Rhodiola rosea: medicinal properties and contraindications

Rhodiola rosea is a plant that in modern medicine is considered primarily as an adaptogen (along with, for example, eleutherococcus). But in fact its possibilities are much broader. Rhodiola rosea has an impressive range of therapeutic properties and at the same time has almost no contraindications.

Chemical Composition

This plant is well studied in terms of its chemical composition. In total, it contains about 140 ingredients that have therapeutic effects, with the highest concentration of them contained in the rhodiola rosea root. Some of the most important components for medicine include:

1. Salidroside (up to 1% in the plant root). Its presence caused the adaptogenic properties of the plant, that is, its ability to increase the body's resistance to the effects of negative environmental factors. In addition, studies have shown that this component prevents the development of some malignant tumors and has antiviral effect.
2. Rhodioloside. This is another component that is characteristic of this particular plant. It also has adaptogenic properties and has a stimulating effect on the CNS. The combination of these two components has been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate tumor cells, and also have antimicrobial activity against the causative agent of gonorrhea.
3. Glycosides. A whole group of substances that are beneficial to the cardiovascular system and heart muscle function. It also gives the plant the properties of a mild diuretic, which allows the elimination of excess fluid.
4. Flavonoids. Substances that have antioxidant properties. These are mainly quercetin, hyperoside and some other substances that, among other things, allow to normalize blood pressure and heart rate, provide flexibility and elasticity of blood vessels, reducing at the same time their permeability.
5. Tannins (up to 20% in the rhizome). These are mainly compounds of the pyrogallum group. They have the ability to modify the protein structure, which leads to the formation of a protective albuminate film. It is important in that it has a bactericidal effect on pathogens. In addition, these substances are responsible for the astringent properties of the plant, which allows its use in the treatment of some diseases of the oral cavity, as well as burns and wounds.
6. Anthraquinones. This is a group of substances that helps strengthen the immune system. But at the same time it gives the rhizome of the plant its laxative properties.
7. Coumarins. These substances have antitumor activity, preventing the appearance of metastases.
8. Organic acids - oxalic, citric, succinic, etc. Each of these components has its own range of therapeutic properties, and at the same time it is quite wide. For example, oxalic acid is involved in the processes of hematopoiesis, providing the body with potassium and iron, normalizes the secretory function of the stomach and pancreas. Malic acid is effective for constipation, helps to normalize blood circulation and improve vision, helps with metabolism. Amber acid reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol and provides the body with energy, and also reduces blood sugar. Citric acid is also involved in metabolic processes.
9. Essential oil (up to 1%). Scientists have proved its bactericidal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and even analgesic properties. In addition, it is believed to have a mild sedative effect.

By the way, it is the essential oil that gives the plant a pleasant smell, reminiscent of the fragrance of much more expensive rose oil. The rhodiola rhodiola root also contains vegetable fats and proteins, wax and sugars (glucose and fructose, which are important sources of energy for the human body).

Rhodiola rosea root also contains trace elements such as manganese, which is responsible for normal reproductive system function, restoration of lipid metabolism and carbohydrate digestion, zinc with its anti-inflammatory properties and copper, which has antiseptic and bactericidal action.

What it looks like and where it grows

Rhodiola rosea is an herbaceous perennial with a fairly strong root system. It looks like this - its thick rhizome passes into an equally solid root. The stems of the plant are straight, they practically do not branch. The height of the plant is 25-65 cm. At the base, the stem is covered with leaves resembling scales. The leaves higher up the stem are larger, oblong in shape, and dark green in color. Their edges are serrated, less often entire. At the ends of the stems blossom inflorescences consisting of small yellow or greenish flowers.

Rhodiola blossoms in early summer and blooms until the end of August. Fruits can already appear in July in reddish or yellow color. Propagation occurs either by seed or by pieces of rhizome.

In natural conditions Rhodiola rosea can be found in Siberia and in the European part of Russia (but only in the north). You can also find this plant in the Urals, Transbaikalia, Chukotka and Altai. However, in some regions it is already included in the Red Book. Therefore in the middle belt it is usually cultivated purposefully as a medicinal plant.

