Also known as "golden root" or "Arctic root," rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb with tremendous fat-burning, energy-enhancing, andbrain-boosting power. In fact, adaptogens form a group of herbs that can help your body adapt to physical and emotional stress. This plant has active compounds capable of balancing stress hormone like cortisol.

A little history

This plant grows at high altitudes in the Arctic regions of Asia and Eastern Europe. It is part of the traditional medicine systems practiced all over the world. It has been commonly used in parts of Europe, Asia and Russia for several centuries.

Historically, the use of rhodiola was to improve endurance and reduce stress. Russians have extensively studied the benefits of this herb over the past 70 years. Improved performance at work, combating insomnia, fatigue, anxiety and depression are among the benefits. Rhodiola has also been used to purify the body, fight cancer, and cure tuberculosis.

Why is Rhodiola beneficial for stress?

As aadaptogenic or natural non-toxic herbal product, rhodiola has proven to be very helpful in combating the negative effects of stress. It helps the body adapt to stress by decreasing or preventing hormonal changes related to prolonged stress. Research indicates that this occurs by actingon happiness hormonessuch as beta-endorphins and opioid neuropeptides. As a result, the plant improves stress tolerance and acts positively on other stress adaptation factors.

Several research studies prove that rhodiola has at least 4 major health benefits. The main benefits of this plant include:

• The reduction of the stress hormone, cortisol.
• Fighting depression and improving brain function.
• The weight loss
• Increasingenergyand sports performance, while reducing mental and physical fatigue.

Animal studies have shown that rosavin of rhodiola promotes antidepressant, adaptogenic, anxiolytic and stimulant effects.

Other health benefits of Rhodiola

Burn more belly fat

Rhodiola allows the burning of fat stored in the body more effectively including the fat.belly fat. We all know that exercise especially intensive interval exercise can increase fat loss. But if you want an added benefit, also consider taking rhodiola. This helps you accelerate yourweight lossand fitness goals.

Fight physical and mental fatigue

You don't have to be an athlete to reap the benefits of this herb. The latter not only helps to reduce physical fatigue, but also mental fatigue. As a result, it reduces symptoms such as brain fog or lack of focus. Whether you're a stay-at-home mom, a business executive or a student, you'll be pleased to know that rhodiola has been known to increase performance in the workplace. It helps, in addition, to reduce the effects that a lack of sleep may have on your body.

Reduce cortisol

One of the main reasons people turn tothis herb is its ability to balance cortisol levels. This condition can be beneficial to slow down symptoms related to aging and to feel better. Rhodiola may be needed to calm you down whenyour nervous system goes into "fight or flight" mode due to daily stressors.

If the hormone cortisol remains elevated for a long period of time because of emotional or physical stress, stress-related symptoms may result. These signs can be:

• Lowering blood sugar levels
• Abdominal weight gain
• Thyroid problems
• Hormonal imbalance
• Memory depletion
• Weakened immune system

High cortisol levels over a prolonged period of time can also accelerate the signs of aging and decrease cognitive performance.

Improve brain function

Supplements of rhodiola also help improve cognitive functioning. This makes itan effective natural remedy for depression and anxiety. It helps to increase the sensitivity of your neurons, especially the two neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are known to improve concentration, memory, pleasure and mood.

Animal studies have shown that this herb helps repair damaged neurons in the hippocampus. It is a region of the brain considered to be the center of emotions, memory and regulation of the autonomic nervous system.

Dosage and preparations

The recommended adult dosage forrhodiola capsules is 100 to 300 mg per day. There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend the use of this plant in children.

It is recommended to read the product label for proper dosage. You can also consult your doctor or a health care professional for personalized advice.

Rhodiola is usually taken in capsule form, mail it is also available in other forms such as extracts and teas.

If you choose to purchase a rhodiola supplement, read the product label carefully. This label will contain essential information such as the amount of active ingredients per serving and other added ingredients such as flavors,...

Sources and references:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3541197/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2952180