Rhodiola Benefits & Side Effects

Rhodiola rosea is an herb that grows in the arctic regions of Europe and Asia. It has been used in Scandinavian countries for years to heal common ailments such as fatigue and decreased memory function. Rhodiola rosea is gaining popularity around the world today, and is used by many people as a dietary supplement.

Identification

• Rhodiola has been used to enhance memory and fight fatigue, but is now gaining popularity as a treatment for depression. According to a study by the Nordic Journal Of Psychiatry in 2007, patients that took Rhodiola rosea reported fewer symptoms of depression than patients that took a placebo.

Benefits

• Rhodiola not only helps battle depression, but it also has cancer fighting properties. It helps to fight the development of tumors, due to its anti-oxidant properties, which helps to improve the body's natural resistance to toxins. Rhodiola stimulates the immune system and helps to reestablish metabolic balance.

Side Effects

• As with any herbal supplement, Rhodiola rosea can cause some side effects. These may include insomnia, irritability and restlessness. This may be due to the fact that Rhodiola has stimulant properties. Pregnant women should not take this supplement, due to the fact that it may cause anxiety in some women. Anyone who has bi-polar disorder should not take Rhodiola because it could cause hallucinations and mood swings in these individuals.

Drug Interactions

• Rhodiola rosea has been reported as generally safe, and there are no drug precautions listed. In clinical trials, no adverse effects were reported, however, there is a limited amount of information on this supplement.

Dosage

• The most common dosages of Rhodiola are between 200mg to 600mg daily. In the treatment of depression, the dosage is 340mg to 680mg have been evaluated in clinical trials with good result. Always seek the advice of your doctor, before adding any dietary supplement, especially if there are any pre-existing medical conditions.