Rhodiola

The Natural Anxiety Buster

Allow my to introduce to you my favourite herb: Rhodiola. 

Rhodiola rosea has been discovered as Siberia's super-herb, with an abundance of mental and physical performance benefits. 

Rhodiola is what is called an adaptogen. Basically an adaptogen is a class of medicinal plants that have a balancing function  - hence "adapto-". They work homeostatically to bring that body back to normal functioning. Whether your cortisol (stress hormone) is too high, or too low, these adaptogenic herb will bring the body back to equilibrium, and in this example, optimal stress response. 

Rhodiola in particular was introduced to me as an all natural way to relive an anxiety disorder that I developed after moving away from home and starting university. My naturopathic doctor in Halifax suggested I start out with taking 100mg daily. I was immediately hooked. Not only did it entirely restore my nervous systems functioning but I also noticed and researched a few other side benefits... 

1. Mental Endurance

Rhodiola increases neuron sensitivity to dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters involved in memory, focus, mood and pleasure. By increasing sensitivity, these neurotransmitters are able to increase their performance ultimately increasing mental endurance and mood

2. Boosts Metabolism

Rhodiola is also known to turn on the enzyme 'hormone-sensitive lipase', which triggers the fat burning response in the adipose tissues (fat tissue) of the stomach. 

3. Increases Energy 

Rhodiola increases the red blood cells oxygen capacity which boosts energy and delays fatigue. A yawn after all if your body's way getting more oxygen to the brain. 

4. Regulating the Stress Response

Rhodiola has the ability to manage the stress response by keeping cortisol levels balanced. When cortisol levels are high for long periods of time your body can start to feel run down, age faster and leave your system in a state of exhaustion.

Give rhodiola a try if you're looking to give your system a reboot!!