Exploring the Benefits of Rhodiola for Mental Health & Wellbeing
In today's fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become common issues that affect our mental health and overall well-being. The demands of modern life can be overwhelming, and it's not uncommon for individuals to experience prolonged periods of stress and anxiety. This chronic stress can take a toll on mental health and lead to the development of mood disorders, such as depression.
While modern medicine offers a range of treatments for mental health issues, many people are turning to natural remedies to support their overall well-being. One herb that has gained popularity for its stress-relieving benefits is Rhodiola rosea. The shining star of adaptogenic herbs. But what is Rhodiola rosea and how does it work? Keep scrolling to uncover more and dive deeper into the world of Rhodiola and its benefits for mental health!
What is Rhodiola rosea
How Can Rhodiola Improve Mental Health?
3 More Benefits of Rhodiola rosea For Overall Health
How to Take Rhodiola rosea for Maximum Benefits?
Possible Side Effects of Taking Too Much Rhodiola rosea
Looking For a Stress Relief Supplement?
What is Rhodiola rosea?
Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root, is a plant that generally thrives in some of the coldest regions on the planet, from the frosty Arctic to the mountainous reaches of Europe and Asia. But did you know that you don't have to travel to the ends of the earth to get your hands on this adaptogenic wonder? That's right, here at Nanton Nutraceuticals, we grow our own Canadian Rhodiola rosea in Alberta!
The root- being the prized part of the plant- has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. With a long history of use, it's no wonder that Rhodiola rosea has gained a reputation as a powerful natural remedy for stress, anxiety, and depression
Rhodiola is considered an adaptogen.[1] Adaptogens are a group of natural substances that are thought to give your body an extra boost in the fight against all kinds of stress - whether it's physical, environmental, or emotional. These mighty compounds have gained a reputation for their ability to help the body adapt and cope with the challenges of modern life, leaving you feeling stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to handle whatever comes your way. Rhodiola extract might help protect cells from damage and regulate heartbeat.
How Can Rhodiola Improve Mental Health?
1. Improve mood & well-being
Rhodiola has been shown to modulate various neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which are involved in regulating mood and emotions. A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that Rhodiola increased the release of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex of rats. This increase in dopamine levels is thought to contribute to the herb's mood-boosting effects, as dopamine is a key neurotransmitter involved in regulating motivation and reward.2. Reduce stress and burn-out
In addition to its effects on dopamine, Rhodiola has also been shown to modulate the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol -secreted by the adrenal glands- is released in response to stress and is involved in the body's stress response system. It’s often called the ‘stress hormone’. Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which can have negative effects on physical and mental health such as rapid weight gain, skin that bruises easily, muscle weakness, fatigue, diabetes, and many other health problems. A study published in Phytomedicine found that Rhodiola Rosea contains bioactive compounds that interact with the stress response system in your body, specifically the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This interaction helps regulate the production and release of cortisol, keeping your stress levels in check. This suggests that Rhodiola may help reduce the negative effects of stress on the body and improve overall well-being.Another study conducted in Germany found that Rhodiola reduced symptoms of burnout in healthcare professionals [3]
3. Reduce symptoms of anxiety
A randomized, open-label trial in the UK tested the effect of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of healthy individuals with mild anxiety. Following 14 days, the treatment group demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety and stress symptoms like excessive worrying, tension, insomnia, dizziness, and fear.[4]4. Prevents mental fatigue and improves energy
One of the key compounds in Rhodiola thought to be responsible for its positive effects on cognitive function and mental health is salidroside. Salidroside is a phenolic glycoside found in Rhodiola that has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that salidroside improved cognitive function in rats by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.
Another research published in the journal Phytomedicine found that Rhodiola Rosea contains compounds that can improve the function of our mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of our cells. This means that Rhodiola Rosea can help our cells produce more energy, leading to improved physical and mental performance.
