7 replies to this topic

[Lion_25]

Hello all,

Like many users of Longecity.org, I have a huge interest in Rhodiola Rosea and its benefits. For months I've been reading tons of texts, articles and forum topics about this legendary herb.

I've read about its wonderful benefits to human health, and many authorities recognize it as one of the most powerful herbs in the world. But sadly, at the same time, I've read several bad comments of people who have used it - headaches, irritability, hyperactivity, difficulty falling/staying asleep, weird dreams and so on. And I've read in many places tons of people claiming that it just "doesn't work" or it that its effects are very mild or temporary (it works fine only for a few days or weeks).

The truth is that there's too much controversy about the benefits, side effects and cycles of Rhodiola.

I must say that after these facts I've lost my initial enthusiasm about this herb, but I still believe this herb is benefical to one's health. I've never taken Rhodiola. I've bought a bottle of Gaia Herbs Rhodiola Rosea, but haven't started taking it yet because I'm finishing my bottle of Panax Ginseng. Next week I'll start with Rhodiola.

What I want to propose here is that you guys who have used/are using/are planning to use Rhodiola, leave your comments about your experience with this herb. When adding your comment here, if possible add the following:

- The brand of Rhodiola you used/are using/will use;

- The number of caps you take per day;

- The time of the day you are taking it;

- The side effects you're having (if applicable);

- The benefits you're having;


I'll post my comment here next week. Another important thing that we all should discuss is about taking regular breaks from Rhodiola, because judging from what I've read, many people say that this is very needed - but most of them (including me) can't say exactly when to take the breaks and the duration of them.

Therefore, the purpose of this topic is to help all the "Rhodiola enthusiasts" to experience the benefits of this herb.

I'm looking forward to your comments.

[OneScrewLoose]

Rhodiola is good, but I think u are hyping It a bit too much. Just take it for urself and then have this discussion. My experience with rhodiola nhas mostly been with now brand 500mg, which turned out to be a bit too much for me. Take that 500mg with a can of red bull and it will give u a nice high, as rhodiola boosts the effects of caffeine. From everything ive heard it needs to be cycled every four to six weeks.

[hav]

I'm kind of a naturally hyper personality, myself. At least that's what my friends tell me. Also have high blood pressure. So I tend to avoid anything with a stimulating effect like caffeine, even ginseng. I've always shied away from rhodiola for that reason. But I got my most recent blood work back last week, which was quite favorable, but only one marker was a little out of whack. CRP level 4.4. Not really much over the 3.0 concern level but it was my only negative so I dug into it.l Low and behold I find this:

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/15514725

Extract of Rhodiola rosea radix reduces the level of C-reactive protein and creatinine kinase in the blood.
Abidov M, Grachev S, Seifulla RD, Ziegenfuss TN., Center of Modern Medicine, Ministry of Defense Industry of Russian Federation.
Abstract
The effects of extracts of Rhodiola rosea radix on blood levels of inflammatory C-reactive protein and creatinine kinase were studied in healthy untrained volunteers before and after exhausting exercise. Rhodiola rosea extract exhibited an antiinflammatory effect and protected muscle tissue during exercise.
PMID: 15514725

A little more research indicated the stimulating effect of rhodiola was dose dependent. Oddly that at low doses it was a stimulant while at higher ones a sedative. So I've gone with Jarrow 500 mg (Standardized Extract 5% Rosavins) in the mornings for the last 3 days. So far I feel no stimulating effect or buzz which I consider a good thing. Seeing my Dr today to discuss it and arrange for followup blood work in a few weeks.

Howard

[sentinel]

It's a matter of "obvious" effects vs effects. I am stim sensitive but notice nothing "obvious" from Rhodiola (Now, Jarrow etc) but tht in no way means it isn't having and effect. It's not controversial, it (like most supplements) just doesn't effect all people in exactly the same, noticable way.

[Lion_25]

Update: I decided to start on Rhodiola yesterday (30 August).

I took one capsule upon awakening on an empty stomach, and another capsule later, just before lunch. When I took it upon awakening, 30 minutes later, when I was arriving at work, I felt very calm and a little sleepy... it seems that the Rhodiola had a slightly sedative effect on me.

During the day I still felt relaxed, but also a little sleepy.

So, today I took one capsule upon awakening - same thing - slightly sedative again

I'm a little disappointed with the effects, because my initial purpose was to have a boost in focus, energy and motivation. And I was expecting Rhodiola could provide this.

Has anybody experienced this?

[Thorsten3]

Low doses stimulating and higher doses felt almost like an opiate... It does interact with something in the brain that is opiod related but I haven't taken it for so many years I kinda forget how this herb even works.

I think it's more of a herb for health than for treating mood disorders. I am tempted to pick up a bottle from iherb next time I place an order there.

[Lion_25]

It's very hard to understand how Rhodiola really works.

Many people who try Rhodiola claim it doesn't have any effect at all. Also, many people claim they get "over stimulated", cranky and even edgy after taking this herb. I took it and felt sedated.

[hav]

I'm kind of a naturally hyper personality, myself. At least that's what my friends tell me. Also have high blood pressure. So I tend to avoid anything with a stimulating effect like caffeine, even ginseng. I've always shied away from rhodiola for that reason. But I got my most recent blood work back last week, which was quite favorable, but only one marker was a little out of whack. CRP level 4.4. Not really much over the 3.0 concern level but it was my only negative so I dug into it.l Low and behold I find this:

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/15514725

Extract of Rhodiola rosea radix reduces the level of C-reactive protein and creatinine kinase in the blood.
Abidov M, Grachev S, Seifulla RD, Ziegenfuss TN., Center of Modern Medicine, Ministry of Defense Industry of Russian Federation.
Abstract
The effects of extracts of Rhodiola rosea radix on blood levels of inflammatory C-reactive protein and creatinine kinase were studied in healthy untrained volunteers before and after exhausting exercise. Rhodiola rosea extract exhibited an antiinflammatory effect and protected muscle tissue during exercise.
PMID: 15514725

A little more research indicated the stimulating effect of rhodiola was dose dependent. Oddly that at low doses it was a stimulant while at higher ones a sedative. So I've gone with Jarrow 500 mg (Standardized Extract 5% Rosavins) in the mornings for the last 3 days. So far I feel no stimulating effect or buzz which I consider a good thing. Seeing my Dr today to discuss it and arrange for followup blood work in a few weeks.

Howard

Just to follow up, I've been taking Jarrow 500 mg for a little over a month now and just got my CRP retest results back... they dropped from 4.4 to 0.7 which puts it in the lower relative cardiovascular risk range now. Stuff seems to work. So I'm keeping it in my daily stack at 100 mg.

Howard

Edited by hav, 13 October 2011 - 05:29 PM.