This adaptogenic herbal stimulant has been used as an energy-boosting agent in Russia and China for centuries. It balances the autonomic nervous system, enhancing stress-management capacity, empowering the immune system, and combating fatigue.
Having read several books and numerous studies about herbal adaptogens, I can name Rhodiola as the best herbal adaptogen. If you want to take one herb to enhance your overall health, this is it.
This article will primarily focus on decoding what the human studies are saying about Rhodiola and how this squares up with the anecdotal experiences of the Biohacker community online.
State of the Science
Rhodiola has a risk-reward trade-off tantamount to the Racetams or ALCAR, some of my all-time favorite Nootropics. It's been studied worldwide: "Since 1960, more than 180 studies on the uses, chemistry, and pharmacology of this herb have been published (p.192)". It has an impressive +300 articles of human research on Pubmed since the turn of the millennium, including nearly 60 human clinical trials.
A Stimulating Nutraceutical
Rhodiola has a remarkable energizing effect and motivating effect that lasts between 4 - 8 hours, the Pharmacodynamics of Nutriceuticals vary significantly from person to person so you will have to do some experimentation to figure out which dosages and proportions work the best for you. The first time taking Rhodiola for many is a fabulously energizing experience, but like many stimulants, there is a tolerance curve to this, which is why I recommend keeping the dosage low and cycling: Once a month, take a whole week off Rhodiola.
The internet is rife with anecdotal reports praising its energizing effect
“Rhodiola has become my favorite mood/productivity enhancer, hands down. I'm very happy with the results I have been seeing.” Opined stephen_b.
“It started working 2 hours after I took it. I felt with a lot of energy, confidence, sexual desire and pro social behaviour (just what I was looking for). It was absolutely great.” Agomelatinehope agreed.
For many, this affects verbal intelligence:
“You will even talk faster or clear. You dont have to think much you feel ready, its like your thoughts are waiting in queue to come out just need them to give a chance one after another. I think it does align your nurotransmitters so when you take it in morning you feel that "brain servicing" and inner thought alignment and calmness but not slowdown.”
Since it’s a stimulant it’s probably a good idea to avoid caffeine or coffee while on Rhodiola, many use Rhodiola to wean themselves off coffee. It worked great to help me temporarily quit coffee.
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