Rhodiola

Rhodiola rosea

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Crassulaceae, in the succulent family ^[2]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
•  Native to northern regions of Canada, Scandinavia, and Sibera. Also found in higher elevations such as the Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathian Mountains in Europe. Prefers dry, sandy soil, cool temperatures, and full sun. ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Root ^[1]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Adaptogen 
• Antidepressant 
• Antioxidant
• Antiviral
• Immune system stimulant
• Nervine
• Mild CNS stimulant
• Antiarrhythmic
• Cardioprotective
• Neuroprotective
• Tonic ^[3]
5. Indications:
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Unstable mood
• Desire for enhanced physical endurance
• Stress
• Male and female infertility
• Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
• Anemia of pregnancy
• Clouded/slow mental capacity, memory, productivity (brain fog) ^[3]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Rosavins (rosavin, rosin, rosarin), salidrosides, and flavonoids (rodiolin, rodionin) ^[1]
7. System Affinities:
• Nervous system
• Immune system
• Reproductive system
• Endocrine system ^[3]  
8. Energetics:
• Cooling
• Dry
• Spicy
• Bitter ^[2]
9. Safety:
• Avoid using if you have:
• Mood disorders (bipolar, manic, paranoid)

Can cause insomnia in sensitive people ^[1]

10. Interactions:
• None known  ^[1]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
• The dried root is a pale brown color, and has been ground into uneven, misshapen pieces. It has a sweet, floral smell, but tastes bitter when bitten into.
2. Preparation Method:
• Tincture, 1:4 ratio
• Dose: 40-60 drops TID ^[1]
3. Usage Notes:
• The tincture extremely bitter and drying when it touches the tongue. It is quite dark brown and opaque in color. After using for a week, I felt a decrease in heart palpitations, which could have been related to the Ashwagandha last week, or in addition to. I also felt that my mood was slightly more regulated. 
4.  Ayurvedic Opposites: 

1. Heavy   ⇔   Light
2. Dull    ⇔   Sharp
3. Cold   ⇔   Hot
4. Oily   ⇔   Dry
5. Smooth   ⇔   Rough
6. Dense   ⇔   Porous
7. Soft   ⇔   Hard
8. Static   ⇔   Mobile
9. Cloudy   ⇔   Clear
10. Solid   ⇔   Liquid

Sources:

1. Winston, D. & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress 
Relief. 
Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. pp 191-194.
2. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Adaptogens Powerpoint. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum.
3. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 1 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum.