Rhodiola Rosea For Anxiety And Depression

If you follow the natural health industry you have no doubt heard about rhodiola rosea. Rhodiola is a natural herbal remedy that originates from a tiny yellow flower that grows in cold, rocky regions. It actually looks like a very delicate and flimsy little plant, but from its root scientists have extracted a remarkably potent adaptogen.

What Is An Adaptogen?

An adaptogen is a supplement that helps the body adapt to physical and mental stress. One of the best known adaptogens is ginseng. But there seems to be more hype than scientific data to back the effectiveness of ginseng. Rhodiola, on the other hand, has some real scientific evidence supporting its benefits.

An exhaustive study in Sweden strongly supports using rhodiola for depression and anxiety, and mounting evidence in the United States suggests it helps with many ailments from stress to problems with endurance. The history of supporting evidence goes back for decades, too. The Soviet Union used to give it to both their military and their KGB agents to help them maintain peak performance in the face of incredible physical and mental duress.

Rhodiola To Reduce Stress And Depression

If you want to use rhodiola for anxiety or mild depression, you need to make sure you can distinguish the reality from the hype and you need to be able to identify the quality rhodiola rosea supplements out of the many mass-produced imitators out there. You can't expect rhodiola to have immediate effect and you need to know what to look for when you choose a rhodiola supplement for anxiety or depression.

Be wary of some of the hype on the internet surrounding rhodiola rosea as it may make it sound like rhodiola rosea can treat almost anything. There is, however, some real scientific evidence in support of using rhodiola rosea for depression, anxiety, endurance and even things like high altitude sickness. But you have to make sure you get the rhodiola rosea supplements with a high concentration of rosavins. Look for a supplement for at least 3% rosavins.

Rhodiola has been able to help some people who are not able to take antidepressants or who prefer not to take them because of the side effects. Talk to your doctor before making any changes, but if you are interested in trying to treat your anxiety or depression with something less invasive have that discussion with your doctor.

If you steer clear of the excessive hype and you get the right supplements with the rosavins, you may find that taking rhodiola for anxiety or mild depression is an inexpensive and safe way to improve your quality of life.