How One Powerful Herb May Cure Depression

We are always looking for ways to naturally “hack” our bodies and minds. The modern world surrounds us with stressors and reasons to eat unhealthy and even further reasons to skip our workouts. Getting on track can be difficult because the situation of eating poorly and being sedentary tends to become a compounding issue. Once you start to feel down and out, the whole game becomes more enduring to tolerate.

I’m a big fan of natural “adaptogen” herbs. Adaptogens are herbs that make the body, the immune system, stronger. They help us adapt to chemical and physical and even environmental stress. So often, people simply don’t believe these adaptogens can work but are often “wowed” by just how much they do work.

Rhodiola Rosea is one of my favorites. You can read the reviews on Amazon (this is the one I use) and you will see that this herb works for lots of people.

Rhodiola Rosea is also known as Golden Root, Roseroot, Arctic Root, King’s Crown or Aaron’s Rod. It’s a mega-powerful plant. It’s a fragrant plant that grows in cold, treacherous parts of the world, including the Arctic and Russia.

Rhodiola Rosea can help improve your focus and your stamina. It can help support your mood and combat depression.

What does Rhodiola Rosea claim it can do?

Burn belly fat (say what!). Lower cortisol (I already feel chill just hearing that). Improve the brain. Increase focus. Stave off depression.

Why Rhodiola Rosea is awesome and why I use it daily.

When it comes to stress relief, most natural stress relievers typically yield a bit of a sedative effect. This is not the case with Rhodiola Rosea, in fact, Rhodiola Rosea tends to make you feel more “energized” than anything else. When I take it, I immediately begin to feel more clarity and more focus. I typically skip breakfast and opt for just water and Rhodiola Rosea. I’m not sure if the empty stomach helps absorption, but I do know the empty stomach helps my brain work from a fasted state which offers more focus as well. So yes, I am saying intermittent fasting helps to boost the effects of Rhodiola Rosea.

Would eating a high carb breakfast ruin Rhodiola Rosea? I wouldn’t be able to say, but I do think it might dilute the effects for multiple reasons. I’ve never tried it, however. The Rhodiola Rosea, once it sets in, tends to make you feel a bit less hungry.

Rhodiola Rosea and cortisol

Cortisol is our stress hormone and can often serve as a central reason why some people experRhodiola Rosea is said to blunt cortisol levels. I’ve never had my cortisol levels tested, but I will say I think spiked cortisol levels occur during lower carb eating and that may be what causes me to feel anxiety. All the same, it is the very reason I began taking it. And so far, it has helped, though I’ve never had my cortisol levels tested (on and off RR) to prove it. But it is something you might consider if you knowingly struggle with stress hormones, or even suspect that you do.

Any downsides?

Many people seem to suggest cycling the doses. In other words, take for a given period of time and then stop taking it for a given period of time. I’ve been taking it daily for a year and haven’t noticed myself becoming numb to the good benefits. I will admit, however, some days I simply forget to take it before I run out the door.

I also admit, I’m not sure it really “burns belly fat,” but I maintain it makes me feel sharper, more focused, less anxious.

Again, I use This is the one I’ve used. But you can find it at your local store. Just check out the reviews online first (at least I’d suggest such).

Please note, the safety warning:

Not to be used during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs, please consult with your doctor before using this product. Keep away from children. Use only as directed on label. Safety sealed for your protection. Keep bottle capped at all times and store in a cool dry place. Natural separation may occur. This does not affect product quality.

Photo by talaakso