A Powerful Adaptogen for Your Brain and Immunity

The brain and gut axis has been a hot topic lately. Did you know that the gut channels 90% of information to the brain while only 10% of information goes from the brain to the gut? This means your brain health is significantly affected by your gut health, and vice versa. Many people use anti-psychotic drugs for their mental health challenges, but these drugs can also damage your gut health besides a long list of side effects. This is because most neurotransmitters are produced in the gut, not in your brain. The body is a living matrix, and each organ’s coherent state is achieved by balance and homeostasis.

I am going to talk about a remarkable herb for your brain and immunity.

Rhodiola Rosea is traditionally used in Chinese medicine and Scandinavian culture. It is known as 'Hong Jing Tian' in Chinese and it is known to replenish Chi (Qi), clear the lungs, nourish the heart, fortify the spleen, boost mental acuity, and has calming effects on the central nervous system. It is often recommended as a herbal supplement for those who suffer from general weakness and adrenal exhaustion. The plant itself also has petal-shaped radiating leaves that form a similar pattern to a rose flower. The pleasant floral scent that Rhodiola comes from a volatile oil that gives it a unique fragrance and flavor. The rosy pink-colored tea also tastes like rose petals. Rhodiola is a tonic herb native to the cold harsh climates of Siberia, Tibet, and the Northeast. Indigenous cultures of Siberia were known to secretly guard Rhodiola's harvesting and preparation techniques, and are shared only among family members. Rhodiola Rosea is known by several different names such as “arctic root”, “roseroot”, and “roseworth” due to its long history dating back thousands of years. 

A Powerful Adaptogen

Rhodiola Rosea is a natural adaptogen, which can increase resistance to biological, chemical, emotional, and physical stress. The compounds in this herb are considered adaptogenic, which means that they can help mediate our hormonal and metabolic states. In other words, it helps in providing relief from depression and chronic stress. Research suggests that Rhodiola Rosea can affect numerous aspects of cognitive health, including improving memory and concentration. This means that it can affect the decision-making process, and reduce irritability and stress.

Rhodiola increases the epinephrine and norepinephrine availability in the system. By raising the levels of neurotransmitters associated with energy, it improves neuron connections, enhances cognitive abilities, reduces fatigue, and lifts mood.

Several active components give Rhodiola Rosea amazing healing properties. For example, Salidroside is a glycoside of Tyrosol, which is considered to be the primary bioactive ingredient of Rhodiola Rosea. Salidroside and Rosavin compounds are most relevant for cognitive enhancement and mental performance.

Promotes Weight Loss

Rhodiola Rosea speeds up the fat-burning cells in your body, it has been directly linked with increasing metabolism and stimulating better circulation of blood and oxygen within the body. When your organs receive more oxygen, they function more efficiently, particularly muscles, and nerve cells. Rhodiola Rosea benefits weight loss and fat burning by stimulating specific enzymes. When these enzymes are more present in the body, ATP releases from the Mitochondria, which are the energy-producing power plants of our cells. It also enables enhanced uptake of glucose and fatty acids into our muscle cells. The entire process improves fat burning and metabolism and boosts cellular efficiency.

Strengthens Muscles and Speed Up Muscle Recovery

This herb also has the ability to increase red blood cell (RBC) counts. It performs this task by stimulating EPO (erythropoietin). EPO is a hormone produced by our kidneys that promotes the formation of red blood cells. Our muscles can function at peak performance by improving oxygen and nutrient flow. This allows you to exercise more often, and stimulate more muscle growth overall. Rhodiola prevents the negative effects of the stress hormone cortisol, which leads to better muscle growth and post-workout recovery. Plus, it stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate (CP) and boosts the energy needed for accelerated training.

Heart Health and Immunity

Research has shown that Rhodiola Rosea can regulate the heartbeat, eliminate heart arrhythmias, and prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. This herb can also stimulate the production of immune cells, which improves the immune response and establishes homeostasis within the body.

How to Take Rhodiola?

Rhodiola extracts, capsules, or herbal formulations are available from a variety of sources. 200mg is considered to be the standard dosage. If you’re taking this supplement above the moderate dosage, side effects may include allergy, increased libido, chest pains, insomnia, and increased blood pressure.

Dried Rhodiola root pieces or powder can be used to make tea or tinctures. To extract the beneficial compounds in the root you do need to simmer it in hot water for at least 20-30 minutes or soak it in an alcohol menstruum for 2 weeks or longer if you are making a tincture out of it. 

I hope you enjoy the information, for more information on holistic health and natural remedies, please visit https://optimalhealthsolutions.ca.