rhodiola Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Combat Fatigue, Reduce Stress & Improve Mood with THIS Arctic Herb

The AHA! Team — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 05:21:24 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – It’s official: “Burnout” – the feeling of being exhausted, frustrated, and overwhelmed in your life – is a real health problem that should not be ignored. So, today, we’ll show you how rhodiola can help – fast! For the first time, the World Health Organization has added “burnout syndrome” to its International Classification of Diseases – and some experts estimate that the condition may affect up to 70 percent of all working people. World Health Organization has added “burnout syndrome” to its International Classification of Diseases But when addressing burnout, Western medicine falls short (to say the least) – offering only limited treatment options and no acknowledged cure. Fortunately, recent studies showcase the potential of the ancient Arctic herb rhodiola to act against stress and burnout. Reduced professional function, feelings of exhaustion, and a negative or cynical attitude toward the job are all indicators of burnout. Chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been properly managed is at the root of burnout – making stress reduction the first order of business in treating the condition. Research has shown that Rhodiola rosea preparations can effectively alleviate various aspects of stress-induced symptoms, offering promising clinical evidence for its benefits in managing burnout and related conditions. Rhodiola rapidly improves symptoms of burnout – including depression and anxiety, study says Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root, has long been valued in traditional Asian and Ayurvedic healing systems for its effects against fatigue, lethargy, anxiety, and depression. But can rhodiola’s therapeutic effects be confirmed by scientific research? It turns out the answer is yes. In an exploratory clinical trial published in Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Treatment, 68 participants were given 400 mg of rhodiola daily in divided amounts for three months. At the beginning of the study, the researchers evaluated the subjects using language and sleep quality tests and the Burnout Screening Scale, which measures levels of sadness, tension, loss of interest, and guilt. The effects of rhodiola were swift and profound. Simply put, people felt better. The team noted that rhodiola boosted psychological well-being, promoted more restful sleep, and caused rapid, significant improvement in all measures of fatigue and burnout – including overall stress levels, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Rhodiola also brought about a distinct improvement in high-level cognition and decision-making, promoting a calm, alert state of mind. The researchers reported that improvements occurred during the first week and continued to increase throughout the study. Calling the results “encouraging,” the team urged further clinical trials of rhodiola. Additional studies confirm that you can naturally reduce your stress symptoms with the help of herbal medicine Human and animal studies alike have shown that rhodiola can improve symptoms of fatigue, enhance physical performance, reduce anxiety, sharpen cognition, and boost mood. In a study published in Phytotherapy Research, 100 participants were given 200 mg of rhodiola extract twice daily for four weeks. The scientists noted that all tests showed “clinically relevant improvements” regarding stress symptoms, disability, functional impairment, and overall therapeutic effect. The participants all reported some measure of relief from their symptoms of burnout and fatigue, and an astonishing 83 percent reported they were either “much improved” or “very much improved.” Fatigue is generally defined as a feeling of tiredness Note: Fatigue is generally defined as a feeling of tiredness – accompanied by lowered energy and motivation – that is not caused by lack of sleep and is not relieved by rest. Remarkably, rhodiola acted quickly – with notable improvement of burnout symptoms occurring within three days. No adverse effects were reported, leading the team to conclude that rhodiola was both safe and effective in improving life-stress symptoms. Herbal medicine proves to have a positive effect on free radicals and inflammation Natural healers have long recognized rhodiola as an adaptogen that helps the body cope with and adapt to physical, psychological, and oxidative stress. Of course, ashwaganda and Siberian ginseng are two other examples of adaptogens. Rhodiola helps to regulate and balance amounts of cortisol (the “stress” hormone) while increasing levels of a stress-resisting protein called Hsp70. In addition, rhodiola extracts contain rosavin and rosarin – a pair of polyphenols unique to rhodiola with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Finally, rhodiola increases the synthesis of ATP – vital to cellular energy – while promoting the activity of mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. How and why should I take Rhodiola? Forward-thinking holistic doctors are increasingly advising rhodiola for adrenal fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, ADD, ADHD, and depression. Rhodiola, which has fat-burning effects, is also sometimes advised to support weight loss and reduce unhealthy abdominal fat. As a supplement, it’s available in tablets and capsule form. Holistic healthcare providers may advise taking 400 mg daily in divided amounts, with 200 mg 15 minutes before breakfast and another 200 mg 15 minutes before lunch. Look for a formulation standardized to at least 3 percent rosavin. For maximum benefit, rhodiola should be taken with black pepper to promote absorption. All of this is generally recognized as safe, but you should first discuss any change to your supplement routine with your doctor to ensure you’re heading in the right direction. Simply put, rhodiola is a remarkable herb that can not only help banish symptoms of burnout but do so without the dangerous side effects and addiction risks that can accompany pharmaceutical anti-anxiety drugs. If you suffer from burnout syndrome, consider enlisting Rhodiola for some much-needed help. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov LifeExtension.com WHO.int NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Ease Chronic Fatigue with 3 Great Ayurvedic Herbs

