Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea is also known as Arctic root, Golden root, Rose root, Russian Rhodiola, Aaron’s rod, and orpin rose. Rhodiola is a member of the Crassulaceae (Orpine family) family, otherwise known as the stonecrop family. Its flowers can be yellow or red and often change throughout their bloom which is from July-August. It grows to a height of 18 inches. Rhodiola is a cold hardy herbaceous perennial in zones 1-7. It is Native to the subarctic northern hemisphere and lives up to 75 years in the wild.
Rhodiola loves growing in a place that is sheltered from strong sun and wind. When grown in zones 1-3, Rhodiola requires full sun. If grown in zones 4-7, it may require part shade. We have grown Rhodiola in full sun in zone 5. During extremely hot periods, it will go into summer dormancy and die back but it then it will resume growth and put up new rosettes.
This plant can handle many different soil types but it does best in deep, well draining soil with a 6-7 pH. Rhodiola is a succulent and is drought tolerant but it does enjoy regular (though light) watering. When planting, find a well draining spot and create a slight mound for your planting site. Make sure the crown is just barely above the soil surface. We have found that it is prone to heaving out of the ground, especially when planted in the fall. Check your plants occasionally to ensure they are still nestled in the ground.
The roots or rhizomes are used medicinally. The plant can be dug up and the root can be removed below the crown for harvest. Allow the crown to sit somewhere dry and shady to callous for a couple of days before replant the crown. When harvesting, its constituents are at their peak around 5 years. The roots are best harvested in the fall when the plant is 3-5 years old. If you are going to dry the root, 2.5 pounds of the fresh root will dry down to 1 pound.
Rhodiola is a very astringent herb. It is a cooling, constricting and drying herb. Because it is so drying it is not recommended to take as a single herb. It is best used along with other adaptogens in a mixed formula and then only being 10-20% of the formula overall. There are no known contraindications if taken within the dosage limit. It does not require a high dose to be effective. It can be stimulating so it is best taken in the morning.
A suggested preparation of the fresh root as a tincture: 243 ml 70% (140 proof) grain alcohol or 199 ml 95% (Everclear) alcohol and 44 ml of water, 27 ml vegetable glycerin and 90 grams of fresh Rhodiola rosea root. A suggested preparation of the dried herb as a tincture: (1:5, 50% alcohol); ½ tsp 3x day. If the dried herb is made into a capsule, take 1,000-2,000 mg, 3x a day.
Rhodiola has been used traditionally in many cultures for thousands of years, including China, Tibet, Russia, Central Asia and Scandinavia. Mongolian doctors used to prescribe it for tuberculosis and cancer. In Siberia, it was traded for fruit, wine, garlic and honey. Siberians used it as a tea to promote long lives. Vikings and Sherpa used it to enhance their strength and endurance. In Ancient China, emperors sent expeditions to Siberia to return with these “Golden roots” to use for medicinal purposes. A bouquet of Rhodiola roots were given to couples prior to marriage in mountain villages in Russia. This was meant to be a sign of good health and to enhance fertility. Traditionally, Rhodiola was used to treat altitude sickness, and dizziness. It was later used by Russian athletes and cosmonauts to increase energy. It is still very popular in Russia to this day.
Rhodiola was named by Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, in 1725. He prescribed it for headaches and hysteria. These days it is being used as an adaptogen to fight fatigue and exhaustion related to stress. This fatigue can be from environmental or emotional stress, sleep deprivation, physical exertion or overworking. Daily use has been said to improve mental focus, memory, physical endurance, energy, productivity, sexual potency, and thyroid and adrenal production. It is cardioprotective and can normalize the heart rate immediately after intense exercise. It can protect the heart from stress and arrhythmias. It can increase blood supply to the muscles and the brain, and also increase protein synthesis, an anabolic effect. Rhodiola extract has also been shown to enhance immunity. Rhodiola is an adaptogen, antioxidant, antimutagen, neuroprotective, antidepressive, and astringent. It affects the Nervous system, cardiovascular, and immune system. It contains the constituents rosavin, salidroside, rosin, rosarin, tyrosol.
References: Modern Herbal Dispensatory, Thomas Easley and Steven Horne, p 295. Growing Plant Medicine, Vol 2, Richo and Sena Cech, p 157. Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism, Donald R Yance, p 551-560. Episode 165: Rhodiola with Robert Rogers and fresh Roseroot tincture, Herbs with Rosalee de la Forêt.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This product is intended for ornamental use only*