Gathering and storage

The rhizomes of this plant are mainly used for medicinal purposes. Not every specimen is suitable for this purpose. Look for plants with more than two stems above ground. It is harvested after the seeds have ripened.

The rhizomes are carefully removed from the ground, cleaned of dirt, and then washed under cold running water. It is necessary to carefully inspect all the raw material, check for rotten parts or peeling bark. Such problematic areas are got rid of, and the stems are necessarily cut off.

Then the rhizomes are cut into pieces of length - 10 cm. Dry them on a stove or in a special dryer at a gentle temperature of 50-60 degrees. In the old days they were dried in a traditional oven. Do not keep them in the sun, otherwise the raw material will lose its medicinal properties.

Correctly dried root has a dim color, but if you scrape it a little, you will see a lemon-yellow color. On a break, the root has a pinkish-brown color. When dried, it still has a rose scent and a bitter, astringent taste.

After drying, it is recommended to keep the medicinal raw material in a dry and dark place, so that sunlight does not penetrate there, which accelerates oxidation processes. It is best to store dried root in paper bags. The maximum shelf life - up to 3 years.

By the way, rhodiola rosea can also be grown on a garden plot. But this severely depletes the soil, and after one harvest, this plot is not recommended to use for 10 years.

Medicinal properties of rhodiola rosea

This plant has a wide range of medicinal properties. It can be used:

1. As an anti-inflammatory for gout and arthritis.
2. In various diseases of the organs of the reproductive system, including polycystic ovaries.
3. To increase blood pressure in hypotension.
4. Improvement of the state during menopause.
5. Normalization of the menstrual cycle, with dysmenorrhea and violation of the timing of puberty.
6. Improvement of cognitive function, memory and thinking activity.
7. Normalization of hearing and vision.
8. Removal of toxins and radionuclides from the body.

In addition, the use of products based on Rhodiola rosea has a beneficial effect on the liver and hepatobiliary system as a whole. Substances contained in this plant increase the body's resistance to any negative environmental influences, both physical and chemical as well as biological (eg, infections). Finally, rhodiola rosea supports normal thyroid and adrenal gland function to ensure normal hormone production.

Additional research on this plant is currently underway. Earlier experiments have revealed that its preparations can affect not only the CNS, but also the cognitive functions of the brain. In particular, some scientists believe that rhodiola-based remedies can change the bioelectrical activity of the brain by affecting the brain stem. This opens up a new field of application of this plant-based remedy, but for now this area needs more research.

For women

For the fair sex, Rhodiola rosea is important for several reasons. First of all, it really helps to reduce stress. Secondly, it is prescribed in the complex treatment of various gynecological pathologies and menstrual disorders, as it is good for the reproductive system as a whole. Thirdly, it becomes an important part of menopause therapy due to its high content of flavonoids and other active substances.

In addition, a number of studies have shown that Rhodiola rosea may be beneficial for mastitis and as a treatment for breast cancer.

For men

For the stronger sex, Rhodiola rosea is good because it lowers the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood, and men face this problem much more often than women. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties and the possibility of using it to treat and prevent prostate diseases are important.

When pregnant

Some herbalists advise future mothers to take preparations based on rhodiola rosea as a general tonic and the prevention of anemia. However, official medicine is categorically against such use, since it can increase uterine tone and lead to miscarriage in the first trimester or premature birth in the second.

When breastfeeding

In the first month after childbirth, a young mother should refrain from using rhodiola rosea-based remedies, because during this period the child's body is particularly sensitive, and any herbs may provoke an allergy. But even in the future it is not recommended to use these remedies, because they have a stimulating effect, and children may become restless, they may have trouble sleeping.

For children

Rhodiola rosea-based remedies are practically not prescribed for children, unless the child suffers from frequent colds. Mostly Rhodiola root tincture or decoction is prescribed for children older than 12 years, especially in cases where you need to balance the effects of stress or help with learning and concentration. In no case you should not give a child this drug without a doctor's appointment.

When losing weight

Because of its unique chemical composition, Rhodiola rosea can also be used for weight loss. Here several properties of this plant are manifested at once. On the one hand, it acts as an adaptogen, which allows the body to more easily tolerate even quite strict low-calorie diets and provide it with micronutrients and vitamins (rhodiola rhizome contains, for example, vitamin C and nicotinic acid). On the other hand, preparations based on it activate metabolic processes and lipid metabolism, which allows you to get rid of extra pounds.

