Rhodiola Rosea: The Ideal Plant to Combat Stress and Boost Energy and Mood!

An Adaptogenic Anti-Stress Plant

Rhodiola Rosea, named for the subtle rose-like scent of its root, is also known as “golden root” or “rose root.” This hardy succulent plant belongs to the Crassulaceae family and is classified as an adaptogenic plant.

Thriving in cold climates and mountainous regions (such as the Alps or Rockies), Rhodiola requires long periods of frost to develop its active compounds. After four years in the ground, its thick root—called a rhizome—is harvested for use. This root contains a wealth of active components: flavonoids, rosavin, salidroside, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

It’s these active compounds that give Rhodiola its powerful health benefits and place it firmly among the group of so-called “adaptogenic” plants.

In response to stress—whether internal, external, physical, or psychological—adaptogenic substances help the body increase its resistance and enhance its ability to adapt to daily demands and pressures.

Rhodiola Rosea was highly valued by the Vikings, who drank it to gain strength, courage, and endurance before battle, and to help them better withstand harsh climates.

A Viking Legacy of Physical and Mental Resilience

For centuries, Rhodiola has been used in Russia and Scandinavia as a tea to promote health and longevity. In fact, it was Russian scientists in the 1940s who defined the concept of adaptogens while searching for substances to improve physical and mental performance in soldiers and athletes.

In 1947, Dr. Nikolai Lazarev defined adaptogens as:

“Pharmacological substances capable of inducing in the body a state of increased non-specific resistance, enabling it to counteract stress signals and adapt to exceptional effort.”

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Adaptogens:

• Are safe with no side effects, even with long-term use
• Have a systemic action, meaning they do not target one specific organ but support the body as a whole, increasing its overall resilience
• Help bring the body back into balance by acting as metabolic regulators, maintaining neuro-endocrine-immune system harmony

Supporting Physical Vitality and Emotional Calm

Rhodiola Rosea is traditionally used to help the body cope with stressful situations and is known for its positive effects on mental performance, focus, and mood.

Its benefits are wide-ranging: it is recognized for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, alleviating physical and mental fatigue, and boosting intellectual capacity (memory, focus, mental work), while also improving overall mood (1–2). These effects are partly linked to its ability to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol (3).

Thanks to its energizing properties, Rhodiola gives a natural “boost” in times of fatigue and supports the body in adapting to emotional stress.

Numerous studies have confirmed its effectiveness. For instance, a Russian study involving 60 students during exam periods showed that taking Rhodiola Rosea extract significantly improved general well-being, both physical and mental (4).

When to Use Rhodiola Rosea?

Rhodiola Rosea can help:

• Adapt to stressful situations and promote a healthy stress response
• Regain energy, motivation, and drive, especially after burnout or recovery from COVID
• Fight fatigue and increase vitality
• Maintain a balanced mood and positive mindset
• Support mental performance (focus, attention) during intense periods
• Enhance performance and recovery for athletes
• Promote overall physical and mental well-being

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Contraindications: Not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals with bipolar disorder. When in doubt, consult your healthcare professional.

Nicknamed the “Swiss Ginseng” by Pharmalp, our Rhodiola Rosea is organically grown in the Swiss canton of Valais.

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References:

• Olsson EM, van Schéele B, Panossian AG. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract SHR-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Planta Med. 2009; 75(2):105–12.
• Rhodiola rosea. Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2002; 7(5):421–3.
• Kelly GS. Rhodiola rosea: a possible plant adaptogen. Altern Med Rev. 2001; 6(3):293–302.