Rhodiola
Rhodiola rosea
1:4 Ethanol/mead Spagryic tincture of dried organic rhodiola rosea roots, with plant salts added.
Planetary ruler: Sun
Note: Mead is made from the fermentation and digestion of honey, it may cause allergic responses in those with bee product allergies…. Though it does bring out the rosey flavour a little more.
 
Physical properties*:
A strong anti-depressant due to it’s neurochemistry regulating mechanisms, Rhodiola has been shown to inhibit the enzymatic destruction of and activate the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and dopamine. Acetylcholine affects muscle movement, memory, attention, wake/sleep cycles, inflammation and pain response, gut movements and more – a deficiency of it is said to contribute to alzheimers. Norepinephrine aids with intense physical and mental activity in that it increases heart rate and blood pressure (where necessary), enables vigilance and focus, triggers glucose release from energy stores, reduces blood flow to and speed of digestive system and increases blood flow to muscles. Serotonin and dopamine play important roles in wake/sleep cylces, stress response, concentration and focus, but most importantly overall mood – rhodiola root was shown to increase the presence of serotonin in the brain by up to 30%, part of it’s strong anti-depressant qualities. Rhodiola also decreases inflammation in the brain which further contribute to it’s mood elevating and stabilising qualities. The last element of it’s antidepressant qualities come from it’s monoamine oxidise inhibitor (MAOI) property, monoamine oxidise (MAO) breaks down neurotransmitters which can create a lowered mood, with Rhodiola inhibiting the production of MAO, neurotransmitters can accumulate and last longer. Other properties of this plant include: Increased sexual performance; HPA axis regulation; immune system optimisation; enables correct cytokine response to allergens and pathogens; antibacterial; anti-inflammatory; reduces severity of strokes; may protect against Parkinson’s; protects heart health; protects lungs from oxidative stress/damage; and, reduces pain.

*Before purchase please see full disclaimer at bottom of page - statements and products not approved by TGA.

Emotional/Spiritual Properties*:
I write this acknowledging that the past few days many months of intense life-circumstances are pushing me to rest, there is a tiredness and a lowness of mood to go with it. With that said, upon taking Rhodiola I feel noteably resolved, my focus sharpens, and a deep smile flickers inside. This deep inner smile is typical of Sun ruled plants that bring a warmth to one’s being which isn’t hot and stimulating like Mars plants, nor as dynamic a warmth as Jupitarian plants… it is a steady and persistent warmth that spreads like a rosy Rhodiola glow throughout the being. One can think of Rhodiola as a lantern on a dark night, it guides the way to the dawn, through our heavy trials, tribulations and burdening experiences, it infuses us with the capacity to keep going, until we can stand both relieved and triumphant on the other side. Rhodiola is therefore a good medicine for those who can sometimes feel ‘there is no end in sight’, a truly fortifying medicine when one could be on the brink of despair and breakdown. A few hours on from taking the Rhodiola and I can still sense and acknowledge the physical wear and tear of my body, but at the same time I feel assured enough to let go of relentless productivity, respect the need to take it easy, though do so in a way that is meaningful and present rather than mopey, melancholy, jaded and/or infused with woeful narratives. Rhodiola is particularly beneficial for those who are prone to feeling burdened to the point of complaining… it will show them where to conserve and redirect their energy so they are more resourced and thus less likely to complain, whilst also improving their mood directly, also reducing the likelihood of complaining – which in itself can sometimes perpetuate drained feelings.  Whilst chamomile may be the perfect plant ally for manic mothers, Rhodiola may be the perfect ally for fervent fathers.

Cautions/Contraindications:
-Bee product allergies: This spagyric tincture contains some mead which is made from honey.
- Antidepressants and SSRI’s: Ingesting Rhodiola along with antidepressants and SSRI’s may cause serotonin syndrome, including symptoms of restlessness, trembling/shaking, headaches, nausea, dissiness, drowsiness etc.
-Benzodiazepines: Rhodiola may cause extreme drowsiness in combination with benzodiazepines.
-Caffeine: Rhodiola may cause shaking, anxiety, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and insomnia.
-Pregnancy: Not enough information exists to deem Rhodiola safe for those who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding.
-Thyroid: Rhodiola may interact with thyroid medications, causing either lowering or raising of thyroid hormones to uncomfortable levels.
-Anxiety: If one has anxiety that worsens upon consumption of other stimulants, including caffeine, then one should avoid Rhodiola.
-Autoimmune disorders: Rhodiola may exacerbate symptoms of those with auto-immune disorders, use with caution and medical supervision.