3 More Benefits Of Rhodiola rosea For Overall Health
1. Improve the immune system function
Rhodiola rosea is a real superstar when it comes to boosting your immune system! Previous research has shown that this amazing plant can work wonders in regulating your immune system and reducing inflammation in a variety of diseases. How does it do it, you ask? By regulating immune cell differentiation, activating anti-inflammatory signalling pathways, and reducing the secretion of inflammatory factors. So if you're looking for a natural way to give your immune system a boost and keep inflammation in check, Rhodiola rosea might just be the answer you've been searching for!
2. Support the digestive system- a gut superhero
A recent study [7] suggests that Rhodiola rosea supplementation has a positive effect on gut microbiota and alleviates symptoms of gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders. The effect is thought to happen through the Gut-brain axis. The gut-brain axis is a two-way biochemical signalling that takes place between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain through the central nervous system. When you're stressed, the brain sends signals to the gut to focus on a "fight or flight" response, which can slow digestion and cause all sorts of unpleasant symptoms like bloating, acid reflux, and even diarrhea. What’s more, stress can drive other gastrointestinal issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and multiple inflammatory bowel diseases (celiac). Supplementing with Rhodiola rosea during times of stress, reduce these stress signals from the brain to the gut thus improving stress-derived digestive issues.3. Boosts physical energy
Rhodiola rosea works with the body by decreasing the stress response and increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—the body's main source of energy. When more ATP is produced, then the body can work out for longer, which improves athletic performance as well as endurance! So if you're looking to take your fitness game to the next level, incorporating Rhodiola into your routine might just be the secret ingredient you've been missing.
How To Take Rhodiola rosea For Maximum Benefits?
The recommended dose of Rhodiola rosea & when to take it
As a dietary supplement, Rhodiola root extract is usually taken in capsule or tablet form. You may also take it as a tincture, but most people find capsules to be the most convenient.
Look for Rhodiola rosea extract with approximately 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside.
The ideal dose for optimizing the benefits of Rhodiola rosea is 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily. [5] The best time to take Rhodiola rosea supplement is in the morning or early afternoon but not before bedtime, as it has a slightly stimulating effect [6]
It's also important to choose a supplement from a reputable source that undergoes quality control testing to ensure purity and potency, and better be FDA approved.
Possible Side Effects of Too Much Rhodiola rosea
Although rare, some people may experience side effects when taking Rhodiola supplements. These side effects can include dry mouth, dizziness, and stomach upset. However, it's important to remember that most people tolerate Rhodiola supplements well, and the benefits often outweigh the risks.
To ensure your safety, it's always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before adding Rhodiola supplements to your routine, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or take medication. By taking this step, you can feel confident that you're making the best possible choices for your health.
LOOKING FOR STRESS RELIEF SUPPLEMENT?
Are you ready to experience the incredible benefits of Rhodiola rosea for yourself? Then look no further than Rhoziva by Nanton Nutraceuticals! It's produced in a licensed GMP facility, and approved by both Health Canada and the FDA. Moreover, it features standardized extracts of Rhodiola rosea, boasting an impressive 3% rosavins.
But that's not all - we take things to the next level by growing and owning our own crop of Rhodiola rosea, making us the only company in North America to do so! By controlling factors such as seed selection, growth, and extraction, we're able to offer a unique strain of Rhodiola rosea that contains a whopping seven naturally occurring compounds in the root. Other brands simply can't compete, often containing only one or two compounds.
So, if you're looking to try the very best Rhodiola rosea supplement on the market, look no further than Rhoziva by Nanton Nutraceuticals. Get ready to feel energized, focused, and ready to take on the world!
Sources:
[1] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-883/rhodiola
[3] Stojcheva, E. I., & Quintela, J. C. (2022). The Effectiveness of Rhodiola rosea L. Preparations in Alleviating Various Aspects of Life-Stress Symptoms and Stress-Induced Conditions—Encouraging Clinical Evidence. Molecules, 27(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27123902
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6208354/
[6] https://www.mhanational.org/sites/default/files/MHA_CAM.pdf