[SIDE EFFECTS]  07/14/2008: David from Portland, Oregon: "For about six months I've been taking Rhodiola (Rosavin Plus standarized 3% Siberian Rhodiola rosea, RosaFactor 300 mg.) for depression and fatigue. For some weeks now I have been suffering headaches, eye irritation, and general tiredness. I have also had some heart arrhythmia. My doctor can find no other cause of these symptoms and recommends that I stop taking this herb and see if there is improvement. I will report what happens and would like to hear from others who may have had negative side-effects to Rhodiola. DJW"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  01/21/2013: Abisha5192 from Staten Island, New York replies: "Thanks for posting this. I'm a healthy 56 yo, with a heart of a 26 yo, no history of heart disease in my family, non smoker and non drinker, I am in ICU right now with arrhythmic palpitations that almost killed me. I will see my cardiologist tomorrow and tell him that there is no doubt in my mind it is the 275 mg Rhodiola Rosea I take daily."

EC: Possible pages of interest:
http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/bursitis.html
http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/arthritis.html

05/26/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Yes, there is something else that will help your husband's shoulder bursitis. If you know what poke sallet (pokeweed) is, they are just now beginning to blossom and you'll have to wait until they ripen this fall to gather them to take. Contrary to popular belief, they are not poisonous. I have been taking them for 30+ years and I'm still here to answer your question. If you want to know how to take them, I started taking 3 or 4 berries 4 times a day and kept increasing them until I was taking about 20 to 25 berries 4 times a day. Several years after starting them, I read that if you extracted them in alcohol or vinegar, it stayed good for several years but dehydrating them, they were only good for 6 months or so. If you care to get into this, there are many books (or on line information) you can find. A general rule of thumb for beginners is that when using fresh herbs - l part herb to l part diluent used to extract: when using dry herbs use 2 parts diluent to l part dries herb. If you want to research poke berries - google pokeweed instead of poke sallet."

06/02/2009: Sammi from Flowery Branch, Ga replies: "Other Southerners know it as poke salad. LOL."

05/01/2012: Beth from Savannah, Ga. replies: "I've only been on Rhodiola a few days, but I seem to be having the opposite affect. I'm tired, and sad. I took 350 mg for several days, thought it was too high so I found Gaiya brand at 250 mg. Still napping twice a day, no impetus to do anything. I get stuff done eventually, but no zeal-always a chore. Break up issues, very alone, and work related sadness, money issues-maybe I'm just too depressed for this to work. Any feedback."

02/06/2008: Rae from Hackensack, NJ replies: "I sent feedback about a week ago about a rash as a possible side effect from Rhodiola (500mg for depression) but I was also taking St John's Wort (900mg). I did more research and found some people have had an itchy rash in response to St. John's Wort! I tried the St. John's again and the same thing happened. Now I'm on the Rhodiola and 5 htp (50mg)and so far so good."

[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS]  04/28/2010: Caroline from Newbridge, Ireland replies: "I started taking Rhodiola Rosea standardised extract 250mg 1%salidrosides four months ago. 2 capsules in the am daily for mild depression. I have felt the benefits moods wise but have been driven crazy with itchy skin on my back and stomach accompanied by a red rash. I stopped taking Rhodiola (after exhausting all manner of skin lotions) three days ago and have noticed an easing in the itchiness. I feel in no doubt that Rhodiola was the cause. Hope this helps."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  11/10/2008: Nas from Silver Spring, MD replies: "I have to agree with this, I felt like stuff was pouring out of my body. I think women should be careful with this stuff. I had only been taking it for like two weeks when my cycle started. I was taking Gaia Herbs Rhodiola. Gave a presentation at work and literally had to rush to the bathroom afterward."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  04/14/2010: Louise from Orlando, Fl replies: "I am having this same reaction and am so disappointed because I feel like other than that it might really help me. Wondering if this side effect will subside? I started with Nature's Way 250mg capsules 1%salidroside and 3%rosavins for a few days and then switched to New Chapter 100mg capsules 1% and 6%.

Can anyone help with this? Am I just using too high a dosage or the wrong brand? Any advice appreciated."

11/11/2012: Cj from Honolulu, Hi replies: "I am actually on the combined contrceptive pill, and the rhodiola has caused breakthrough bleeding, like a normal period. I too am hoping it will subside as the energy and mood effects of the rhodiola are excellent. I'd been on it 18 days when the spotting started, and 3 days later it has progressed to a normal period.

I wonder if this is a little known/rare side effect as there are only a handful of posters here over the last few years and I can't see any info about it anywhere else so far.

SJW and Vitex also cause this problem for me, so I had to discontinue use before I saw any results - I saw results with this stuff after the headaches went away and am so pleased - really don't want to stop! I'll give it some more time and see what happens, and will update this info when I know...

