Energy, Depression
★★★★★
My family has an over sleeping habits that have made life in the real world hard. Also, when we wake up we still are so groggy and half asleep that walking into walls and driving on the wrong side of the street is a normal thing. When I started rhodiola 1 year ago it changed my life in quality. I am prone to getting on whatever I could to keep me awake to be able to get through life, and anti depressants? Well, lets just say I got to try all of them on for size at one time or another. Thanks to this remarkable plant I am off of them and happy.
(Seattle, Wa - Usa)
06/23/2012
Hi Jennifer - What you are describing sounds like carbon monoxide poisoning to me. Your entire family is effected? That is not normal. If I were you I would have ALL of my gas appliances checked out by a professional HVAC type person. Also, make sure nobody is starting a car and letting it warm up in the garage, and no other gas type items or BBQ's are being used indoors, or any enclosed type area off of the house.
I would open my windows 24 hours a day until you verify that you are not being overloaded with carbon monoxide. Serious business. In small doses you can feel like you are describing, groggy, sleepy, out of it, like you have the flu.... In larger doses it can KILL YOU IN YOUR SLEEP! Please get it checked!
Energy, Mood Enhancement
★★★★★
I've just finished my first bottle of Rhodiola 500 mg. as suggested by my doctor. I have definitely noticed an increase in my energy level and its enhanced my mood. I stopped in a local vitamin store to purchase another bottle, but they only 300 mg. and I was told taking 2 capsules is okay. From what I've read, the 600 mg dose is still good for energy and depression, but at doses in the 1,200 - 1,500 have sedating effects. I can really feel a difference taking Rhodiola. I'm glad my doctor recommended it!
General Feedback
I am writing about the use of Rhodiola. I know how bad anxiety and panic attacks feel like I had them many years. It shocks me that so many have taken Rhodiola to feel better. I know how one wants to get better in a hurry. For me that makes me worried anything that makes you feel that good in such a short time seems troublesome to me. I don't like counting on something so much that I can't get over these panic attacks on my own.
I do understand a little help but will I have to take this the rest of my life? Has anyone gotten better just taking this for a short time?
(Uniontown, Oh)
10/31/2013
The longer you can go between panic attacks, the calmer you become. Initially, you become very sensitive to what you think are triggers of attacks by association, such as "if I sat in the middle of a crowd and thought I may not be able to leave, " bringing on an attack, you may think "I won't be in crowds and will avoid an attack." The longer you go without an attack, the fewer associations will be made and the more confident you will become to be able to handle situations where you feel overwhelmed. Your sensitivities diminish the longer you can go about your business without an attack, so anything that helps in this way is beneficial.
(Tennessee, Usa)
10/31/2013
Hi Mary,
I don't have the answer to the questions you asked, which are certainly valid questions. However, I thought I would pass along my two cents on using supplements for health conditions. I agree that the ideal would be to not have to be dependent on any supplements for good health. At the same time, it isn't the same as having to be dependent upon pharmaceuticals that have side effects. And it beats having to live life with an uncomfortable or painful health condition.
A lot of herbs and natural remedies are helping the body to normalize or they are providing our bodies with something they are missing to function the best. For example, I take an iodine supplement daily. I was diagnosed with low thyroid a few years ago and my symptoms were miserable. I started to take prescription medication which made me feel worse. A lot of research and trial and error and I found that an idodine supplement helped me to feel better and, at least by bloodwork, I don't have low thyroid anymore. If I quit the iodine supplement, my symptoms return. Well, I hear that the iodine in our soil is depleted (as with many other important nutrients.) So, I keep taking the iodine. The thyroid gland needs it and I feel better taking it.
At the same time, my son had an asthma problem. We treated him with nettles. It worked so well for him. He took nettles for a year or more. Interestingly, he no longer needs the nettles, and he no longer has asthma. Often times herbs do cure a health condition.
Well, that is just some food for thought. I hope you find a good solution for your situation!
~Mama to Many~
(Boston, Ma)
10/31/2013
★★★★★
Best way to test rhodiola is to take it in small doses and see if your brain chemistry likes it. Not doubt some brands are better than others. I didn't have great results when I tried it, but I only tried one brand. I have read on Earth Clinic that 5 days on and 2 days off for supplements each week is wise. I try to give my body a break from all supplements once in a while. Good luck.
