Rhodiola

Unlocking the Power of Rhodiola: Nature's Secret to Stress Relief and Mental Clarity

Review Hong Jing Tian Forms and Sizes of Bulk Herbs Below

Rhodiola Benefits and Information

Rhodiola root, also known as Rhodiola rosea, is an adaptogenic herb native to the arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to help combat stress, fatigue, and promote overall well-being.  Rhodiola (Hong Jing Tian) is classified as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is defined and limited by an ability to affect the hypothalamic-adrenal axis in such a way as to improve the body's ability to respond to stress to that axis (meaning it has a nonspecific ability to assist the body to withstand stress and maintain normalcy even when threatened with pathological conditions). As such, it is similar to a number of other herbs including siberian ginseng, reishi mushroom, ginseng, codonopsis, and ashwagandha.

Discover the Healing Power of Rhodiola Root: A Natural Remedy for Stress, Cognitive Enhancement, and Energy Boosting

Rhodiola is believed to offer several medicinal benefits, including:

1. Stress reduction: It's renowned for its ability to help the body adapt to stressors, both physical and mental, promoting a sense of calm and resilience.

2. Improved cognitive function: Rhodiola may enhance cognitive function, including memory, concentration, and mental clarity, making it popular for boosting productivity and focus.

3. Increased energy and stamina: It's often used to combat fatigue and increase energy levels, allowing individuals to feel more alert and productive throughout the day.

4. Mood enhancement: Rhodiola has been suggested to have mood-regulating properties, potentially alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.

5. Enhanced physical performance: Some research suggests that rhodiola may improve physical performance by increasing endurance and reducing fatigue, making it popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Rhodiola has a rich historical background spanning centuries:

1. Ancient Use: Rhodiola has been utilized in traditional medicine systems across various cultures, including in China, Russia, and Scandinavia. In these regions, it was prized for its adaptogenic properties, believed to enhance resilience to stress and promote overall well-being.

2. Viking Explorer's Secret: Legend has it that Viking explorers relied on rhodiola to enhance their endurance, stamina, and mental clarity during long journeys and battles. It's said to have been one of their secret weapons for success.

3. Soviet Union Research: In the mid-20th century, Soviet scientists extensively researched rhodiola as part of their efforts to enhance physical and mental performance, particularly in athletes, soldiers, and cosmonauts. This research contributed to its recognition as an adaptogen and its eventual popularity in Western countries.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine: Rhodiola has also been a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. Known as "Hong Jing Tian," it's often used to invigorate the blood, alleviate stagnation, and tonify the Qi (vital energy).

5. European Medicinal Use: In Europe, rhodiola has been historically used to treat various ailments, including fatigue, depression, and infections. It was particularly valued in Scandinavian countries for its ability to combat the harsh effects of the cold climate.

These historical facts highlight the enduring significance of rhodiola across different cultures and its longstanding reputation as a natural remedy for physical and mental well-being.

Rhodiola crenulata root and Rhodiola rosea are two different species of the Rhodiola genus, each with its own characteristics:

1. Rhodiola crenulata: This species, also known as "Tibetan Rhodiola" or "Crenulated Rhodiola," is primarily found in the high-altitude regions of Tibet and the Himalayas. It has been used in traditional Tibetan medicine for its adaptogenic properties, similar to Rhodiola rosea. However, it contains different active compounds and may have slightly different effects.

2. Rhodiola rosea: Commonly referred to as "Arctic root" or "Golden root," Rhodiola rosea is the more widely studied and commonly used species. It is native to the arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Rhodiola rosea has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Russia and Scandinavia, where it is prized for its ability to combat stress, fatigue, and enhance mental performance.

Common Names: Rhodiola, Arctic Root, Golden Root, Rose root, Arctic Rose, 
Botanical Name: Rhodiola rosea, Rhodiola crenulata root & rhizome
Chinese / Pin Yin Name: Hong Jing Tian
Hong Jing Tian Dosage: Follow doctor's instructions on how to use this herb.
Hong Jing Tian Precaution:  Do not use if pregnant or nursing.  May cause irritability and insomnia. May interact with medications for blood pressure, diabetes, and antidepressant.  People with known allergies to plants in the Crassulaceae family, such as succulents, should exercise caution or avoid rhodiola altogether. 
Rhodiola Properties:  Slightly Warm, Bitter
Rhodiola Meridians / Channels:  Stomach, Spleen
Rhodiola Naturally Occurring Components:  salidrosides, tyrosol, dendrolasin, safranal, 17 amino acids needed by the human body, of which 7 can not be synthesized in the body. It also contains 21 trace elements, a number of vitamins and various volatile oils, alkaloid and flavones. These active elements are highly potent and play very important biological functions. It is one of the best gifts of nature that helps the body to adapt to different, especially to adverse environments with its adaptogenic and bi-directional modulating functions, discharging in case of excess and supplementing in case of inadequacy, thus keeping the body in biologically healthy and balanced condition.

Summary of Rhodiola Root

Mechanism of Action: Recent clinical research supports the energizing and anti-hypoxic effects claimed by Traditional Chinese Medicine and Russian researchers. In the 1986 study by Kuruov, it was concluded that Rhodiola extended life significantly in states of hypoxia. Rhodiola exhibited this effect through a lowering of arterial pressure, reduced heart rate and lengthening the phases of cardiac contractions. Researcher Carl Germano concludes that Rhodiola has the ability to rapidly normalize lactic acid accumulation. 

Increases Physical Exercise Ability: Dr L. Utkin, a Russian botanist and nutritionist, demonstrated in the early 1930's that Rhodiola root increased physical endurance. It is said to help maintain energy levels and to increase strength and mobility.

Reduced Recovery Time: Rhodiola is believed to increase the levels of the enzymes and proteins important to the recovery of muscle after extensive exercise.

Herbs That Combine With Hong Jing Tian

Echinacea Purpurea    Ling Zhi     Schisandra     Goji Berry     Lemon Balm     Milk Thistle     Turmeric     Spirulina     Ashwagandha

References

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/rhodiola
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/rhodiola
https://www.mhanational.org/rhodiola-rosea
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/special-subjects/dietary-supplements-and-vitamins/rhodiola
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/rhodiola
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/rhodiola
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodiola_rosea
Boon-Niermeijer EK, van den Berg A, Wikman G, Wiegant FA. Phyto-adaptogens protect against environmental stress-induced death of embryos from the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis. Phytomedicine. 2000;7(5):389-399,  Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Madrikov VB, Mironova IA, Neumoin VV. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine . 2000;7(2):85-89,  Majewska A, Hoser G, Grazyna H, et al. Antiproliferative and antimitotic effect, S phase accumulation and induction of apoptosis and necrosis after treatment of extract from Rhodiola rosea rhizomes on HL-60 cells. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;103(1):43-52.