(started 100mg, now on 500mg per day, in the AM)

I also had a daily headache (that some here have mentioned) when I started taking the rhodiola but I persisted and they went away after 10 days."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/05/2009: Marina from NY, NY replies: "You did not specify the amount of each capsule. i just started taking 500mgs, 3%r osavins and 1% salidrosides, and i am feeling a bit jittery. this is only day 2 for me on this."

03/05/2009: Marina from NY, NY replies: "again, you did not specify the amount. how are we supposed to know what you are talking about?"

[YEA]  05/13/2008: Anonymous from Simi Valley, California: "Rhodiola Feedback: I take 8 grams a day at night before i go to sleep for skin lightening effects. I started on a high dosage a month ago and never had any side effects. I'm 18, have a history of acute asthma, mild depression, tiredness, and get migraines. When I take it without food, which i usually do, it makes my heart race a little and it is hard to focus. I sleep fine, and wake up earlier. I wouldn't take it in the morning or before doing anything exciting or mentally demanding. My skin feels amazingly soft, but i haven't noticed any lightening."

08/22/2008: Robert from Manhattan, New York replies: "Tanya, being prone to panic attacks myself, I have learned to stay away from many stimulants, especially caffiene. Rhodiola seemed to excite more than calm me. Above all, I would recommend Magnesium. And occasional use of Valerian, which can be sleep inducing. Also Ashwaganda is a good adaptogen with calming qualities."

08/23/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello Robert, I agree with you that magnesium will help with those panic attacks. However, I do suggest that you google "excitotoxins" and do an honest evaluation of how much of two of the major excitotoxins you are ingesting (monosodium glutamate or MSG and aspartame or nutri-sweet), as both of these are known to cause mood swings and panic attacks. You are in for a rude awakening if you think MSG is only ingested when you eat Chinese, Asian or stirfried foods. Interestingly enough, magnesium competes with the same sites with MSG, but removing the excitotoxins makes more sense than continuing to ingest them and hoping you are getting enough magnesium to counteract same. If you are still having the panic attacks, you obviously aren't."

09/21/2008: Robert from Manhattan, NY replies: "Thanks Joyce... Yes, I stay away from those additives. Stress is accumulative and it just piles up living in NYC. I know my sources, a long running litigation, money, and loss. Add a little genetics to the mix and you start to have panic attacks. In an effort to keep on top of it, I take a vigorous yoga class 3 to 4 times a week, and the above mentioned supplements. Getting out in nature would work wonders as well."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/05/2009: Karla from Regina, Sask replies: "I am taking 250mg daily in the morning for the past 2 months. Have noticed an improvement in brain fog and anxiety, but am experiencing itchy skin (forearms and shins). Has anyone else experienced this side effect?"

05/09/2012: Calgary from Calgary, Ab Canada: "I disagree that Rhodiola has to be from Siberia. How are you going to find it if you are in North America? Sure the seeds have to be shipped from Finland or Siberia. But then you can grow them in Alberta as Alberta farmers have done here in Canada for several years. And then the root can be processed into supplements. I even bought some seedlings of Rhodiola from Harmonic Herbs in Barrhead AB and planted them in my backyard, they appear to be doing well. Once the plants grow I'm using the leaves and flowers to make Rhodiola tea, and around 2017 once I know how to harvest the roots, I will do that too. In October of this year I plan on gettings some seeds germinating in the cold and then once they are big enough in the small planters, planting them in the front yard, here in Calgary."

[YEA]  04/11/2010: Diane from Alkmaar, Noord Holland, The Netherlands: "I have been taking Rhodiola rosea for four months, starting at 100mg per day for a few days, then 2oomg for a few weeks, ultimately increasing over the last four months to 1000mg currently, and I have had only positive effects from taking this.
Due to extreme circumstances I found myself, a very sensative and professionally artistic person, before taking the Rhodiola rosea, in a "burn-out" situation, highly stressed, and completely exhausted. This condition lasted 4 years. And doctor's originally wanted to treat me with anti-depressant drugs which I declined, so they prescriped temazapam, and oxzapam, at 10mg, 3 times a day.

I was on those drugs for 2 1/2 years, and felt weak, and had to ultimately take two of the sleeping pills at night, and still found myself in a state of only sleeping 2 1/2 to 6 hours per night. And my condition not improving.

I decided to stop those medicines and take a combination of Bach Flower Remedies, Valarien root at night for sleep, and the Rhodiola rosea (without caffine),which I have been doing for the last 4 months, and I am returning to a more natural way of life without any negative side-effects at all.

Feelings of stress are almost completely gone, sleep has improved to 10 - 12 hours a night (which I never could sleep so long my whole life), I have been able to gain weight with my renewed, proper natural appetite, and I feel much calmer and more centered."