General Feedback
The dose is everything with Rhodiola. Low doses are stimulatory, raising dopamine/norepi levels. High doses are (paradoxically) sedating, raising serotonin levels. To make things more complex, each brand has a different potency and source, so the amount in milligrams is not the only indicator of strength. If you want to get serious about trying Rhodiola, you need to try different brands. I have tried three (Planetary Herbals, Thorne, and NSI), all have different effects.
I also want to add that Rhodiola should be seen as something you take in times of stress, not something you should plan to take every day for months at a time. I can personally only take it every other day, even during stressful times.
The medical literature includes one case study of a woman who had a complete recovery from depression with daily dosage of Rhodiola over many years, but everyone has different genetic, environmental, and dietary factors. You have to experiment to know what works for you, and since it's something you should only take when you're stressed, you might provoke a negative reaction. So be careful, Rhodiola is powerful and can have negative effects, but it can also be a lifesaver in times of persistent stress and anxiety.
General Feedback
I would to ask you a question about rhodiloa rosea extract.. I want to know if (energy 28 or Morenaturalenergy pills) have caffeine in it? as brand they said they don't have caffeine in it.. They brand " no caffeine" I have an irregular heart.. but I read somewhere they warn that they could have some caffeine in it.. Because of Rhodiloa rosea extract.. They have some caffeine it.. But they label " no caffeine" on any bottles.. Please tell me the truth.
Thank you, Chris
(Seattle, Washington)
02/08/2016
Rhodiola Rosea by itself does not contain caffeine, but some brands are combined with green tea, which has caffeine. If there is added caffeine, it should say so on the label. Otherwise assume that tea has it and avoid added tea. The energy from Rhodiola is healthy feeling, smooth and steady. Unlike caffeine, it does not rob your body, leaving you more pooped when it drops you off. Instead, it is supplying you with energy and helping your body to work more efficiently. It is especially important if you have a thyroid deficiency, as low adrenal function is usually present, having been taxed as a result of trying to cover for weak thyroid function. It is even more important to use Rhodiola when you are taking thyroid hormone, as your now faster metabolism will require more from your adrenals. Think of it like a car-your thyroid is the battery and your adrenals are the alternator. If the battery goes bad, the alternator will run the battery for awhile, but it will eventually die, too. If both are in good shape, you are on your merry way!
General Feedback
I read the article on warnings about purchasing "Tibetan" Rhodiola or Chinese Rhodiola. Do you know where the Russian origin or West or North Siberia Rhodiola is sold? Thank you.
(Rural, Va)
10/18/2010
(Boston, Mass, Usa)
10/03/2011
Growing Rhodiola From Seeds
★★★★★
On your site you indicated that Rhodiola should only be from Siberia. What studies indicate this? Given that I live in Canada and I want this herb how am I to get it? It actually is grown here in Alberta, which is cold here like Siberia in Russia. The town of Thorsby has numerous farmers that grow Rhodiola. There is a seller that sells the seeds to individuals from Barrhead, AB. You can grow your own in your yard here. Rhodiola is available from supplement companies in eastern B. C. And A. B. So you know its grown locally and it does work. It does something, the effects are subtle, but it is worth the money. It makes me very happy that I can grow it in my backyard and that it is locally grown because it is so cold here in Alberta most of the year. So forget about that nonsense of having to go to Siberia. It is available in North America also.
(Interior Of, Alaska)
05/01/2012
★★★★★
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
★★★★★
Rhodiola for Hashimoto Disease: Thyroid:
I have been taking Russian-Rhodiola for a week now, 300g in the morning. I'll see my Doctor tomorrow, as I am also under pills for my thyroid, and I would like to replace thyroid chemical pills (Levothyroxine sodium - thyroid hormones) with rhodiola's cure, let's see what he's going to tell me. I feel definitely better, from the first day. I used to be chronically tired, now not anymore.
(Bloomfield Twp., Michigan/usa)
08/04/2010
(Mascotte/fl/usa)
02/20/2014
(Denver)
02/20/2014
Bear: I was just like you a while back, confused, worried, and suffering. After I learned that God put healing in creation for all His dear beloved creatures I discovered all a person has to do is eat right. When I get a sore heal I apply a salve. Herbs are good for local conditions. You have an autoimmune disorder caused by eating cooked conventionally grown food that is low in nutrients and high in toxins. Meds are a toxin. You need a best food program. Search raw food videos, become enlightened, and function optimally.
(Sunrise, Fl)
03/01/2014
Yikes! You absolutely cannot get off your thyroid meds by taking rhodiola alone. Rhodiola does not increase thyroid production and it does not regulate your hormones. It only increases energy. Do not get off your thyroid meds unless your thyroid levels have returned to normal on your own and this has been cleared with your doctor.