AHA Publisher — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 08:00:26 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – Over a million people in the United States are currently diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is likely that millions more are battling similar symptoms but don’t meet all the standards for a formal diagnosis. What are the signs of CFS? Well, symptoms – including overwhelming fatigue, confusion, memory loss, joint pain, anxiety, and depression – can be debilitating; in severe cases, careers, marriages, and relationships may be jeopardized. Yet, CFS remains a “mystery” to Western medicine, although – like many health issues – natural health experts believe that environmental toxins like EMF pollution from wireless technology, nutritional deficiencies, and emotional stress play a significant role on energy levels. Conventionally speaking, there is no cure for CFS, but, sadly, these same physicians will often prescribe NSAIDS and antidepressants to help ‘manage’ symptoms – which offer plenty of negative side effects. Unfortunately, studies have demonstrated that when CFS remains undiagnosed for many years, the condition rapidly worsens. How Can Ayurvedic Medicine Help You Overcome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? In Ayurveda, chronic fatigue syndrome – or Bala-kshaya – is believed to be caused by a buildup of toxins, resulting in a disconnect between mind, body, and spirit. Treatment is holistic and includes meditation, diet, massage, breathing techniques, and herbal therapies. Naturally, it’s an intelligent decision to minimize your toxic burden – as a top priority – along with incorporating immune-supportive therapies. Once you remove toxic threats, try a cleansing diet, followed by “panchakarma” – a more extensive detoxification process involving massage oils and herbal therapies. The third stage normally consists of rejuvenating herbal therapy to help restore energy and vitality. Don’t underestimate the value of ashwagandha, rhodiola, and brahmi – three powerful, healing herbs. Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera and also called “Indian ginseng” and “winter cherry,” is a Rasayana – an herb believed to prolong life, combat disease, and protect both body and mind from stress. According to Alakananda Devi, director of the Alandi Ayurvedic Clinic in Boulder, Colorado, ashwagandha restores energy and improves CFS patients’ neurological and muscular functions. It also helps regulate sleep cycles, boosts the immune system, and reduces anxiety and depression. Do CFS Patients Really Need Toxic Antidepressant Medications? In an animal study published in 2000 in Phytomedicine, ashwagandha extracts performed as well as Ativan, a benzodiazepine, to reduce anxiety. Researchers also found that ashwagandha’s antidepressant effect was equal to that of imipramine, a pharmaceutical medication sold under the name Tofranil. Noting that ashwagandha reduced brain levels of tribulin, a chemical marker of anxiety, researchers concluded that the study supported ashwagandha’s use as a mood stabilizer and an anti-anxiety therapy. In an animal study published in 2002 in the Journal of Medicinal Food, ashwagandha, in conjunction with other herbs, restored brain levels of natural antioxidants and measurably reduced the oxidative stress contributing to chronic fatigue. Scientific Studies Continue to Confirm the Effectiveness of Ayurvedic Herbs As useful as ashwagandha is in fighting CFS, it is not the only Rasayana herb that has received scientific attention. Rhodiola Rosea, the root of a plant that grows in Arctic regions, is also used in Ayurveda to restore neurological function, enhance energy, reduce fatigue, alleviate depression and restore natural sleeping patterns. According to NYU Langone Medical Center, rhodiola may help people function better when they are under stress. The medical center cites a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which 56 physicians on overnight duty who were given rhodiola could retain higher levels of mental function than the placebo group. Noted herbal authority, Chris Kilham, points out that extensive clinical studies have confirmed that rhodiola increases strength and stamina while promoting mental clarity. Like ashwagandha, rhodiola combats chronic fatigue syndrome on many levels and does so without serious adverse effects. Yet another Ayurvedic herb alleviates “brain fog,” enhances memory, and lifts mood. Brahmi, scientifically known as Bacopa monnieri and also called Indian pennywort, is prized in Ayurveda as a mental tonic to treat Alzheimer’s disease, age-related cognitive deficits, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers have found that constituents called bacosides have a relaxant effect on veins, allowing for enhanced blood flow and supporting mental clarity, concentration and focus. Are There Any Clinical Studies Supporting Brahmi’s Benefits? Yes. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study published in 2008 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 300 milligrams a day of Bacopa extract were given for six weeks to elderly volunteers. Using a battery of diagnostic tools, including the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, researchers found that those in the Bacopa group had enhanced word recall memory scores. Researchers noted that the group who had taken Bacopa had declining levels of depression and anxiety; in the non-Bacopa group, levels continued to rise. The team noted that Bacopa had the potential for safely enhancing cognitive performance. How Can I Use These Herbs for Chronic Fatigue? Although ashwagandha, rhodiola, and brahmi are generally safe, they can interact with other herbal remedies, prescription medications, and supplements. Naturally, it’s best to consult a trusted doctor before using these herbs to treat chronic fatigue syndrome and follow serving instructions carefully. And, of course, make sure to obtain your herbs from a reputable source. Remember, herbs are only part of the Ayurvedic approach to healing. An Ayurvedic practitioner can recommend simple dietary and lifestyle changes that can speed up your recovery time. Chronic fatigue syndrome can be a frustrating, baffling, and debilitating condition, but you don’t have to let it control your life – or feel compelled to take toxic prescription medications. Many people have found relief with safe, natural Ayurvedic remedies that work to eliminate toxins, bring the body back into balance, and restore good health. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov GlobinMed.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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