Rhodiola Rosea: The Arctic super herb

Nowadays, people from all walks of life have greatly increased their switch to alternative treatments — herbs for example.

What’s more, the public is increasingly aware that an ounce of prevention is vastly preferable to the disruptive, costly, and often painful interventions that are necessary to fight disease once it gains a foothold.

Add to this the unwanted side effects associated with many prescription drugs, and you can see why the time is right for herbs and other “natural” therapies.

Of all the herbs used throughout the world and studied by scientists, adaptogens are the most effective in reducing stress and preventing many of its harmful consequences. And they have the fewest side effects.

The Russian scientist, Dr. Nicolai Lazarev, who coined the name “adaptogen,” discovered adaptogens in 1947. He was also the mentor of Dr. Israel Brekhman, a renowned scientist, researcher and medical doctor.

Brekhman has conducted extensive research for more than 45 years on adaptogenic herbs and is considered the “Father of Adaptogens.”

Adaptogens are natural substances found only in a few rare plants and herbs, which provide special nutrients that help the body achieve optimal mental, physical and work performance. Adaptogens differ from stimulants and do not have the same health consequences as nicotine, etc. They have three distinguishing qualities: 1) they are completely non-toxic to the human body and would have no harmful or negative effects no matter what amount or how long they are used; 2) they catalyze responses in the body to increase the body’s mental and physical performance as well as provide resistance to stressful insults at the cellular level and; 3) their effect is to balance and normalize the body’s systems leading to overall homeostasis and health.

Russian researchers have categorized the herbal plant Rhodiola Rosea as an adaptogen. The rare availability of the herb can be obtained only from the Artic/Alpine region, as it lives and thrives in the worst conditions. When harvested its roots are the component of a traditional herbal remedy in Siberia, Sweden and Tibet.

The main effects of adaptogens are an increased availability of energy during the day, a reduction of stressed feelings, increased endurance, greater mental alertness, and deep and restful sleep.

Also, adaptogens significantly accelerate the recovery process after illness. According to modern science, they are natural plant products that increase the body’s ability to cope with internal and external stress factors, and normalize the functions of the organism.

They help maintain the stable internal environment inside the organism known as homeostasis. An important characteristic is that they are safe, as they possess few known side effects.

In today’s culture of hustling and bustling, with chaos coming from every direction, it is in our interest to take advantage of these powerful herbs if we want to survive the demands of modern life.

One does not have to be a professor or scientist to research herbs and educate oneself on how they work. The motivation depends on how much one desires to improve one’s quality of life.

These, plus more interesting facts about the super herb Rhodiola Rosea can be found in the book “The Rhodiola Revolution,” which is available at National Bookstore and leading bookstores nationwide.