Improved Mood
★★★★★
Rhodiola Rosea for Better Mood and Health:
I'm typically not one to write reviews, but this herb is one of a kind! The brand I use is G---a Herbs and it helps me tremendously! I refuse to go a day without it because it helps me generally feel happy. My whole life since I was a kid had suffered extreme anxiety and now in my early 20's started to experience depression, but not anymore!! Not as long as I have my Rhodiola. I take 4-5 Capsules in the morning on a empty stomach, and another 4-5 in the evening and my life quality has changed for the better! The first week of taking it I felt literally euphoric, so full of life and actually started to joke around (which is really not like me to joke) The only thing I hate is the organic health food store sells it for $35.99 and the bottle only lasts me 2 1/2 weeks, but I pay the price because the happiness is worth it! It is the only thing that I found to keep my mood balanced so that the things that used to bother me can now just enter my mind and leave with out it affecting me all day like it used to! I first started out with 6 capsules a day, 3 in the morning and another 3 in the evening and graduated to 10 a day. Just thought I'd write this to possibly help somebody else out there like me who refuses to take prescription meds!
Long Distance Driving
★★★★★
Rhodiola has been touted as helping focus during intense exercise. I'm not one of those people. Instead, my bottle of rhodiola lives in my car for my long drives (usu. about 7 hours). After about 5 hours of driving, I'm not as alert and take a tablet. I've found that within a minute or two (not long) after taking it, I feel fresh and alert - not at all jittery or buzzed. The one I use contains rhodiola rosea (root), vit C, green tea extract (leaves), spinach (leaves), and acerola concentrate blend (fruit).
Medication Interaction
A friend of mine gave me a bottle of rhodiola and after reading about how wonderful it is, I am a little nervous about taking it because I am on effexor and ritalin not to mention blood pressure meds and cholesterol meds. Has anyone tried it while still on these kind of meds?
(Houston, Tx Usa)
09/27/2011
(Detroit, Michigan)
10/08/2011
Mood, Anxiety, Depression
★★★★★
I very recently began taking the Rhodiola Rosea at 150 mg 1/day in the morning and WOW! I started taking it just over a week ago and felt an effect just three days into this dosage. It was gradual for me to realize that it was the Rhodiola having an effect on me, but I just suddenly felt like...doing things. I hate taking prescription drugs and have a deeply rooted belief they are a plague and instill a lack of self-responsibility in many people, so I would much rather not prescribe to the easy way out and find natural solutions to my problems. Although not clinically diagnosed, I believe I suffer from mild anxiety, insomnia (primarily caused by racing thoughts), and mild depression -- can you see how many different types of money-making drugs I would need to take? No thank you.
To combat these ills I have taken 5HTP (works for my deep-seated winter depression and I cycle this), Melatonin (worthless), Vitamin D 50,000 IU, Ashwagandha, and now Rhodiola Rosea. Of these, I believe Rhodiola Rosea has had the quickest, most noticeable effect on my mood, outlook on life, and general well-being. I've read that typical dosage is between 200 mg - 1000 mg; so if I am at 150 mg/day and feeling its effects I cannot IMAGINE how awesome I will feel (and be) at a higher dosage
I hate taking prescription drugs and have a deeply rooted belief they are a plague and instill a lack of self-responsibility in many people. I would much rather not prescribe to the saturated, money-hungry drug industry and find natural solutions to my problems. Although not clinically diagnosed, I believe I suffer from mild anxiety, insomnia (primarily caused by racing thoughts), and mild depression -- can you see how many different types of prescription drugs I would need to take? No thank you.
To combat these ills I have taken 5HTP (works for my deep-seated winter depression and I cycle this), Melatonin (worthless), Vitamin D 50,000 IU, Ashwagandha, and now Rhodiola Rosea. Of these, I believe Rhodiola Rosea has had the quickest, most noticeable effect on my mood, outlook on life, and general well-being. I've read that typical dosage is between 200 mg - 1000 mg; so if I am at 150 mg/day and feeling its effects I cannot IMAGINE how awesome I will feel (and be) at a higher dosage.
Multiple Cures
★★★★★
I've been taking rhodiola 1000 mg 3x per day.. I went to a naturalpathic Dr.. For peri menopause and she tested my adrenals for stress. My urine test scored a 9 and should have been between a 17 and and a 25... I find this wonderful herb the best.. It helps with my hormones, no mood swings.. Depression, stress and is an antioxidant.. Im to return to the Dr.. to get my adrenals tested after taking it for 2 months.. I know there will be an improvment.. It also helps with sleep.
