Rhodiola rosea (Rose Root)

Question 1

How do you recognise Rose Root?

Answer 1

A low growing herbaceous perennial. Native to cold circumpolar regions and mountains in Europe, Asia and N. America - grows in some parts of UK, in drystone walls, in Highlands, Snowdonia etc.
Fleshy leaves and yellow dioecious flowers with 4 petals.
Mostly (over) harvested from the wild. Protected in some places but the plant is threatened by increasing demand.

Question 2

What are Rose Root’s main constituents?

Answer 2

Constituents:
* Phenyl propanoids & phenylethanol derivatives: Rosavin, rosin, rosarin, rhodeolin – all strong anti-oxidants - tend to be stronger in wild rather than cultivated.
* Flavonoids
* Phenolic acids.
* Monoterpernes: rosiridol, rosaridin.
* Triterpenes: daucosterol, beta-sitosterol

Question 3

What family is Rose Root in?

Answer 3

Member of the Crassulaceae.

Question 4

What is Rose Root good for?

Answer 4

Summary: An adaptogenic, helps to adapt people to the places where it grows, at altitude/ cold/ harsh conditions.

Actions:
* Adaptogen.
* Antioxidant.
* Cardiotonic.
* Cognitive enhancer.
* Immunostimulant.
* Nervine tonic.
* Antineoplastic.

Applications:
* To increase resistance to physiological and psychological stress.
* To improve memory and concentration.
* Altitude sickness.
* Headaches.
* Use in cancer being researched.
* Seems to have positive effects on thyroid health.
* To boost fertility.
* Some sources suggest that small doses are sedating, high doses stimulating, but other sources state the opposite!

Question 5

What is Rose Root’s Latin name?

Answer 5

Rhodiola rosea L.

Question 6

What parts of Rose Root do you use?

Answer 6

Part used: roots, ideally harvested at > 5 years old.

Question 7

What safety issues might Rose Root have?

Answer 7

Generally safe herb but can cause anxiety and insomnia, so avoid in people with anxiety. Avoid in bipolar states

Question 8

What useful research does Rose Root have?

Answer 8

External links:
* Rhodiola rosea L.: an herb with anti-stress, anti-aging, and immunostimulating properties for cancer chemoprevention - mentions animal studies and also some other Rhodeola species.
* Running out of time to smell the roseroots: Reviewing threats and trade in wild Rhodiola rosea L - abstract only.
* Rhodiola rosea: A Phytomedicinal Overview – from Herbalgram: comprehensive.

Question 9

What remedies might you use Rose Root in?

Answer 9

Dose circa 20ml/week of 1:3 tincture… but in ecological terms, should we be using it at all?

There are several adaptogenics but how many do we need .