Rhodiola has been used traditionally by the Vikings and Siberians to increase physical strength and endurance, resistance to cold and disease and to promote fertility and longevity. The modern use is as a stimulating adaptogenic tonic known as the best herb for ‘21st century stress’ which manifests as fatigue, mental fog, trouble concentrating, low energy and mild depression. Many herbalists use rhodiola to support people with depression and anxiety. It appears to be able to significantly reduce the fatigue and 'burnout' that come from chronic stress and anxiety and numerous trials suggest meaningful effects through its anxiolytic and antidepressant actions. It increases physical and mental efficiency, it can enhance a moderately low mood, help to improve sleep quality, energy levels and enhance convalescence. As a result it can help the body deal with marathon training, mountaineering, to cope better with the stress of exam preparations, a heavy workload or for recovery from illness, including post viral fatigue.
Perhaps because of rhodiola’s stress supporting properties its popularity has boomed in recent years. The plant's rapid growth in the supplement market has led to industrial-scale overcollection. Rhodiola is now endangered and was added to Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on February 23, 2023 because of declines in wild populations due to overexploitation and increased international trade. As a result international trade is restricted and rhodiola is subject to additional import and export requirements. This means we are no longer able to source sustainably grown raw material. Below we have provided you with some alternative herbs to assist you in your prescribing.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is known as a functional mushroom for energy and endurance because its adaptogenic and tonic effects. Herbalists and naturopaths prescribe it to support energy levels and for convalescence after infection, illness, or stress, to improve vitality.
Korean ginseng
Herbalists classify Korean ginseng as a stimulating adaptogen with a wide range of therapeutic uses. Korean ginseng restores and enhances wellbeing, boosts energy, reduces stress, and improves thinking processes and cognition. Western herbalists understand Korean ginseng to be useful for short-term treatment of the effects, or anticipated effects, of stress (a ginseng “hit”) and over a long period (for up to three months – a repeated course is feasible) to reduce the impact of the ageing process.
Schizandra
Schizandra is utilised for increasing resistance to disease and stress, increasing energy and increasing physical performance and endurance. In Russia, schizandra first gained recognition as an “adaptogen agent” in the 1960s when it was published in the official medcine of the USSR handbook, following the discovery that it helps fight adrenal fatigue, heart problems and the negative effects of stress.
Siberian ginseng
Siberian ginseng is often referred to as the ‘king of adaptogens’ and is traditionally used to help the body better adapt to stress. It is most effective in the treatment of exhaustion and anxiety
resulting from overwork, lack of sleep and long-term stress. Think of those people burning the candle at both ends such as students, night shift workers and multi-tasking parents juggling careers and families. Siberian ginseng also shows promise for the management of moderate chronic fatigue syndrome.
References
van Wyk B, Wink M. Medicinal Plants of the World. Pretoria: Briza Publications;
2004. p. 271.
Natural Medicines (US). Schisandra [Internet]. Somerville (MA): Therapeutic
Research Center; 2024 [updated 2024 Sep 24; cited 2024 Nov 20]. Available from
https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-
supplements/professional.aspx?productid=376
Corneau N, Corneau G. THE ADAPTOGENIC SPECIES: THEORETICAL AND
PRACTICAL IMPORTANCE. A REVIEW. Oltenia. Studii úi comunicări.ùtiinĠele
Naturii. 2013;29:1
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