Rhodiola for whatever ails you? The Book “Rhodiola Revolution” says that this one European herb is scientifically proven to: “maximize energy; fight the effects of stress and aging; sharpen memory and concentration; ease anxiety and depression; and enhance physical performance.” How in the world can one herb do all this you ask? Well, the good news is like many botanical ingredients today, there is a scientific explanation that shed’s a bright light on the benefits of this fascinating herb.
Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea or rhodiola) has been utilized medicinally for centuries in many European and Asian countries, where it grows in the unusually harsh environment of polar, Arctic, and high-altitude alpine regions.1 Between 1725 and 1960, various medicinal applications of rhodiola appeared in the scientific literature of many countries, including Sweden, Norway, France, Germany, the Soviet Union, and Iceland.2 Since 1960, more than 180 modern pharmacological, phytochemical, and clinical studies have been published.2
Although rhodiola has been extensively studied in other countries and shown to exhibit multiple health-promoting effects, its properties are largely unknown in the United States. In part, this is likely due to the fact that the bulk of research has been published in Slavic and Scandinavian languages.2 During the Cold War, a strict wall of separation – in communication, politics, and science – was maintained by the Soviet Union. Research regarding rhodiola was one of the casualties of this information roadblock, as much of the research occurred in Russia and appeared in Russian medical journals. The data from many of these studies have been under wraps until recently, when they began to appear in limited venues.3,4
As you are no-doubt aware, the past 10 to 20 years have witnessed an explosion in the scientific study of herbal and nutritional supplement formulations. You have also probably noticed that until very recently, much of this research took place in western Europe — particularly in Germany, where their unique medical system evaluates the safety and indications of herbs that are prescription items, sold or dispensed in pharmacies.3 Other countries involved in extensive herbal and nutritional research include Sweden, Italy, China, Japan, India, and Russia.3
more to come . . .
