2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Rhodiola / Rhodiola rosea /, also known as golden root, is a well-known herb that has a multidisciplinary healing effect. Rhodiola is a dicotyledonous plant of the Debelets family.
It has a beautiful yellow color and a stem with many leaves. It grows in the highlands of Central Asia, North America and Europe. The healing properties of rhodiola have been known since ancient times. It grows up to 2300 meters above sea level. In Bulgaria, rhodiola grows in the high parts of Stara Planina, Pirin and Rila. It is listed in the Red Book of Protected Plants and its collection is prohibited.
History of rhodiola
Rhodiola has a long and glorious history, dating back to 77 BC. It was then that the Greek physicist Discoridi documented the medical use of this herb. The Vikings used rhodiola extensively to increase their endurance and physical strength, and the Chinese emperors sent expeditions to Siberia to bring rhodiola to make various medicines.
The people of Central Asia considered tea from rhodiola for the most effective means of protection against influenza and cold. Mongolian healers have even prescribed rhodiola to cancer and tuberculosis patients.
Rhodiola is a very popular herb in the folk medicine of the peoples of Asia and Eastern Europe. It even found application in the Soviet Union's program of superiority over the West during the Cold War.
Rhodiola composition
Rhodiola extract contains over 50 different substances, the most important of which are monoterpene alcohols and their glycosides, flavones, proanthocyanidins, rosiridol, gallium acid derivatives and others.
The essential oil of rhodiola flowers contains about 86 ingredients, the most important of which are monoterpene alcohols and hydrocarbons. It is believed that the unique class of substances that form the beneficial properties of rhodiola are the so-called. rosavine.
Selection and storage of rhodiola
Rhodiola can be purchased in the form of a food supplement in specialty stores. The price of the supplement is expensive and can reach up to BGN 50-60, but on the other hand the qualities are indisputable.
Apart from being a stand-alone product, rhodiola can be found on the market in the form of various herbal tonics, antioxidants, fat burners, adaptogens and formulas to improve athletic performance. Store according to the instructions on the package.
Benefits of rhodiola
Rhodiola is used worldwide as a valuable adaptogen and herbal tonic. Adaptogens are a group of fungi and herbs that naturopaths claim to drive away fatigue and improve overall health. The tonic and adaptogenic properties of rhodiola are mainly due to the substances tyrosol and rhodioloside.
Studies show that rhodiola increases concentration and the ability to remember. The herb has been shown to be effective in heart disease caused and further complicated by stress. Its action in these conditions is associated with the ability to reduce the amount of corticosteroids and catecholamines that are secreted by the adrenal glands during stress.
Rhodiola protects and stimulates the immune system, restores the metabolic balance in the body. Increases the number of killer cells in the spleen and stomach. Rhodiola intake increases the body's resistance to toxins.
According to laboratory studies conducted by Russian scientists on rats, the herb slows tumor growth and reduces metastases.
Rhodiola reduces depression by balancing serotonin levels. Rhodiola has been proven to fight stress and fatigue, improve sports and physical performance. Therefore, it is used by people who are actively involved in sports.
A number of other benefits of rhodiola are known - it regulates blood sugar levels, protects the liver from toxins, improves hearing, activates fat burning, enhances thyroid function, improves the condition of the adrenal gland. Over the years, rhodiola has proven to be an herb that has enormous potential for treating impotence and premature ejaculation in men.
In Chinese folk medicine, rhodiola is used as an alternative to ginseng. In the Scandinavian countries, the herb is used to tone the body, for infections, colds and as an aphrodisiac.
Harm from rhodiola
There are no known side effects from taking rhodiola. However, its use is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children. This is due to the lack of research to ensure its safety in these groups.