(Pit, Pa)
11/23/2012
Multiple Cures
I started taking Rhodiola 5 days ago and have immediately noticed improvements across the board! I take one capsule (340 mg of Rhodiola) in the morning and have seen an increase in my energy. I work long hours and often times have found myself drained by the end of a long shift; with Rhodiola in my system I've worked some of the longest/hardest shifts of my life and felt COMPLETELY FINE by the end! My memory has improved and I have noticed a tangible spike in my happiness/personality. It's a wonder drug, and taking it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I used to take SSRIs like sertraline and citalopram and this makes me feel much better, without the nasty side effects!
Question: Does anyone have a brand that they swear by? I use the GNC version but am considering looking for something more potent. Thanks!!
Gb08, thanks for your Rhodiola post as I recalled that I had failed to include it in one of my recent post on tonic or CHI herbs. R seems a great stand-alone herb, but I would still rotate with others in that class as the body has such complex needs. I have used NOW Rhodiola but I can't verify anything as my condition is such, but if you're looking for potency, always buy "standardized extract" of whichever brand; and herb potencies do vary from region-to-region and crop-to-crop so it's good to also rotate brands. Nature's Answer, Nature's Way, Nature's Sunshine have long been considered "superior" brands from my personal experience, but I don't hesitate to buy generic brands especially if the price is right.
One good indicator of potency is smell. When you first open the bottle get a good whiff (usually the stronger the odor the greater the potency) or always smell before consuming as this signals the body to its oncoming natural beneficiary; sort of like Aroma Therapy, but it's simply a synergistic mechanism allowing the body to "know" the particular substance.
(Middle, Fl)
03/07/2012
(Rural, Va)
03/07/2012
After doing cosiderable research on brands, and trying to find one that is "Siberian", I have located a brand that I will stand by. However, I don't want to sound like I am selling something on here. You can email me at home4us2004 (at) yahoo. com, and I will be happy to share.
I also want to add that I just started my 17 year old son on Rhodiola. He has ADHD and anxiety. We tried the pharmaceutical route, but he hated all the side effects. What he said to me the first day he took it was "My Brain Felt Relief".
(Lexington, Sc)
04/21/2012
I have a question about the Rhodiola. You mentioned you had taken Citalopram. Did you take the Rhodiola while you were taking the other meds? I currently take 40 mg of Citalopram daily, and am a bit concerned with mixing the two, but really like what I am reading about Rhodiola and would like to give it a try. I just dont seem to get the results that I think I should from the Citalopram, however have been on it for years because its been "just o. K. " and havent wanted to go through the trouble of weining off it and starting a new one.
If you could also let me know where the best place to purchase TRUE Rhodiola is, that would be much appreciated.
Thank you, Pam
(America)
06/29/2016
Multiple Cures
★★★☆☆
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Rhodiola is one of the best supplements in my product arsenal!! It has helped me tremendously with my depression, physical stamina, fatigue, anxiety, and with my skin.
I suffer from Hashimoto's thyroiditis and have very low energy reserves. One of the biggest problems that I had was that I could barely get through the day without taking a nap. In addition, although I exercise every day, I had to exercise at night because after 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, I would be completely wiped out (if I could get through 30 minutes at all).
After taking rhodiola (and oil pulling) every day, I noticed that I no longer needed to take a nap during the day anymore. Since taking rhodiola and oil pulling, I feel alert, energized, and refreshed all day - After 6 years of suffering with low thyroid, I finally feel like a "normal" person again. The difference in my physical stamina is just incredible. I feel like I can accomplish almost anything physically - now I can run for 30 minutes with extra energy to spare!
Another wonderful benefit is that rhodiola is great for your skin. I take it with vitamin E and now my acne-prone skin is much clearer, even-toned, and has a wonderful "glow".
The only side effect/drawback of rhodiola that I experiencd was with my anxiety. At first, rhodiola really helped me with my mild anxiety, but after a few weeks, my anxiety became very severe to the point where I was starting to get panic attacks and a constant feeling of dread, so I discontinued use. (I had the same anxiety "rebound" problem with 5-HTP and Acetyl L-Carnitine when I was taking those too). Now, I take a teaspoon of ionic magnesium citrate every day, which has cured my anxiety. With the magnesium, I can finally take the rhodiola again without any anxiety problems.
(Chicago, Illinois)
12/02/2011
(Sunrise, Fl)
05/06/2012
