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The Health Benefits of Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea is also known as golden root, roseroot and artic root. The part of the plant that is used is the root. The plant grows at the Arctic region as well as other cold regions and mountains in Europe and Asia. Rhodiola root has been traditionally used as a folk medicine to fight resistance to mountain sickness, infections such as the common cold and flu, anemia, depression, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems and also erectile dysfunction.

Among many herbalists, rhodiola is considered as an adaptogen. What it means is the herb is able to increase the body's resistance to anxiety, fatigue, stress and trauma. What it does is balance the endocrine system or system of glands that produce hormone which are responsible for emotional balance, growth and development, metabolism and tissue functions.

Many studies have been conducted since 1960 to find out the medicinal value of rhodiola. Some of the published reports indicate that rhodiola herb is able to boost the immune system and defend the body from bacterial and viral infections. According to the studies, the active constituents in rhodiola root help improve T-cells or T-lymphocytes and B-cells immunity. Its ability to manage stress level is also one of the factors that build the body's defense against infections and illness.

Its contain phenylpropanoids, phenylethanol derivatives, flavonoids, monoterpernes, phenolic acids and triterpenes of which some of them are beta-sitosterol rosavin, rosin, rosarin and salidroside. The activities of these compounds include stimulating the body's system to overcome fatigue and weakness, increasing attention span, memory and brain function and improving the mental capacity to cope during stressful times. Rhodiola rosea extract has also shown to produce antioxidant, anticancer and sexual stimulating effects.

Rhodiola is also used as a home remedy for measles and for treating photodermatitis or an abnormal skin reaction to sunlight or ultraviolet rays and enhancing athletic performance.

Rhodiola is sold as rhodiola powder, dried roots and rhodiola tea. Rhodiola extract is available in capsules as a health supplement. Consider taking the supplement if you suffer from physical and mental stress, if you want to increase your stamina and maintain your emotional health. When buying rhodiola extract, read the label and ensure that it contains 3 parts of rosavin and 1 part of salidroside.

Rhodiola is supposed to be a stimulant but if not taken according to the recommended dosage, you may experience a reversed action. So instead of stimulating, rhodiola side effects may include feeling like you've been sedated.