Good Lifestyle

Do the cold months bring me back on you? Does this seasonal depression you struck in the sidewalk last winter that comes back slowly? Maybe you did not have the gym as much as the beach season is long and you are looking for a boost of energy to put you again on the elliptical. Like the close winter and our energy levels and our moods find themselves in the precarious dance between holiday celebrations and New Year's resolutions, there may be aadaptogenic grass It's worth mixing in your routine: Rhodiola Rosea.

What is Rhodiola Rosea?

Rhodiola Rosea is a perennial plant in the Crassulaceae family (or StoneCrop) and has been used for centuries around the world.Other names and classifications Include R. Rosea, "Arctic root", "Golden root", its name of traditional Chinese medicine "Hóng Jǐng Tiān" and its Clinical SHR-5 application.

Originally from colder regions, Rhodiola grows naturally in the wild in high altitude places, such as sea edge and mountain cliffs; It can be found in the Arctic, eastern North America and in the mountains of Central Asia and Europe.

Two thousand years ago, it was described for the first time as a classical medicine remedy by the Greek Pedanius Dioscorides at Materia Medica. In the 18th century, the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus documented the uses of astringent grass from the treatment of hernias to headaches. Until the early 2000s, most Rhodiola research remained in Russia and had not been translated into English.

Fortunately, over the past 15 years, pioneers of herbalism, doctors and researchers have prioritized to share this information with the rest of the world. Due to the benefits of Rhodiola's mood and energy, it has been widely used in Russia and Scandinavia to treat fatigue, depression and anxiety.

Rhodiola is a natural ally in the fight against stress

Rhodiola Rosea has been celebrated for its many health benefits, especially for its effect on the body's ability to adapt to stress. In his best-selling bookMedical world, Anthony William supports using Rhodiola to optimize the adrenal function and beat fatigue. It recommends use for those who also have depression, indicating "Rhodiola strengthens the endocrine system, including thyroid and adrenal glands. [IT] also stabilizes the vascular system."

It has been proven to reduce stress in various groups of people. A2012 studyIn which participants received 400 milligrams from Rhodiola per day for four weeks, showed clinical improvements in stress symptoms such as fatigue, exhaustion and anxiety. Several participants showed therapeutic benefits of the grass during the first three days of the trial.

AMore recent study I have revealed that people with exhaustion have benefited from the daily use of Rhodiola, in particular with respect to their levels of stress and depression.

It is clear that emotions and energy levels are linked, so it is not surprising that Rhodiola can also fight fatigue. InA Swedish study, 60 people with stress-related fatigue received 576 milligrams from Rhodiola a day. The results showed that Rhodiola had had a positive effect on fatigue and attention levels, as it reduced cortisol levels compared to the placebo group.

Rhodiola can help reduce body fat and stimulate energy

Rhodiola is composed of about 140 chemical compounds, including phenols and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant and antisocinogenic effects. Its most active plant compounds areSALIDOSIDE AND ROSAVINEThe latter noted to help balance the stress hormone, cortisol, so it can trigger a fat burning response in the body. The lower cortisol levels mean fewer fat in and around the belly.

In addition to the levels of cortisol lower than potential weight loss, Rhodiola has also been studied for its benefits for energy levels and sports performance.StudiesHave shown that taking Rhodiola before the intense exercise stimulated overall performance while reducing efforts.

In addition, the use of Rhodiola has supportedLonger periods of exercise. This may be partly due to higher red blood cells and reduce oxidative damage; Because red blood cells carry oxygen in the muscles, it can provide more relief and delayed or reduced fatigue.

RELATED: Learn how to dismiss your metabolism and lose weight in the intelligent way.

How to use Rhodiola

The good news is that Rhodiola is in many health shops in tea, dyeing and capsule shape, the latter offering the most accurate dose. When buying Rhodiola products, it is important to ensure that they are standardized at 2 to 3% of rosavin and 0.8 to 1% salidroside (the natural proportions found in Rhodiola Rosea root) . According toAviva romm, Mr.D., midwife and author, this amount is prudent to take if you are on medicines for anxiety and to see you.

Several nutritionists and health professionals suggest taking it on an empty belly, at least fifteen minutes before eating. It is better to dig higher doses throughout the day (that is, before breakfast and dinner) instead of taking it at a time. However, avoid taking before you sleep because it could have an energizing effect.

The general recommendation for the use of adaptogen is to use them for at least three months to draw real benefits, and they can be taken daily for a year or more.

Potential side effects of the use of Rhodiola

Zizia Botanicals Founder and Herbalist based in Los Angeles, Abbe Findley warns that "the astringent nature of Rhodiola can agitate or have a drying effect on some people. (That is, a person with a dry constitution can express some Features including an extreme thirst, a dry mouth or dry skin, hair, throat, nose, mouth or press the constipation). If so, it may not be the adaptogen for you.

Ultimately: Should you try Rhodiola?

Rhodiola Rosea is widely regarded as safe with minimal side effects. It has a wide range of documented health benefits from mood stabilization to increase energy levels. Its traditional medicine uses provide an overview of its potential healing capabilities.

It's a good idea to talk to a doctor, finding a herbalist or reading adaptogens that you think about working for you.US Botanical Council, especially theirDatabase of healthy ingredients, is an excellent resource for anyone who seeks to learn more.