Rhodiola – Natural Stress Relief
In 1931, a Russian botanist discovered a native plant that enhances physical and endurance and sexual potency. The research on this herb was continued by Soviet scientists in the following decades, uncovering an extraordinary array of benefits. It was not until the early 1990’s that the rest of the scientific world learned that the Russians had stumbled upon one of the most astounding herbs ever to be studies. Rhodiola, also known at arctic root, is still known to very few people in the western world. It has however been used in Eurasian traditional medicine for centuries.
Many of Rhodiola’s benefits are related to its function as an adaptogen, or a compound that increases the body’s resistance to any type of stress. Excessive release of stress hormones by the adrenal glands causes many adverse effects such as physical and mental fatigue, blood sugar imbalances, depression, immune suppression, sleep disturbances and cardiovascular dysfunction. Rhodiola has shown to regulate the body’s hormonal response to stress. However, rather than just acting on the adrenal glands themselves, Rhodiola appears to combat stress through the hypothalamus gland, the initial hormonal trigger of biological stress response.
As the research into Rhodiola continues, the list of benefits is likely to get even longer. It is not only one of the most versatile plants knows to man but also one of the safest. Here follows some of the uses that has been assimilated with the herb:
Adaptogenic
Rhodiola increases tolerance to various stressors, in part by beneficially modifying the stress response. Rhodiola acts in the hypothalamus in a way that normalizes the manner in which the body responds to stress triggers. The enhancement of serotonin activity, would also be of value in reducing anxiety related symptoms associated with chronic stress.
Anti-Depressant
Rhodiola’s role in aiding depression is due to various factors. Active compounds in this herb enhance the transport of serotonin precursors into the brain. In recent studies supplementing with Rhodiola, serotonin levels were lifted up to30%. As stress accelerates the destruction of mood-boosting neurotransmitters, the adaptogenic effects of Rhodiola would be additionally valuable.
Male Sexual Tonic
Rhodiola has traditionally been used as a tonic to enhance male sexual function. Research in the field has confirmed its therapeutic effect in certain sexual dysfunctions. In one study involving men suffering from a weak erection, treatment with Rhodiola extract led to substantial improvement in sexual function.
Immune Support
Research suggests that Rhodiola’s benefits extend to the immune system. It has also been reported that Rhodiola is particularly effective in aiding recovery from viral infections.
Category: HERBAL REMEDIES
