Rhodiola: properties and benefits of this health plant, widely used in the homeopathic field against stress and excessive weight.
Rhodiola, whose scientific name is actually Rhodiola rosea, which means small rose, having a characteristic scent very similar to that of roses. It was originally born on the cold and rocky soils of the Siberian mountains, where it was well known as the “golden root”. It is no coincidence that it was used to donate it before marriage, to wish the birth of healthy children.
The therapeutic uses of rhodiola can be traced back to thousands of years ago, thanks to the Siberian popular culture. The benefits of this natural remedy have been handed down from generation to generation, reaching today,
Rhodiola plant
It is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family. It reaches a height of 35-40 cm and produces yellow, orange or red flowers in the summer. The leaves are lanceolate and serrated.
It grows to very high heights, reaching even over 5000 meters. It needs sun to be able to fully develop. Today it is also present in the Alps and the Pyrenees.
Rhodiola rosea properties
Currently it is the roots that arouse the greatest interest for their properties, while once the flowers and leaves were also used.
The leaves were applied to wounds to relieve pain and promote healing, while the flowers were used for gastrointestinal problems.
The benefits found are due to the presence of numerous active ingredients such as salidroside. The latter in particular acts directly on the most important neurotransmitters in our brain, such as serononin.
Also noteworthy are rosavin, flavonoids, tannins, chlorogenic and caffeic acids.
Rhodiola: benefits for the brain and mood
Acting directly on the brain and mood, there are numerous benefits found from the use of this plant.
- Counteracts fatigue and promotes physical and intellectual performance. It is an excellent natural stimulant, therefore also with an anti- stress function.
- Although the effects are not scientifically confirmed, it seems that rhodiola can also act on the modulation of mood. It thus guarantees an action to combat depression and anxiety.
- It improves memory thanks to the direct action on dopamine and noradrenaline.
Rhodiola benefits the body
There are also numerous repercussions on the well-being of the organism, both in a preventive form and for the treatment of various problems in men and women.
- Reproductive system: helps in case of erectile dysfunction or premature ejacu|ation. For women, on the other hand, it seems to stimulate the hormonal system, improving fertility in case of amenorrhea. It also increases libido and stimulates sexual desire, just like a natural aphrodisiac.
- Immune system: strengthens the body’s defenses and acts as an antibacterial antimicotico.
- This plant is also known for its cardioprotective action, especially in the presence of tachycardia and palpitations of anxious origin.
- Low blood pressure: it provides valuable support for all those who suffer from low blood pressure, thanks to its energizing effect.
- Antioxidant: thanks to the flavonoids, the plant helps fight the problem of free radicals, exerting an antitumor action and counteracting the aging process.
Rhodiola for weight loss
The plant also contributes to the reduction of body weight, especially thanks to its ability to alleviate the sense of anxious hunger. Acting in fact on the neurotransmitter of serotonin and increasing its production, rhodiola is able to appease compulsive hunger attacks. In fact, by increasing the mood, anxiety and stress are reduced, which lead to nervous eating.
At the same time, the presence of dopamine, responsible for the sense of satiety, is also regulated.
It also promotes greater activation of the metabolism, helping to gradually eliminate fat mass, in favor of the lean one. Obviously, the consumption of rhodiola must be accompanied by a correct balanced diet and physical activity.
Rhodiola thyroid contraindications
Before taking rhodiola rosae -based supplements, as always, we recommend that you consult your doctor, especially if you are following a particular drug therapy.
It is normally well tolerated and has no particular contraindications except in cardiopathic, hypertensive subjects and with thyroid problems. Among the side effects it can cause insomnia, due to the stimulating properties, agitation and nervousness.
Rodiola posology
In order to take this plant, it is advisable to buy the dry extract in the form of capsules, powder, tablets, essential oil:
- it should be divided into two sub-doses, taken in the morning, immediately after waking up, and in the early afternoon.
The doses are various, depending on the problem and physical characteristics, so do-it-yourself is highly discouraged.
