Crassulaceae
Rhodiola
Rhodiola rosea
✓ Generally Safe
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, North America
Also known as: Golden Root, Arctic Root, Rose Root, Roseroot
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Burnout, fatigue, stress, depression (mild-moderate), cognitive performance under stress, physical endurance, altitude sickness. Clinical evidence for mental fatigue and burnout particularly strong.
Herbal Actions
Adaptogen, antidepressant, cognitive enhancer, antifatigue, immunomodulator, cardioprotective
Active Constituents
Rosavins (rosavin, rosin, rosarin), salidroside (tyrosol glucoside), p-tyrosol, flavonoids, organic acids
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp dried root per 250ml, simmer 15 min, 1–2x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 60% ethanol), 2x daily before meals |
| Notes | Standard extract: 340–680mg (standardized to ≥3% rosavins, ≥1% salidroside) daily. Best taken in morning — can cause insomnia if taken too late. Cycle: 3 months on, 1 month off. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid with MAOIs and SSRIs (theoretical interaction). Avoid in bipolar disorder. May lower blood pressure and blood sugar.
Side Effects: Insomnia if taken late in day. Irritability, overstimulation at high doses. Generally very well tolerated.