Rhodiola in Monastic Medicine

Rhodiola rosea is promoted as a remedy for numerous ailments. It is known, among other things, because of Scandinavian Vikings who used Rhodiola rosea for vitality and against infections. Today, Rhodiola rosea is said to help against fatigue, stress, and depression. We will examine these claims in detail and clarify the significance of Rhodiola rosea.

 

Rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola rosea) is a succulent plant that loves the cold. The hardy plant originally comes from the arctic regions of the northern hemisphere. It mainly thrives on silicate rock but can also adapt to peat soils, moist meadows, or dry sandy soils.

If you want to plant Rhodiola rosea in your home garden, be sure to choose a spot in full sun. The alpine plant is accustomed to high altitudes with maximum access to UV light. Loose soil without lime and with moderate nutrient content allows it to thrive well.

 

The Vikings already appreciated the effects of Rhodiola rosea, using the plant to support their immune system. In the Baltic region, Scandinavia, and Russia, it is still considered one of the time-tested medicinal plants of folk medicine and is said to support cognitive performance. Slowly, we are rediscovering it as well. Rhodiola rosea is believed to have adaptogenic effects and has the reputation of an anti-stress plant, similar to ginseng and taiga root.

If you want to buy Rhodiola rosea, you can get it either as a single preparation or often in combination with B vitamins and magnesium. Rhodiola rosea extracts can positively influence your mental performance, lift your mood, and give you energy.

The mood enhancement is attributed in some studies to Rhodiola rosea potentially increasing the serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is known as one of the few human happiness hormones. Unfortunately, the studies claiming to prove mental performance improvements have flaws and were conducted with small test groups. The same applies to studies investigating Rhodiola rosea's positive effects on weight loss or similar issues. The main drawback is the insufficient number of participants.

 

The following compounds are named as the main active ingredients:

Salidroside

Rosavin

 

They belong to the phenolic glycosides contained in Roseroot and are likely responsible for its properties. Roseroot also contains flavonoids, as well as terpenoids, proanthocyanidins, and organic acids.

 

As herbal preparations, Roseroot products are usually well tolerated. Side effects are very rare. Studies have observed symptoms such as the following:

• Headache
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Increased blood pressure
• Digestive problems

However, since the studies are of poor quality, these side effects are not set in stone.

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, as well as children and adolescents under 18, should avoid using Roseroot. It should also be avoided in cases of mental conditions such as mania. Certain medications may interact with Roseroot, so you should consult your doctor if you are taking any medication.

Roseroot has a fascinating history that takes us through the most important and well-known cultures of human history. The earliest records come from antiquity, where Roseroot was already valued and cultivated as a medicinal plant. At the other end of the world, in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Roseroot is also used. In these regions, however, it is mainly used as an adaptogen to increase resilience.

Roseroot gained real fame through Scandinavian Vikings, who took the herb with them on their raids across the world. It is believed that Roseroot helped increase the vitality of the Vikings as well as their resilience at sea.

In the Middle Ages, Roseroot was initially widespread in Europe and the Baltic region. Over time, however, the herb gradually fell into obscurity. Today, it is up to naturopaths to make Roseroot popular again.

The long tradition of this medicinal plant shows us that humans have been benefiting from Roseroot for a long time.

Roseroot grows between 5 and 30 centimeters tall, and up to 20 centimeters wide. Thick rhizomes form a branched shoot system. The oval, gray-green leaves range from broad to narrow and grow up to four centimeters long. On upright flower stems, small, hemispherical false spikes with pink flower buds bloom in early summer. From May to July, these open into bright yellow flowers.

More and more people want their own garden with herbs and medicinal plants. Rhodiola rosea can also be cultivated by gardeners who do not have a green thumb.

First, you need the right location. Choose a sunny spot with deep, loose, and loamy soil. In spring (soil temperature about 10° C), sow the seeds at a distance of 30 cm from each other. Water the plants regularly but not too much. If you prefer to plant in a pot, you need a pot as deep as possible with a compost-gravel substrate.

In a rock garden or alpine garden, Rhodiola rosea can be used as a ground cover. It usually survives the winter without problems, and even winter protection is unnecessary outdoors.

Rhodiola rosea is scientifically known as Rhodiola rosea. Other common names are Golden Root or Arctic Root because this herb is also native to arctic regions. It can withstand extreme cold as well as strong UV light in alpine areas. Thus, Rhodiola rosea itself embodies the highest vitality and resilience.

Its name comes from the Greek words “rhodon” for rose and “ion” for similar. This refers to the roots, which smell like roses. The species name “rosea” refers to the pink flowers.

Although Rhodiola rosea is not a rose family plant, Carl von Linné named it so because its rootstock smells like rose.

The name derives from the fact that the roots smell like roses (Rhodiola) and the flowers are pink (rosea). So the name does not actually indicate a relationship to roses.

The highest concentration of active ingredients in Rhodiola rosea is found in its roots, which is why they are used in natural medicine. The most important active ingredients are flavonoids (plant pigments), organic acids, phenolic glycosides (e.g., rosavins, salidroside, and tyrosol), and tannins.

There are basically studies that claim to prove the effects of Rhodiola rosea.

However, the problem with these studies is their shortcomings.

Often, for example, the number of participants is too small, the methodology is not flawless, or the study was not placebo-controlled, randomized, and so on. Therefore, the studies should be viewed with caution and further investigations are necessary.

Yes, it can be. Side effects have already been reported in studies, although these studies, as mentioned, should be viewed with caution. No interactions are known in principle yet, but it is likely that Rhodiola could interact with certain active substances and enzymes.

If you choose the right preparation, of course. Some capsules are made from animal gelatin, which means the product is no longer vegan or vegetarian. If you want to take ready-made products, it’s best to choose capsules that contain only the plant extract and the material for the capsule shell. Fillers like talcum, titanium dioxide, or magnesium stearate indicate inferior products.

Yes, they really do exist. The Rhodiola rosea is best known here. In Asia, especially in the Himalayas, Rhodiola crenulata is native. It is used in TCM as well as Tibetan medicine. Like Rhodiola rosea, this variant is also called an adaptogen. In the truly cold Arctic regions of Eurasia, Rhodiola algida is native. It withstands even the harshest conditions and is therefore sometimes taken to strengthen vitality. Rhodiola imbricata is another variant from the Himalayan mountains.

The best thing to do is ask a naturopath, who deals with naturopathy and advises their patients, often without referring to conventional medicine. Since naturopaths work with natural remedies all day, you can get advice from them here.