28 replies to this topic

[Charmion]

What would you guys consider to be an effective (temporary) replacement for rhodiola? I'm going to cycle it, maybe one week on one week off, or two on two off. I use it for its wonderful effects on energy and mood, but because its so unique in its effects (for me, at least), I doubt I'll find anything exactly like it. So I want to hear your opinions of any supplements, combinations, or combination products that have been extremely helpful in your energy and mood that can be good for cycling rhodiola with (naturally, the products can't contain rhodiola).

Go.

[stablemind]

St Johns Wort is more widely studied and used with tons of evidence and this should have an effect close to rhodioa's. Kira and Pirka extracts to be exact.

[aLurker]

I like Rhodiola too. I think coffee produces similar effects on mood, energy and motivation so that might be something to consider. Of course you might have to suffer through withdrawal for a couple of days when you go off the caffeine but it should work.

[Charmion]

Caffeine makes me crash. I doubt I can take meaningful doses of it daily for a week or two. Plus it makes me jittery, and has no similarity whatsoever with rhodiola to me. I'll check into the St. John's Wort. Thanks, you guys. Anyone else, other suggestions, please?

[chrono]

Looking for an exact replacement to cycle it with could be counterproductive, as taking something with the exact mechanisms wouldn't really give your receptors a rest (if that's what's causing the downregulation, in fact).

ALCAR, gotu kola, and dopaminergics like tyrosine, theanine or sulbutiame are what come to mind.

[outsider]

Schizandra


But I don't know why anyone would cycle Rhodiola. Of course when you take any mood supp for the first time you get a little high but no one should look after this temporary effect. You should look for stable baseline improvement.

[Thorsten3]

There must be a specific system that Rhodiola targets. I find it strange that even after months of not taking it I can take it and feel absolutely no effect when it used to be so efficient for mood. I have tried many brands (although not the 'arctic root'). If I was aware of how it worked more precisely I'd be able to gauge whether I actually need it or not. The fact it doesn't do anything when I take it now is a clear indication that whatever system it was benefitting, it's no longer needed. So although I had limited success with it and I'm still puzzled by its previous efficiency, my interest in it is pretty limited now (don't deny it has other health promoting qualities though).

Edited by Thorsten, 12 October 2010 - 04:18 PM.

[Charmion]

Well, I'm not even sure whether I should cycle it. I know there was already a thread or two about this here, but I don't think there were any definite conclusions. What do you guys think? Is it really possible that it can "fix" a system permanently, which is why the felt effect declines, or can this be for another reason?

[stablemind]

Well, I'm not even sure whether I should cycle it. I know there was already a thread or two about this here, but I don't think there were any definite conclusions. What do you guys think? Is it really possible that it can "fix" a system permanently, which is why the felt effect declines, or can this be for another reason?

I already notice a permanent baseline improvement in my anxiety. It's day 4 since I've been off and I've taken it for 2-3 weeks.

[outsider]

When I stopped rhodiola I lost sex power, beside the mind it's pretty useful.

[Charmion]

Schizandra


But I don't know why anyone would cycle Rhodiola. Of course when you take any mood supp for the first time you get a little high but no one should look after this temporary effect. You should look for stable baseline improvement.

I've been checking this out. I saw a thread here somewhere by animal that says his chronic fatigue was healed to a large degree by this product, containing schizandra. I've never taken it, have you? What were its effects for you, immediate and long-term (if you took it long-term)?

Well, I'm not even sure whether I should cycle it. I know there was already a thread or two about this here, but I don't think there were any definite conclusions. What do you guys think? Is it really possible that it can "fix" a system permanently, which is why the felt effect declines, or can this be for another reason?

I already notice a permanent baseline improvement in my anxiety. It's day 4 since I've been off and I've taken it for 2-3 weeks.

That's interesting. I wonder if it will stay? It's only been four days, so it could very well go back to your old baseline. Keep me posted.

I wonder if there are any more reports of permanent effects of rhodiola (not including the permanent loss of apparent effects)?

There must be a specific system that Rhodiola targets. I find it strange that even after months of not taking it I can take it and feel absolutely no effect when it used to be so efficient for mood. I have tried many brands (although not the 'arctic root'). If I was aware of how it worked more precisely I'd be able to gauge whether I actually need it or not. The fact it doesn't do anything when I take it now is a clear indication that whatever system it was benefitting, it's no longer needed. So although I had limited success with it and I'm still puzzled by its previous efficiency, my interest in it is pretty limited now (don't deny it has other health promoting qualities though).

When you say "Arctic Root," are you talking about Bluebonnet brand?

Oh and, what brands have you guys felt to be the most effective? I have only used New Chapter.

[JLynne]

Positive reaction to Rhodiola for me was immediate. I have tried several brands. Currently have Solgar which is doing nothing. I believe I started with Solaray which many health store employees have not so high opinions of. Not sure why. Rhodiola is one of the very few supplements that I have found actually works and very quickly too. The other is Magnesium.

