Strong immunity is the product of good digestion. One large contributor to our digestive system is how well we balance stress and emotions. Adaptogens are one way we can support our nervous system.
Adaptogens are plants which help the body resist stressors of all kinds, whether physical, chemical, or biological. Research shows adaptogens can combat fatigue, enhance mental performance, ease depression and anxiety, and help you thrive rather than just muddle through.
Rhodiola root (Honɡ Jinɡ Tian) is an herb that grows in the cold, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. It's also known as Golden root or Rose root.
Stress: one study investigated the effects of rhodiola extract in 101 people with life and work-related stress. It found significant improvements in symptoms of stress, such as fatigue, exhaustion, and anxiety, after just three days. These improvements continued throughout the study.
Fatigue: rhodiola had a positive effect on fatigue levels and attention, compared to the placebo, they experienced significant improvements in stress symptoms, fatigue, quality of life, mood and concentration.
Depression: Rhodiola rosea has also been suggested to have antidepressant properties by balancing the neurotransmitters in your brain.
Diabetes: those with diabetes commonly use insulin injections or medications that increase insulin sensitivity to normalise their blood sugar levels. Animal research suggests rhodiola may help improve diabetes control, it has been shown to lower blood sugar in diabetic rats by increasing the number of glucose transporters in the blood. These transporters lower blood sugar by transporting glucose into the cells.
Anti-cancer: test-tube studies have shown that it inhibits the growth of bladder, colon, breast, and Liver cancer cells PMID: 21520297, 27748934, 18800886 & 23073794.
Note: my coffee alternative is Chaga the king of mushrooms. I put 1/2 teaspoon of Chaga and 1/4 teaspoon of rhodiola.
You can also mix into your favourite meal, tonic drink or smoothie pre workout.
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