And at the same time, rhodiola has another important property. It has the ability to enhance regeneration processes. When losing weight, very often tissues lose their elasticity, and even getting rid of extra pounds in the end does not help to get a trim figure. However, rhodiola enhances regeneration processes, and tissues regenerate faster.

To get rid of excess weight, it is recommended to take a decoction of the rhizome of this plant. For 1 tbsp. Spoonful of crushed dried root take a glass of boiling water and heated for another 10 minutes in a water bath. Then cooled and passed through folded gauze or filter paper before use. This tool is recommended to take twice a day, 100 ml for half an hour before breakfast and before lunch. The maximum duration of the course is 3 weeks.

Rhodiola herb can also be included in the diet. It contains the same beneficial substances as rhodiola, only in a smaller concentration. For example, even with a strict diet, you can periodically consume a salad of young shoots and fresh leaves of radiola. For 50 g of greens take 60 g of grated carrots, 7-10 g of dried walnut kernels and 1 tablespoon of unsweetened yogurt for dressing. This salad can be a great snack - it will relieve the feeling of fatigue that occurs in the middle of the day.

Rhodiola rosea in folk medicine

In phytotherapy, Rhodiola rosea (also called golden root) has been used for a very long time. It is not surprising that in folk medicine there are recipes based on its root alone, as well as complex collections that include other herbs.

Rhodiola rosea-based remedies are used for bronchitis and respiratory tract diseases, to restore strength after severe bacterial and viral infections, to restore thyroid function, normalize blood glucose levels, etc. Below will be considered recipes for various diseases.

With avitaminosis.

If a person experiences general weakness, gets tired quickly, suffers from sleep disorders, the problem may lie in a lack of vitamins. In order to be sure of this, take tests. And according to the results of such tests, the doctor can prescribe the reception of drugs on the basis of rhodiola rosea. For example:

1. Every day 3 times a day before the main meals take 1 tsp. A spoonful of decoction of rhodiola root.
2. Regularly 3 times a day to take 1 tbsp. decoction of golden root, mixed with 2 tbsp. fresh dandelion juice.
3. Make a collection based on the crushed rhodiola root, dried berries rose hips and currants, carrot root (take all the ingredients in equal proportions). Take 3 tbsp. spoons of this mixture for 400 ml of boiling water, heated in a water bath for 10 minutes, insist half an hour, then filtered and take 100 ml before the main meals.

Finally, you can make an herbal tincture. To do this, take the nettle herb collected in May (about 200 g) and pour a ready-made pharmacy tincture of rhodiola (500 ml). This product is insisted in the cabinet for a week, then filtered and poured into a container of dark glass. The remedy is taken by 1 tsp. spoon before breakfast and a second time - before going to bed.

Anemia and hypotension

To increase blood pressure is recommended to take a tincture - 10 grams of crushed dried material in 200 ml of boiling water. Insist it for 4 hours. This volume is divided into 2-3 intakes per day.

In the presence of confirmed anemia, you can use one of two recipes - either take a tea of golden root for 100 ml twice a day for half an hour before meals, or make a tincture. In the second case, take 100 grams of crushed golden root for 0.4 liters of vodka. The tincture is kept in a dark place, shaking occasionally. When anemia is taken 15 drops three times daily before meals. Recommended tincture before drinking lightly diluted with water. Duration of treatment - no more than 2-3 weeks.

To prevent anemia, it is recommended to take the classic decoction of golden root - 1 tsp. a day for half an hour before meals.

Atherosclerosis

To improve the condition of the blood vessels you can take:

1. Tincture of golden root - twice a day, 30 drops diluted with a little water, half an hour before a meal. The course of treatment - a month. Then take a break for 4 weeks, and after that, if necessary, you can repeat the course.
2. Protein mixed in equal proportions with a decoction of Rhodiola rosea. This remedy is taken by a glass twice a day for half an hour before a meal. The maximum duration of the course is two weeks.

For the prevention of atherosclerosis, take a tea of golden root, prepared as described below. It can be drunk a course - for a whole month.

