Rhodiola 60 Vegetarian Capsules

Rhodiola by Thorne Research delivers an important stress-relieving botanical in an easy-to-swallow vegetarian capsule. Rhodiola is a brain adaptogen that can help the body cope with the effects of stress. It has also been known to enhance positive mood, restful sleep and sharp mental focus. Many researchers also believe that rhodiola can improve physical performance during exercise. In studies, rhodiola has been shown to support normal levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

For more than 35 years, rhodiola rosea has been studied extensively in countries such as Russia and certain Scandinavian countries. It is characterized as an adaptogen because of its ability to increase the body’s resistance to biological, chemical and physical stressors.

What are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens belong to a family of natural supplements that exhibit the ability to improve the natural human response to stress and/or trauma. In theory, adaptogens help humans by balancing their immune systems and endocrine hormones. An easy way to remember what an adaptogen does is to think of it as helping an organism to adapt to stressful or strenuous circumstances.

How Does Rhodiola Work?

Rhodiola is often used to stop the depletion of important brain neurotransmitters that occurs during periods of extreme stress. It works by influencing the levels of activity of neurotransmitters and the amino acids that can act as opiates in the brain (such as beta-endorphins).  As an adaptogen, rhodiola has the ability to normalize neurotransmitters within the central nervous system without causing fatigue or drowsiness. So in other words, it will help bring brain chemicals back to normal levels, if they are out of whack; but, if they are already normal, Rhodiola will not do anything. It simply acts as a normalizer, so it won’t cause harm if your levels are already normal.

Some studies done in Russia suggest that Rhodiola can have a positive impact in situations that are characterized by a reduction in work performance, sleep disturbances, fatigue and poor appetite. Another study performed on physicians who supplement with Rhodiola before nighttime shifts has shown that Rhodiola can improve mental performance. When medical students were given Rhodiola while studying for exams, they displayed improved concentration and performance, improved sleep, enhanced mood stability and enhanced well-being when compared with other students who were taking a placebo.

It is important to note that Rhodiola is not just a sleep aid. It can be taken to enhance overall mood. Many people take Rhodiola to decrease occasional episodes of nervousness and worry, which can allow you to function more efficiently under stressful conditions.

Take one capsule of Rhodiola two to three times per day, or as directed as your health care practitioner. As with any supplements, you should discuss Rhodiola with your doctor before taking it, if you are pregnant or nursing.