Herb Review: Rhodiola

(Rhodiola rosea)

Written by Clint Allsup

Published on 26 DEC 2021

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is an adaptogen (helps the body deal with stress) that is similar in many ways to eletheuro (eleutherococcus senticosus). The major difference is that rhodiola acts as an anti-depressant in addition to a traditional herbal adaptogen (with regard to reducing mental stress and anxiety and increasing athletic performance). Eletheuro is a far more potent adaptogen but does not seem to exhibit anti-depressant characteristics (in the classical sense). The other differences between the two herbs are that rhodiola lowers blood pressure whereas eletheuro raises it and rhodiola does not seem to be nearly as stimulating as eletheuro is. Rhodiola is not stimulating to me at all, but others have told me it is slightly in them. Rhodiola also slightly raises immune function and may lower blood sugar mildly. I have used both herbs, rhodiola and eletheuro, independently and together for periods of time. I take neither herb every day, only occasionally when I am modifying my regimen so I can increase my physical or mental performance.

There are numerous studies on rhodiola being used as a primary antidepressant as well as an adjunct with other anti-depressants or anti-anxiety meds. It is also used to mitigate side effects when taking those meds. In general, I am highly suspicious of prescription anti-depression/anti-anxiety meds as they seem to foster dependance very quickly, the benefit seems to disappear just as quickly or never appear at all, they seem to destroy the ability of the user to handle stress without them and they often have terrible side effects. My philosophy on changing your brain chemistry through prescription medication is that a person should, generally, exhaust all other options first. Those medications will modify the way the brain and endocrine system work and they will incur some amount of risk while doing so, or when you are attempting to come off of them. I believe for most that there are thousands of other ways to solve the problem that do not incur unnecessary risk.

Rhodiola is likely one of those risk-free (or as close as you can get) options. It is one of the few herbs that has this property that I use, even if I use it for its physical apoptogenic properties and not the anti-depressant properties.

If I ever was in need of an herbal antidepressant, I would use rhodiola for that purpose as it is has a meaningful benefit without any significant side effects. Other herbals that purport to have this benefit, like St. John’s Wort, are fraught with negative interactions and side effects. When I take it I notice a significant boost in mood/sense of well-being/happiness for a day or two. This is occasionally followed by a slight “crash” where I do not feel the previous feelings, however this is so slight I could not classify this as a true side effect. I would say that rhodiola (like everything else that has an effect on the body) induces its effect and then, after it has been removed from the system by your body, your body takes a short amount of time to return to homeostasis. This process of returning to homeostasis may result in you feeling less happy than when you were taking the herb.

I think this herb is essentially harmless however I would not take it if I was taking any medication that modifies my brain chemistry, as I do not think it is wise to take multiple substances that affect the same area, if possible. I would also not take this herb if I was having issues with blood pressure or blood sugar, as this herb will likely lower both.

Amount of Time I Have Personally Used This Herb:

1 year, on and off. Typically, a few weeks on at once a day or twice a day and then months off.

Verdict:

Worth it if you want a mild adaptogen. Ashwagandha is still the king of adaptogens so I would use that first and add this in occasionally if you want more support.  

Primary Indication:

Adaptogen (helps your body and mind deal with physical and mental stress).

Side Effects:

 No real side effects. Will slightly lower blood pressure. May also lower blood sugar levels if you have issues with that.

Effectiveness:

Seems to be a modest adaptogen and a good mood enhancing herb. The effect is mild but worth it if you want something that will give you a slight benefit with no noticeable problems.

Dose:

120 mg of the root extract once or twice a day between meals. The product I use is standardized to 6mg Rosavins (the active). I would just take this herb for a short period, a few weeks to a few months, then cycle off. Like all herbs tolerance does build up, but not as quickly as with other herbs like ashwagandha. 

Other Indications:

Anti-depressant and/or anti-anxiety.

Contraindications:

If you have low blood pressure or blood sugar issues I would not take this herb.

Precautions:

Allergic reaction can occur with anything, always start with a low dose if possible. I would not take if I had low blood pressure or issues with blood sugar. Always consult your doctor before taking any herb or supplement.

Interactions:

I wouldn’t take it with alcohol or any medication that lowers your blood pressure or blood sugar. This may result in your blood pressure/blood sugar becoming too low for a period. Don’t take if you are taking an MAOI because those seem to interact with everything.

Typical Cost:

Relatively cheap if you do not use it every day. One $30 bottle has lasted me about a year. Certainly not necessary but I like having it on hand. The Gaia Herbs product is what I use.

 

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