract is used 2-3 times every day in a dosage of 10 drops. The single dose is gradually increased to 30-40 drops. Therapy is designed for 1-2 months.
What is golden root
The homeland of Rhodiola rosea is Altai, but it is also grown in China, Bulgaria, and Mongolia. The herbaceous plant is considered a dioecious succulent from the Crassulaceae family. The root of Rhodiola rosea is very large, painted in a bronze, gilded tone. Many appendages should grow from it. On the surface there is a small herbaceous part, consisting of many stems of different heights with leaves, it looks like a flower. At a certain period, inflorescences are formed, on which the fruits subsequently ripen. Dig up the root twice a year.
Price of Rhodiola Rosea tincture, where to buy
The price of Rhodiola Rosea tincture 30 ml is approximately 45 rubles. In Ukraine, this product is sold for an average of 20 hryvnia. The drug is not rare; you can buy Rhodiola Rosea in many pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.
- Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
- Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine
ZdravCity
- Rhodiola extract liquid for oral administration vial.
30ml Vifitech ZAO 54 RUR order
show more
Pharmacy24
- Rhodiola extract liquid 25 ml PAT "Biolik", Ukraine
56 UAH. order
In cosmetology
This unique plant has also found its application in cosmetology. Golden root extract has a positive effect on aging, sensitive skin and improves its overall condition. The rich biologically active composition allows the use of plant extracts in various creams to give them stimulating and adaptogenic properties, slow down the aging process of the skin, and increase resistance to adverse environmental factors.
Cosmetic preparations with golden root:
- normalize metabolic processes in the skin;
- improve energy metabolism in cells;
- accelerate skin regeneration processes;
- minimizes transepidermal fluid loss;
- increase skin barrier functions;
- slow down the aging process;
- reduce the level of depression.
The most popular cosmetics with golden root: day cream for sensitive skin from “Natura Siberika”, face cream “Clean Line”, day cream “Granny Agafya’s Recipes”.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacodynamics
The active component of the extract is the roots and rhizomes of Rhodiola, including organic acids, tannins, b-sitosterol, essential oils, as well as two crystalline substances - rhodioliside and n-tyrosol, which have stimulating properties.
The drug has a general tonic effect, increases the body's resistance to adverse factors, such as environmental pollution, the action of viruses and pathogenic microflora, and the influence of low and high temperatures. Rhodiola liquid extract increases physical and mental performance, restores vital functions after illnesses.
Tincture recipes
As you know, there are many recipes for preparing tincture from the root of the plant. It is usually prepared with alcohol or vodka.
Vodka tincture
This is a universal remedy for many diseases. Vodka is a good solvent that extracts all the beneficial substances from the plant and preserves them for a long time. But to prepare the tincture, you need to take good quality vodka; it should not contain foreign impurities or additives.
Preparation:
- Fifty grams of crushed Rhodiola roots are poured with 70% alcohol in the amount of five hundred milligrams.
- Infuse in a dark place for fourteen days, filter.
- Take as directed.
Alcohol tincture
The tincture is also made with 40% or 70% alcohol. It can be purchased at any pharmacy chain.
This remedy needs to be infused less.
Preparation:
- Ten grams of plant roots are poured with half a liter of alcohol.
- The tincture is poured into a glass container, sealed, and placed in a dark place for two weeks.
- The tincture must be shaken periodically.
- Take as directed.
Cold tincture
This tincture has antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. It is recommended to take it to prevent colds during the cold season.
The tincture is consumed forty drops once a day, half an hour before meals, after diluting it with water.
Anti-panic tincture
Many people experience periodic panic attacks. This is due to some disorders in the body. Rhodiola root tincture helps reduce the number of attacks and their intensity. Rhodiola is a natural remedy that normalizes the activity of the nervous system and has a calming effect.
Doctors recommend taking a course of treatment with this remedy once a year. The course of therapy should be two months. Take five drops of the medicine three times a day.