Edited by JLynne, 14 October 2010 - 08:08 PM.

[Justchill]

Has anybody tried the smartpowders rhodiola? It says 3% extract; is that strong?

What are the dosages?

[FadingGlow]

Has anybody tried the smartpowders rhodiola? It says 3% extract; is that strong?

What are the dosages?

3% is normal.

[FadingGlow]

St Johns Wort is more widely studied and used with tons of evidence and this should have an effect close to rhodioa's. Kira and Pirka extracts to be exact.

St. John's Wort is quite different, imo.

[OneScrewLoose]

St Johns Wort is more widely studied and used with tons of evidence and this should have an effect close to rhodioa's. Kira and Pirka extracts to be exact.

St. John's Wort is quite different, imo.

Very different. I was surprised it was recommended.

[Justchill]

Also is it necessary to cycle the rhodiola?
How much do you take ED ?

[OneScrewLoose]

Also is it necessary to cycle the rhodiola?
How much do you take ED ?

Most people lose the effects of taking it at about the 6th week. So for the vast majority of people, it is necessary to cycle it.

[Justchill]

But, if you don't loose the effect, you can still keep taking it?
When do the effects come back?

[OneScrewLoose]

But, if you don't loose the effect, you can still keep taking it?
When do the effects come back?

I suppose you could keep taking it. Just make sure "not losing the effect" isn't really some placebo and that you are further building tolerance by not cycling. Some people cycle 4-6 weeks on and then 2 off. I really don't know what a good cycle would be, so I'll leave that for others to post.

[Ichoose2live]

I tried 500mg NOW Rhodiola Rosea at 9 AM... noticed nothing. I took another 500mg at 11 AM, it's now 11:40 AM and still no effects...

[Ichoose2live]

I tried 500mg NOW Rhodiola Rosea at 9 AM... noticed nothing. I took another 500mg at 11 AM, it's now 11:40 AM and still no effects...

Starting to feel the efffects at 12:30 PM! I dosed with Piracetam at 12 PM!!! THIS IS FUCKNIG AMAZING!!!
I'm like a boosted rocket ready to launch to space to reach Jupiter or better yet, Pluto! HAHAAHAH Power! I have to move or I'll explode! I am going to the gym to spend this plethora of energetic cell which must be vibrating everywhere throughout my body!

PEACE TO EVERYONE

[Justchill]

How much % is that rhodiola? 2 x 500mg / ED is probably too much (I saw that on some youtube video)

I now do 2 x 200mg /ED (RR 3%)

[tigermountain]

can anyone comment on the immediate effects of rhodiola on its own?

I am interested in adaptogens and I've been taking ashwagandha, but find that it make me a little sleepy in the day....
wondering if rhodiola (as an adaptogen and anxiolytic) will do the same...

[Justchill]

Well, you get a sort of a small energy rush. You feel, err not tired, a bit relaxed, a bit more concentrated, it's very subtle though. But I think it's a good supp and I will be taking more of it later.

As for ashwaghand, that also makes me sleepy; even when I take it at night, I'm feeling lazy the next day + that stuff made my skin dry a bit.

[stephen_b]

For me, ashwagandha taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning 'enhanced' the startle reflex to a very uncomfortable degree (my nerves felt like they were ringing like a bell). Some people have reported success taking both ashwagandha and rhodiola together.

[tigermountain]

For me, ashwagandha taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning 'enhanced' the startle reflex to a very uncomfortable degree (my nerves felt like they were ringing like a bell). Some people have reported success taking both ashwagandha and rhodiola together.

I picked up some rhodiola from the healthfood store and.. wow! energy! happy! when i take it with ashwagandha, however, i still feel a bit sleepy. i think i'll try taking it on it's own.. might experiment with mixing it with small dose of piracetam...

[tigermountain]

Well, you get a sort of a small energy rush. You feel, err not tired, a bit relaxed, a bit more concentrated, it's very subtle though. But I think it's a good supp and I will be taking more of it later.

As for ashwaghand, that also makes me sleepy; even when I take it at night, I'm feeling lazy the next day + that stuff made my skin dry a bit.

(sorry for the double post)

do you mean your skin is itchy? weirdly, i have itchy arms lately.. never connected it with ashwagandha.. can't seem to find anything about pruritus or dry skin as a side effect...

btw, how much rhodiola are you taking? i started taking new chapter 100mg capsules, just one in the morning on an empty stomach, sometimes one in the early evening if i have something to do. it does give me a small rush, too.

also, my alcohol tolerance is noticeably reduced.....

[Justchill]

Hi, not itchy just dry... meaning your skin is drying out, you see some flakes on it, you see white spots; yeah a dry skin Doesn't hurt nor itch, but looks not very healthy.

Well I think pira + rhodiola is a good combo; I will be trying that later. Now I'm trying Idebenone which is also great for energy: I forgot how it feels to be tired

cheers