If you’re anything like me you’d rather heal your anxiety without drugs. I always knew drugs weren’t the answer. I knew drugs would just put a bandaid on the problem and in the mean time create even more problems and side effects!
Thankfully there are so many alternative therapies a woman can use to help manage and dissolve anxiety over time. Some of these therapies include herbs and one herb I’d like to talk about today is rhodiola!
Rhodiola is an herb which is also referred to as golden or arctic root, is considered an adaptogenic herb which means that it can help increase your resistance to stress.
It’s been used in Scandinavian and Arctic regions for centuries as a traditional medicine to increase capacity for mental work and to boost strength and vitality.
Rhodiola is a powerful antioxidant, it’s regarded as once of the best natural supplements for depression, it slows heart rate and lowers blood pressure and is now being used more and more for those with anxiety.
In 2007 the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry stated that patients with mild-moderate depression reported fewer symptoms of depression than those who took a placebo.
In 2008 UCLA did a small study of students with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and after 10 weeks students reported significant improvement!
Rhodiola can help those who are sleep deprived become more alert and well functioning. It can also increase energy, stamina and endurance which is often depleted after extended amounts of time dealing with chronic stress and anxiety.
Rhodiola can also help those who are sleep deprived become more alert. This natural tonic also promotes good health, strength, endurance and physical and mental performance and modulates your cortisol production which is often through the roof if you struggle with anxiety.
Cortisol is necessary but too much can suppress the immune system and rhodiola is a mild cortisol modulator.
Have you ever noticed that when you’re stressed you catch colds more often or have a difficult time getting over a cold? When I had chronic anxiety I was sick for almost an entire winter! It was horrible and it just breaks down your energy and nervous system even more.
Rhodiola comes in a variety of forms including a tincture, capsule or tablet form.
Dr. Tieraona Low Dog M.D. refers to rhodiola as one of her favorite herbs for patients with “21st Century Stress.” Who doesn’t suffer from that!?!
She recommends looking for a formulation of rhodiola that contains 2-3% rosavin and .8-1% salidroside and taking it early in the day because it can give you energy and possibly keep you up at night.
Start by taking 100 mg before breakfast for a week then up it to 100 mg before breakfast and then again at lunch.
If you’re looking for alternative treatments for your anxiety rhodiola could be helpful for you. You can try it out for about $15.00 a bottle and you’ve got nothing to loose!
I’d love to hear if you’ve tried rhodiola and if it’s helped you with stress and anxiety, comment below!
xo,
Hannah
Resources:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400399/Rhodiola-for-What-Ails-You.html
http://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/rhodiola.html
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/rhodiola-rosea
