Rhodiola

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea or Sedum rosea), also known as Golden root, Roseroot and Arctic root, is an adaptogenic herb with brain-supporting and energy-enhancing power. It has been used for centuries in the traditional medicine of countries including Russia, Siberia and Scandinavia, for a number of actions, including to increase physical endurance, work productivity, longevity and resistance to high altitude sickness, and to treat fatigue, impotence, gastrointestinal ailments and nervous system disorders. Vikings reportedly used the herb to enhance their physical strength and endurance. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Rhodiola belongs to the category of plants that stimulate blood flow, and is considered a tonic herb due to its key actions in replenishing Qi (vital energy or life force) and blood.

The traditional use of Rhodiola as a tonic in traditional medicine stimulated extensive research leading to its identification in the early 1960s as an adaptogen — revealing its ability to protect animals and humans from mental and physical stress, toxins and cold. In the last 60 years, it has continued to be studied extensively for various health-promoting effects.