With bronchitis and respiratory diseases

In acute bronchitis, you can take remedies on the basis of the golden root in different ways. For example, compresses based on a warm decoction of rhodiola, mixed with honey, help well. They are placed on the chest for 15-20 minutes, until they cool down, and cover the top with a warm scarf or plaid.

Also in acute bronchitis drink warm decoction - 1 teaspoon twice a day for half an hour before a meal. When the exacerbation passes, you can drink tincture instead of decoction - 20 drops diluted with water, twice a day for half an hour before a meal. With chronic bronchitis, the decoction stage is skipped and the tincture is taken at once. The duration of the course - at least a month.

With varicose veins

Rhodiola rosea also helps in the treatment of varicose veins. Drink it in the form of a tincture - 20 drops diluted with water, three times a day, 20 minutes before a meal. The duration of the treatment course is not more than two weeks. Then take a break of the same duration and repeat the course one more time, or even better two. The most effective such treatment will be in the winter.

Use Rhodiola and for therapeutic baths. Water for them should be cold. It is poured into a basin so much that the water completely covers the ankles. Then in the prepared liquid is added 1 tbsp. a spoonful of an alcoholic tincture of golden root. Feet are not just kept in this bath, but try to stomp and walk on the spot to disperse blood circulation without dilating the blood vessels. The procedure should take 2-3 minutes, then the feet are wiped dry. Gradually the duration of baths can be increased.

Types of medicinal compositions

In pharmacies, you can find ready-made extracts or alcoholic tincture of Rhodiola rosea. In folk medicine, decoctions, infusions and tea based on this plant are used. For example, decoctions are recommended for diarrhea, headaches, menorrhagia. Infusions are drunk with respiratory infections, tea - with anemia and diabetes mellitus. Diluted tincture is used to rinse in diseases of the mouth, respiratory tract, taken internally for toothache.

External use of the drug is also possible. It is prescribed for conjunctivitis caused by various reasons, as well as for skin diseases. In such cases, decoctions and infusions are used in the form of lotions. Some herbalists advise to use these remedies for douches for gynecological pathologies.

Infusion

There are several recipes for infusions, which differ in the concentration of the active substance. If we are talking about the infusion, which is prescribed for colds, it is prepared as follows - take 15 g of root, grind, pour a glass of boiling water and insist for three hours. Such a remedy is also used for some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

If we are talking about the infusion, which is used as an external agent, for example, in the treatment of septic wounds and bedsores, when it makes lotions, it is suitable less concentrated means - 10 grams of crushed root for 300 ml of boiling water. The remedy is insisted in a thermos for 4 hours.

Tincture

The classic version of the tincture is as follows - 50 grams of pre-milled raw materials Pour 400 ml of ethyl alcohol (diluted with water) or quality vodka and insist in a dry, dark place for two weeks, shaking occasionally. Before using be sure to filter the tincture. If a person has never taken it before, it is necessary to start with a minimum dose of 5 drops, gradually increasing it to 20 drops and carefully monitoring the reaction. A dosage of 20 drops three times a day is enough to treat diabetes, hypotension and even erectile dysfunction.

In some recipes, it is recommended to take less raw material - only 40 g, grinding it into a powder. There are also recipes that suggest insisting the remedy for only 10-12 days. As a rule, the finished tincture in such cases is used for cosmetic purposes or to rinse the mouth when treating stomatitis.

Decoction

As a rule, a decoction of this remedy is prepared in only one way. Take 1 tsp dry crushed rhizome and pour 200 ml of boiling water, and then bring back to a boil and boil for 10-20 minutes (sometimes the concentration varies slightly). The finished product is filtered and filtered. Take it to 1 tbsp. spoon three times a day. Most often, such a remedy is prescribed for diabetes mellitus, in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, as well as in the recovery period after internal bleeding, including uterine bleeding.

It is also believed that the decoction has analgesic properties. Therefore, it is drunk for migraine and toothache. It is also shown for external use - mainly in cosmetology, as will be described below.

