Native to the sub-Arctic regions of Canada, Asia, Russia and Scandinavia, Rhodiola Rosea is a medicinal herb used in traditional medicine. Commonly known as roseroot or golden root in the family Crassulaceae, it is native to regions with cold climates, such as the Arctic and mountainous areas.
“When consumed regularly, it was used to help prevent illness in the colder, darkest months,” notes Melissa Petitto in Adaptogens: A Directory of Over 50 Healing Herbs for Energy, Stress Relief, Beauty, and Overall Well-Being (Everyday Wellbeing). “In fact, emperors in China sent their constituents on expeditions to Siberia in search of rhodiola, from which they created a tonic to treat colds and flu. In Siberia, this herb was brewed into a tea and given to newlyweds to booth their fertility and increase their changes of having a healthy baby.”
Petitto’s book recommends a dosage of 40 to 60 drops of extract unto three times a day, or dried herb, 1 to 2 teaspoons, up to three times a day.
“It’s best to take rhodiola early in the day; when taken too late, it can cause insomnia.”