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by: Emily Clark
stress,
anxiety, natural remedy, rhodiola rosea, herbal remedies, depression,
panic attacks, sadness
Rhodiola
Rosea is the latest natural remedy to join the arsenal of natural
anxiety and stress reducers.
Rhodiola
Rosea, also known as Golden Root, is a native plant of arctic Siberia.
For centuries it has been used by eastern European and Asian cultures
for physical endurance, work productivity, longevity, resistance
to high altitude sickness, and to treat fatigue, depression, anemia,
impotence, gastrointestinal ailments, infections, and nervous system
disorders.
The
first recorded medicinal applications of rodia riza (renamed Rhodiola
Rosea) was made by the Greek physician, Dioscorides, in 77 C.E.
in 'De Materia Medica'. Rhodiola Rosea has been included in official
Russian medicine since 1969.
Despite
its long history, the Western world has only recently become aware
of the health benefits of Rhodiola Rosea. It has come to the attention
of many natural health practitioners because of studies which tested
its affects on combating anxiety and stress.
Rhodiola
Rosea is considered an adaptogen. This means it has an overall stabilizing
effect on the body without disrupting other functions. Its ability
to normalize hormones may be effective for treating depression and
anxiety.
Studies
of Rhodiola Rosea show that it stimulates neurotransmitters and
enhances their effects on the brain. This includes the ability for
the brain to process serotonin which helps the body to adapt to
stress.
Since
adaptogens improve the body's overall ability to handle stress,
it has been studied to identify it's effects on biological, chemical
and physical stress.
A
study was performed to test the effects of Rhodiola Rosea when stress
is caused by intense mental work (such as final exams). Such tests
concluded that using Rhodiola Rosea improved the amount and quality
of work, increasing mental clarity and reducing the effects of fatigue.
The
effects of Rhodiola Rosea have also been tested on stress and anxiety
from both physical and emotional sources. A report by the American
Botanical Council states that "Most users find that it improves
their mood, energy level, and mental clarity." They also report
on a study that indicated Rhodiola Rosea could increase stress tolerance
while at the same time protecting the brain and heart from the physical
affects of stress.
This
report included details of studies which highlight the overall health
benefits of Rhodiola Rosea.
The
generally recommended dose is 200-600mg/day. The active properties
should be a minimum 0.8 percent salidroside and 3 percent rosavin.
It
is important for consumers to know that Rhodiola may be sold using
other species that do not share the properties of Rhodiola Rosea,
or at ineffective strengths for treatment. Anyone with depression
or anxiety should also check with a health professional when treating
these symptoms.
The
information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.
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About the author: Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle
Health News and Medical
Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and
information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.
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