Life has its ups and downs, and no one is immune to the mental effects of challenging times. Fortunately, whether you’re feeling down, anxious, or just want to maintain a steady mood, there are natural approaches that can help. Getting adequate sleep and maintaining a balanced diet are fundamental, and exercise can also offer dramatic results. Meditation is another stress-relieving and mind-balancing tool that can hone focus and may even slow age-related thinning of the frontal cortex. Additionally, some plants and herbs, like Rhodiola rosea, offer bioactive chemicals that support mental vitality.
Top Rhodiola Rosea Benefits
Encourages a Balanced Mood
Simply put, available data suggests that Rhodiola rosea can help support a balanced, uplifted mood. In 2008, researchers at UCLA confirmed that Rhodiola is one of several herbs with the ability to reduce anxiety. A fairly recent, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated Rhodiola rosea on mood imbalance and found it not only led to improvements in mood but also seemed to positively affect sleep quality. These results have been noticed by many, and some have even suggested that Rhodiola may have potential as an alternative to psychiatric drugs.
Supports a Healthy Stress Response
Do you ever feel stressed? If so, you might want to review the results of a 2010 study that examined the effects of Rhodiola rosea on stress. Study participants who had complained of stress-related symptoms noted improvement within days of beginning a Rhodiola rosea supplementation regimen. Progress continued throughout the duration of the study, and no serious side effects were reported.
Mental Performance
Mental fatigue makes it difficult to focus, causing personal achievements and success to dwindle. The good news is that clinical trials show that Rhodiola rosea stimulates the central nervous system to fight the fatigue that often stifles mental clarity. Additionally, using animal models, research conducted by Chinese scientists suggests that Rhodiola rosea supplementation supports the brain by saving injured neurons, thus encouraging the growth and development of brain cells.
Does Rhodiola Alter Perception?
One of the most interesting qualities of Rhodiola rosea is that it appears to alter perception, even to the point of impacting physical performance. While this might sound concerning, it can actually offer positive benefits for human health. Research conducted by Gettysburg College found that individuals who supplemented with Rhodiola rosea were able to complete strenuous exercises with less effort than when they had not taken the supplement. This effect was believed to be caused by an alteration in the participants’ perception of their individual effort.
Nutritional Support for Parkinson’s Disease?
While Rhodiola is by no means a cure for Parkinson’s disease, it has grabbed the attention of those interested in supportive therapies for the disorder. Researchers at the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences evaluated a multi-herb preparation that included Rhodiola rosea and reported that following supplementation, antioxidant levels, immune function, and hormone levels were in normal proportions. Despite the research being preliminary, the findings are certainly an exciting and positive step for the potential future management of Parkinson’s disease.
A Final Thought
Whether you’re experiencing brain fog, suffering from stress, or just wish to sharpen your focus, it’s clear that Rhodiola rosea is an herbal remedy worth considering. Research shows it’s an effective adaptogen with a track record of supporting cognitive functions and mood. However, it’s important to remember that mental health concerns shouldn’t be self-diagnosed. If you believe you’re clinically depressed or otherwise severely imbalanced, it’s best to seek out a trusted healthcare advisor. Never stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your prescribing physician.
