This is an adaptogen herb, which means it does what your body needs- if you need energy it will energize you; if you need calming, it will do that. .
It’s very good at fighting stress because it calms the nerves without lowering energy or making you feel sluggish or drowsy. The Vikings used it to give them strength and courage. It is now often used for increasing mental capacity (it can improve learning and memory), stamina, strength, and overall athletic performance, along with shortening recovery time after long workouts and improving sexual function. . . .
Patients who use it say it’s perfect for that ‘fizzy stress’ feeling – when everything is just overwhelming you and you can’t think straight. Taking rhodiola just seems to take the edge off and help you regain the clarity of thought you needed to get things done. Take 200mg once or twice a day, before breakfast and lunch, when you’re under pressure. You can increase to 600mg if you’re really burning the candle at both ends. . . . .
Early studies have also shown that Rhodiola, along with other uses, might be helpful in cases of bladder cancer, and effective in cases of generalized anxiety disorder.