Tincture to enhance potency
Rhodiola stimulates the activity of the sex glands, normalizes blood circulation and sexual activity in men. When potency decreases, it is recommended to take one milliliter of tincture, diluting it in water. The course of treatment is fifteen days.
Tincture for frigidity
Sexual dysfunction in women can also be cured with Rhodiola root tincture. It helps eliminate frigidity, stress, emotional disorders, fatigue and nervous exhaustion. Take the medicine fifteen drops three times a day.
The course of therapy is two months.
Contraindications
Absolute:
- arterial hypertension;
- agitation, insomnia;
- febrile syndrome;
- period of pregnancy and lactation;
- children under 12 years of age;
- hypersensitivity to any of the components of the extract.
Relative: Rhodiola liquid extract is prescribed with caution for liver diseases, alcoholism, traumatic brain injuries, brain diseases, in childhood and adolescence from 12 to 18 years.
Use in cosmetics
The positive effect of active components on appearance has been proven. Rhodiola improves the condition of the skin, tones it and reduces the depth of wrinkles. Therefore, manufacturers often add the extract to cosmetic products.
Mild By Nature, Pycnogenol Serum, 28 g
See price on iHerb
The main active ingredient of this serum is pycnogenol. This component is obtained from French pine bark extract. The composition also includes rhodiola and additional plant components that enhance each other’s effects. The serum stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which improves the appearance of the skin.
It becomes more elastic, inflammation and redness disappear, and the skin's immunity is strengthened. The manufacturer recommends applying the cosmetic product to a cleansed face twice a day - morning and evening. After this, you can use regular cream.
Reviews of Rhodiola liquid extract
According to reviews, Rhodiola liquid extract, when taken in recommended doses according to indications, has a good tonic effect, gives strength and vigor, increases energy, improves immunity, and promotes concentration. Patients like the combination of the low cost of the drug with its high effectiveness.
Disadvantages include the absence of a measuring pipette for bottles without droppers, the presence of ethyl alcohol in the composition, and a possible increase in heart rate.
Benefit
The benefits of Rhodiola are undeniable. The plant effectively fights many diseases and disorders in the body. The use of a plant-based medicine in the correct dosage promotes rapid relief and recovery.
For immunity
Rhodiola root tincture strengthens the immune system. It activates the synthesis of antibodies that stop the penetration of infections and viruses into the human body and their development. The medicine can directly affect the immune system, triggering the production of antibodies, or eliminate stress and emotional tension, which reduce the body's protective properties.
Thus, Rhodiola increases the body’s resistance to negative environmental influences.
To improve various body parameters
Rhodiola is used to increase libido. It normalizes blood flow and promotes blood flow to the pelvic organs. It is recommended to take the medicine one hour before sexual intercourse in the amount of two teaspoons.
The plant normalizes the functioning of the prostate gland, ovaries, and activates the activity of the sex glands.
For athletes
Rhodiola rosea promotes rapid recovery of the body after strength exercise and increases tone. For injuries and sprains, the plant has an analgesic effect and promotes rapid wound healing.
Tincture from the root of the plant increases the elasticity of ligaments, helps build muscle mass, saturates the body of athletes with antioxidants, minerals and amino acids, vitamins and many useful substances. Thus, a person becomes more resilient and regains strength faster.
Rhodiola as an adaptogen
The first impression of the term “adaptogen” can be quite misleading. This is not a new technological development, but the name of a group of plants that have been known for their medicinal properties since ancient times. Adaptogens come to us from Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. This group of plants has not lost its popularity and inexhaustible benefits for several centuries.
What are they and how do adaptogens work?
Adaptogens solve problems with hormonal imbalance, increased levels of emotional and physical stress. These are three battlefields in which the powers of ordinary plants play an extremely important role. Adaptogens affect the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system, thyroid gland and adrenal glands. As soon as the work of these organs and systems is aligned, the whole body is healed.
