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Rhodiola, aka golden root, is one of Siberia's most esteemed herbs.

Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it increases the body's resistance to stress. Rhodiola also boosts alertness and energy; enhances concentration; fights fatigue; may improve performance capacity and help prevent stress-related illness. It can enhance concentration levels and alertness, and help people through stressful periods.

Rhodiola may combat heart disease and depression and it has promise as an anti-cancer agent.

Rhodiola rosea stimulates the immune system in two ways: First by specific direct stimulation of immune defence (stimulates one of the most important type of immune cells -- Natural Killer Cells, NK-Cells seek and destroy the infected cells on our bodies). Rhodiola rosea normalises the immune system by improving T-cell immunity. Rhodiola has been shown to increase the body's resistance to toxins that may accumulate during infection development.

SECOND, by making a person less susceptible to stress. Scientists found out that stress suppresses immunity and destroys our resistance to various forms of bacterial or virus attack. Due to the natural killer cell's effect on tumours Rhodiola rosea may enhance B cell immunity by preventing the suppression of B cell immunity, which can occur during stress. Being under stress, a great portion of the body's energy is expended for nothing. When we are chronically exposed to stress that continually robs energy from other systems. The general effect is a lowered immune response and decreased health.

Herbalists specify that the species of rhodiola used in a product must be Rhodiola rosea.

Quality products are usually standardized to contain a set amount of rosavin, an active ingredient used in clinical studies. Look for a standardization of at least 2 percent rosavin.

Dosage
The usual amounts taken are 200 to 600 mg per day of a Rhodiola rosea extract standardized to contain 2-3 percent rosavins and 0.8-1 percent salidroside. (10) The nonstandardized amount would be 1 gram of the root three times daily (usually 5-6 tablets per day), the amount for the alcoholic extract (40 percent alcohol) is 5 to 40 drops (0.5 to 1 teaspoon) two to three times per day and for the tea from Rhodiola rosea roots is 1 to 2 cap per day. Rhodiola is usually taken with water before meals or at mealtimes. Please note, that Rhodiola has a more stimulating effect at lower amounts, and a more sedating effect at higher amounts.

• Rhodiola by Vitabase -- Scientists have identified the active compounds in Rhoidola to be Rosavins. These phytochemicals are responsible for Rhodiola's unique characteristics. Vitabase Rhodiola is standardized to a minimum of 3 percent rosavins.
• Rhodiola Energy by Enzymatic Therapy -- Get energized and stay sharp naturally. Rhodiola rosea has been used for centuries to combat fatigue, increase physical strength and enhance mental stamina.
• Rhodiola 300mg by Natrol -- Rhodiola rosea has been used for generations by people in Siberia to help combat mental and physical fatigue. It is also known to help increase energy. Natrol's Rhodiola rosea extract contains 3 percent Rosavins for maximum potency.
• Rhodiola Rosea 500 -- Jarrow formulas® Rhodiola extract is standardized to contain a minimum of 5 percent Rosavins, the highest potency available.
• Rhodiolaforce 100 by New Chapter -- Widely used by Russian athletes and cosmonauts to increase energy, Rhodiolaforce helps build stamina, endurance, and well being under conditions of exertion, sleep disruption, and stress. Rhodiola rosea is harvested after a four-year growth in the forests of Siberia, and then dried and meticulously extracted to preserve phytonutrients and created in the form of capsules.

To avoid sleep disruption, take this herb first thing in the morning. Prolonged use may lead to bouts of irritability and insomnia, so reserve rhodiola for brief periods of excess stress.

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