Rhodiola Rosea
Can this cold-climate plant warm things up?
Rhodiola rosea (aka Golden Root, Aaron's Rod, Roseroot, Arctic root, Arctic rose, Russian Rhodiola, king's crown, rosewort, snowdown rose, Sedum rosea) - overview
Rhodiola rosea is a hardy perennial plant that grow in the world's cold places - such as the Arctic [1] and Siberia. It is listed by Chris Kilham in his book "Hot Plants", who devotes 18 pages to it and states that as a healing herb, the root of this plant is a stress combatant, a "titan of sexual healing power", and is "nothing short of mircaulous" for the broad health benefits that it confers. It is classified as an adaptogen and is in common use in Siberia as a restorative of sexual funtion, especially in cases where stess relief is required. Chris Kilham states that when he travelled to the the Altay region of Siberia to study the plant, "every man and woman I met used Rhodiola rosea regularly." [2]
Rhodiola Rosea - history of use
This plant appears to have been used in ancient times. Dioscorides, the famous Greek physician, documented it as rodia riza in De Materia Medica in 77 A.D. - and according to The Rhodiola Revolution, not only was it used by Vikings, ancient Chinese emperors, Koreans, Japanese and Mongolians, but it is still believed in Siberia that drinkers of tea made from Rhodiola rosea wil live past 100.[3]
Rhodiola Rosea - benefits
Rhodiola rosea is listed in Medicinal plants of the world as an adaptogenic and tonic, and as a herb which "alleviates sexual disorders" and promotes fertility. [4] It is stated by [5] that adaptogens (including Rhodiola rosea) are powerful antioxidants and "completely safe (by definition) when taken within the prescribed dose range". It has scientific evidence to support that it can function as an antidepressant, improves concentration and reduces symptoms of fatigue. [1]
Rhodiola Rosea - scientific studies
The plant was one of 158 herbal remedies studied by Dr. Nikolai Lazarev and Dr. Israel Brekman and researchers from the Siberian Academy of Sciences in 1948. It was classified as an adaptogen - a class of herb that helped the body adapt to challenging conditioins such as stress and fatigue. Only three other herbs from the study met his criteria - Siberian Ginseng, Panax Ginseng and Rhaponticum.[3]
Most of the studies done on this herb were performed in the Soviet Union - who were seeking to discover substances that could improve athletic performance. More than 180 studies have been published on Rhodiola rosea - more than many of the plants for which aphrodisiac qualities have been claimed; however most of these studies test for improvements in physical and mental capabilities. In general, R. Rosea has performed extremely well in tests, increasing mental and physical performance and showing minimal side effects (for example [6]). [5] Indeed, a seach of Pubmed.gov for Rhodiola rosea returned 281 results. However, few of these studies were testing for aphrodisiac qualities of the plant.
Rhodiola Rosea - conclusions
In conclusion, Rhodiola rosea root has had history of hundreds if not thousands of years of use as a tonic, endurance booster and sexual restorative - and is highly prized in many parts of Asia. [7] It works in a similar way to Ginseng but has been found to be five times less toxic. No side effects or contraindications have been reported in any of the numerous clinical studies, although it is not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding. [8] Scientific trials appear not to have tested the herb as an aphrodisiac - but according to Siberians who consume the plant routinely, its aphrodisiac prowess is universally accepted. [2] It appears that Rhodiola's aphrodisiac qualities stem from its energizing and stamina increasing effects rather than any specific aphrodisiac function - but it would seem that Rhodiola rosea is in general one of the safer of the claimed aphrodisiacs to experiment with. Rhodiola Rosea is listed in the AHPA's "Herbs of Commerce" [9]
Sources:
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodiola_Rosea
[2]"Hot Plants - Nature's Proven Sex Boosters For Men And Women" - Chris Kilham p.31-49
[3] "The Rhodiola Revolution: Transform Your Health with the Herbal Breakthrough of the 21st Century - Richard P. Brown, Patricia L. Gerbarg, Barbara Graham"
[4] "Medicinal plants of the world" - Ben-Erik Van Wyk, Michael Wink
[5] "Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens" - J. P. MD Saleeby
[6] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19606515
[7] http://www.healthstores.com/chineseherbs/herbal_ingredients/rhodiola.htm
[8] http://www.anti-aging-guide.com/RhodiolaRosea.html
[9] "Herbs of Commerce" (AHPA) - Michael McGuffin, John T. Kartesz, Albert Y Leung, Arthur O. Tucker
Note - the information on this website is not medical advice, has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure any disease.
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