[WORKED TEMPORARILY]  11/15/2009: Brittany from Erie, Pa Usa: "I began taking a rhodiola supplement in 300 mg per day. It has not worked miracles, but it seems to help with stress and anxiety by promoting concentration and mood regulation. I seem desensitized to stress but at the same time focused, but sometimes to the point where I am withdrawn and placid, the effect I hear some anti-depressants have. Furthermore, if I stop taking it for even one day, the aches and pain, the impatience and anxiety return in more their usual force. I get the shakes and extreme irritability if I skip taking the herb. Rhodiola does not give me energy the way it effects some people, but it subdues my stress response which allows me to be more productive. I do not think this herb is for me, however; I think it would work better for an athlete or someone who lives in a city and walks places, someone who can take full advantage of the physical adaptogenic qualities. I will try Ashwaganda and hope it subdues less and uplifts more."

05/14/2012: Bruce from St Louis, Missouri: "I'm sorry. I've read this entire blog and came away with several versions and several dosages. Some from Siberia, Some from Canada, some from Asia.

I need something to relieve my stress and depression I've developed over my wife's diagnosis of advanced cancer. I'm depressed and simply wake up sick to my stomach every morning. This cannot help her either.

Can someone give me a link to a spot that they know works for certain (has the 3% rosavins, salidroside, Siberian, choice of dosages, etc.)?

Thanks to all......"

05/14/2012: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Bruce, so sorry about your wife. It would make anyone wake up with a sick stomach every morning.

I know you didn't ask about your wife but has she tried Essiac Tea for the cancer? If you go to youtube and search for Rene Caisse, she cured people of even advanced cancer with Essiac Tea in about the 1940's. Many came to her unable to even walk after being given up by their Doctors and in a short time were able to walk back into her clinic. She was eventually shut down. The videos are very telling as to what is happening in the medical world.

You need the original Rene Case Essiac Tea. When you take the tea the tumor will go slightly bigger and turn hard as it is healing and then go.

She could also take comfrey leaves and roots in a tea. Comfrey has been used for thousands of years medicinally.

Also if she stops everything in her diet including all meat and dairy (except the teas above) and drinks nothing else but green smoothies (wheatgrass, chlorella and spirulina). Cancer cannot survive in an alkaline body. Wheatgrass also contains B17 which is anticancer. She could remain in these juices for a long time as they will provide all the needed nutrients she needs."

05/15/2012: Bruce from St Louis, Missouri replies: "Debbie, Thanks for the information on the tea for my wife. I am going to dedicate my day to researching this."

05/15/2012: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Bruce, also remember that cancer cannot survive in an alkaline body, so lots of organic green juices. No sugar, because cancer feeds on sugar. No meat because it is acidic. No processed foods.

Also a book I am reading at the moment by Dr. H. E. Kirschner ("Live Juices") speaks of the amazing properties of carrots. This was written in about 1959 and says even back then food was losing its nutritional value. He says the way to get nutrition into the body is via juicing. He says that in the past carrots were known as an antiseptic in the body. They clear up toxins in the body and heal it. He cited some people in the book (with photographs) who were on nothing but a carrot juice diet (not even water) for sometimes over 12 months and they cured their cancers. They ate or drank nothing else. A baby who was born with leukemia drank nothing but carrot juice for the first three months of his life to no ill effect. One little boy was 2 1/2 and for 2 years had nothing but carrots. His transformation in the photos was amazing. Organic carrots would be the best of course. Funny, none of them turned orange (like we have been led to believe by eating too many carrots!! ).

All the best"

07/07/2012: Toni from Nashville, Tn replies: "For Bruce and any others who are interested: I am not too well-versed in supplements and am here to learn. But I read your letter and thought of something I have had experience with. Although there many kinds of herbs and natural supplements that may be recommended here, there is something else that can often get relief very quickly. It costs nothing, is simple, and easy to learn. It is especially effective on emotional issues. It is called, "tapping" or EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and it really works. It has even proven to be a Godsend for people with PTSD.

Go to www.garythink.com and even though you might think it silly or impossible... Just try it once. I believe you will feel relief instantly!"

[YEA]  12/27/2008: Richard from Tallahassee, Florida: "Rhodiola completely eliminates feelings of depression and sadness. I feel happy and content for the first time in many, many years. I feel like a normal person must feel. Great, great stuff."

[YEA]  06/04/2011: Pc from La Costa, Ca replies: "5htp has been very helpful to me. I just take 50 mg a day so far. "

04/04/2012: Kristina from Victoria, Bc replies: "Mary please tell me what you're using as moisturizer called VCO. Thank you!"

EC: VCO= virgin coconut oil