Tea

In this form, rhodiola is most often taken to strengthen the immune system and in the complex treatment of viral diseases. The tea is brewed as follows - for 1 tbsp. spoon of crushed raw materials take 1 liter of boiling water, bring the remedy to a boil again, cover and leave to cool for an hour, and before use filtered. To improve the flavor of the drink add a little honey. Take 1 cup after breakfast and lunch.

Cosmetic applications

The unique chemical composition allows the use of rhodiola and perfume industry, where its essential oil and extracts are added to shampoos, balms, lotions and face creams, and in home cosmetology. For example, it is used to make such remedies:

Rejuvenating lotions for the face

To do this, take 10 grams of crushed rhodiola root per glass of water, bring to a boil, keep on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, cool and strain. The decoction is used to apply lotions to the skin of the face or use it in place of a tonic.

Home tonic for skin care in winter

The above recipe is used to prepare a decoction of rhodiola rosea. Take a fresh apple, cut it into halves, dip it in the Rhodiola decoction and then massage the face with these halves, applying them to the skin on the cut side. Apple juice is mixed with the decoction of rhodiola, providing the skin with vitamins, increasing its tone and giving it elasticity.

Homemade acne tonic

It is prepared on the basis of a decoction of rhodiola rosea, in which a few drops of essential oil of tea tree. Such a tool is recommended to wipe the skin in the morning and evening.

Eye area lotions

This is done by taking 2 tablespoons decoction of the rhodiola rosea root and chamomile flowers. The ready remedy is strained before use. A cotton swab is dipped into the liquid and left in the eye for 15 minutes to get rid of the puffiness. In addition, it is recommended to wash with this remedy to improve the tone of the delicate skin around the eyes.

Remedy for whitening the skin of the face

Take parsley greens, finely chopped, pour boiling water, leave for half an hour. Then mix with a decoction of Rhodiola rosea (in equal proportions), strain and rub the skin with this lotion 2-3 times a day. It is believed that this lotion also helps against freckles.

In addition, a whitening lotion is also prepared on the basis of cucumber juice mixed with a decoction of Rhodiola rosea (also in equal proportions).

To make your locks healthy and shiny, it is recommended to add 5 drops of rhodiola root tincture to a regular portion of shampoo, which is used in daily shampooing.

To prevent hair loss, it is recommended to make lotions based on freshly squeezed grape juice and an alcoholic tincture of rhodiola root. To do this, take 10 drops of tincture per glass of juice (no more is needed so as not to dry out the skin) and rub this remedy into the hair roots and scalp half an hour before washing. After that, a polyethylene shower cap is put on the head, and the top is wrapped with a terry towel.

Contraindications for use

Although rhodiola rosea is considered a low-toxic plant, in some cases it is still contraindicated. This applies primarily to situations such as hypertensive crises, fevers or variously occurring convulsions. Rhodiola has a stimulating action on the central nervous system, and this can only worsen the situation.

At the same time about the possibility of using products based on Rhodiola rosea during pregnancy and lactation among doctors there is no consensus. A number of experts believe that during pregnancy, such drugs should be abandoned. But some therapists believe that in anemia caused by pregnancy, it would be worthwhile to use rhodiola-based products. In any case, it is necessary to consult a doctor before making a final decision.

Interesting Facts

Rhodiola rosea, also called golden root or Altai ginseng, has been used as an adaptogen since the 1970s, when it gradually began to displace eleutherococcus tinctures from this niche. Interestingly, in the Altai, this plant has been known since ancient times for its medicinal properties. It was believed that the one who finds the root of this plant, good luck will accompany him until the end of his days, and he will live very long. The locations of rhodiola were kept secret by the indigenous population, but smugglers still smuggled the valuable raw material to China, where it was in high demand.

Modern science did not discover this plant until the 1960s, when it was first discovered by a Soviet expedition. Rhodiola turned out to be a very valuable plant indeed. But more importantly, it is very rare, it grows slowly, which affects the ability to replenish stocks, and the barbaric destruction in the 1980s and 1990s led to the fact that in some regions rhodiola was included in the Red Book. Scientists are considering laboratory cultivation of the plant's tissues. But the samples obtained in this synthetic way are significantly inferior to their natural counterparts in terms of the content of useful substances. So the best way remains the cultivation of this plant with the observance of the norms of harvesting and time for the recovery of the population.

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