Rhodiola Rosea

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 will 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 conditions 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 such tests, increasing mental and physical performance and showing minimal side effects (for example [6] ). [5] Indeed, a search 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]

A personal note - I am of the opinion that Rhodiola is one of the aphrodisiacs that actually work. Having experimented for a prolonged period with the "Herb Pharm" Rhodiola tincture (no affiliation), available at whole food stores, I can say that it does indeed appear to increase desire. I haven't noticed an increase in stamina or energy in other ways, although I would say that my general health is very good these days (although this might be attributable to any number of factors). I've found that taking the rhodiola once per day doesn't seem to 'do anything' - however when 'half a dropper full' (30-40 drops) is taken three times a day, after a couple of days I find it brings back some of that 'libido-in-overdrive' feeling from back in the day. (truly!) In all honesty I find it's almost too much, and I end up choosing to take it less often it as it is somewhat distracting - after which the increased libido seems to fade away after a day or so. I wouldn't say it has affected performance or enjoyment in anyway... it just seems to make me more... hungry. I can't possibly say to what extent these effects are subjective. But this might be a good one to try if you have a partner who wants you to 'keep up' with their drive. I have not noticed any ill-effects whatsoever from my rhodiola experiments - and also found it to be one of the most pleasant tasting of all the herbal tinctures - somewhat reminiscent of brandy or red wine.

Rhodiola Rosea is listed in the AHPA's "Herbs of Commerce" [9]

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