The uniqueness of the group of adaptogens is revealed by their name. After entering the body, they adapt to the individual characteristics of a person and bring the entire internal space into balance. They give energy to a tired person or calm to an overly excited person.
Regulation of the production of hormones and enzymes by adaptogens affects:
- cholesterol level;
- liver and heart;
- breathing process;
- immune system;
- brain cells;
- nervous system;
- age-related changes.
Functions of Rhodiola as an adaptogen
This is one of the few adaptogens that has been sufficiently researched and valued in the post-Soviet space. The plant is a natural antidepressant, the spectrum of action of which is much wider than that of pharmaceutical medications. Rhodiola not only normalizes cortisol levels, but helps normalize sleep and food intake, despite the stress experienced. After taking pharmaceutical medications, a person feels exhausted and tired, which makes it difficult to return to their usual routine. The mild effect of a natural adaptogen ensures a quick and painless transition from a state of stress to natural activity.
What else is useful for Rhodiola rosea:
- increases physical endurance;
- increases mental focus capabilities;
- fights early aging of the body;
- copes with excess fat deposits;
- protects against pathogenic radioactive exposure and toxic chemicals.
Dosage forms and doses
The medicine from Rhodiola rosea must be taken in limited quantities and strictly according to the instructions. How to take medications correctly depends on their form. The plant is presented on the pharmacological market in the form of tablets, tinctures, and extracts.
The tincture is taken in an amount of five to ten drops diluted in half a glass of water. The last dose of medication is taken four hours before bedtime.
The extract is taken in the amount of ten drops three times a day. It treats colds, asthenic syndrome, and fatigue. The course of therapy is twenty days. If a person has mental disorders, he is prescribed thirty drops of radiola extract.
The tablets contain Rhodiola extract. Take them in the amount of two pieces per day. In this case, the pills should be taken in the first half of the day. The course of therapy should not exceed twenty days. If necessary, the course is repeated after two weeks.
Advantages
The peculiarity of Rhodiola is that it directly affects muscle tissue and the heart. After just one dose, patients note increased energy, increased endurance and other positive aspects of using dietary supplements. The adaptogen acts quickly and effectively, which will be primarily noticed by people with increased physical activity.
You can use 2 adaptogens at the same time. If you use more than that, you may experience overexcitement and sleep problems.
Compound
Scientists have discovered 140 biologically active substances that are found in the pink root. Here are those that determine its benefits:
- Phenols are organic compounds that include a phenyl radical connected to hydroxyl groups, their derivatives are tyrosol and salidroside. The latter has antioxidant abilities and neuroprotection.
- Flavonoids – rhodiol flavonoside, has antimicrobial properties.
- Cinnamoyl glycosides – rosavin, rosavidin – are adaptogens that eliminate the alteration phase of the body’s inflammatory response.
- Gossypetin is used in the prevention of cancer.
- Micro- and macroelements – zinc, manganese, silver, copper, phosphorus. Zinc improves testosterone production and spermatogenesis.
- Vitamins – ascorbic and nicotinic acids.
The remaining components are less active, these include:
- Organic acids.
- Essential oils – there are more than 80 of them.
- Mono-, di- and polysaccharides.
- Tannins.
- Alkaloids.
Taken in the form of drops
When using drops, the active substances are absorbed faster and begin to act immediately. But it is best to give preference to extracts that are produced without the use of alcohol.
Nature's Answer, Rhodiola Rosea, 100 mg, 1 fl oz (30 ml)
See price on iHerb
The company's products contain a concentrated plant extract that does not contain alcohol. The active substance is obtained by cold extraction, due to which all the benefits of Rhodiola are preserved. Additionally, the composition contains vegetable glycerin and pure water.
The manufacturer recommends taking the supplement 28 drops twice a day with a small amount of water. Shake the bottle before use. Contraindications for use include the period of bearing a child or breastfeeding. Store the container out of the reach of children.
