by Sara illig
What if I told you that there is a plant, a magical plant that helps fight the effects of stress and aging, sharpens your memory and concentration, maximizes your energy, protects against heart disease and cancer, eases anxiety and depression, improves your sexual function, enhances physical performance and blocks fat for weight loss?
Well there is such a plant; it is an adaptogen known as Rhodiola Rosea. This safe herbal gem has been scientifically proven to do all of the above.
There is an excellent book out on the market called ‘The Rhodiola Revolution’ by Richard Brown, MD and Patricia L Gerbarg, MD. It proved to be an enlightening read including many case studies as well as dosage information for various conditions.
Ready for some more on Rhodiola Rosea?
The best kind of Rhodiola Rosea is grown in Siberia or Alaska. Dont let the brands from Oregon and other places fool you, it needs sub-arctic and high altitude conditions to grow and develop the properties to help your brain adapt to extreme conditions. It proves a good medicine for those who suffer from anxiety, stress, fatigue, depression and for those who want to boost the immune system, enhance energy levels and physical performance. It is used in the space program to keep astronauts mentally sharp and cognitively healthy when enduring long periods without gravity. Elite athletes use it for these reasons as well as for enhancing physical performance. Evidence further indicates that Rhodiola Rosea works to repair DNA, protecting against cancer and heart disease.
Rhodiola Rosea greatly enhanced my quality of life. Perhaps it could do the same for you.
In general a low dosage to start is a good idea, if you dont feel anything in 3-7 days you can try a little higher dosage. Most people do well on under 300 mgs. But one should begin with a much lower dose it seems, closer to 100mg. Some people are sensitive and may need as little as 50 mg, while others are in need of a higher dose of around 500mg.
This herb should be taken in the morning 20-30 min before food for best results. An additional dose is sometimes taken 20-30 min before lunch, however, use caution and dont take it late in the day. It could interfere with your sleep. It could also be that during the first week or so your dreams can be very vivid. In addition, since Rhodiola Rosea has some stimulative properties it can be beneficial to take it easy on the caffeinated beverages until getting used to a new level of energy.
I like the brands Ameriden (Rosavin and Rosavin Plus) and another called Gaia. In general though seek a brand that contains 3% rosavins or more. These can be found at your local health food store as well as on the internet.
Ask your doctor about Rhodiola Rosea and the proper dosage for you. And if they dont know about it yet, recommend the book The Rhodiola Revolution to them and see what they have to say.
Enjoy your new found freedom!