Rhodiola Rosea Boasts Healing Properties

Rhodiola Rosea Boasts Healing Properties CROPS Miscellaneous Once obscure Rhodiola rosea is gaining global attention for its purported health benefits A member of the Stonecrop family Rhodiola is related to sedum and other succulents This golden flowering plant might seem more at home in Siberia than in Vermont but it’s native to both regions Nicknamed “Arctic root ” “roseroot ” and “golden root ” it thrives throughout cold mountainous areas as it’s resistant to extreme drought and cold spells While roseroot maxes out around 16 in tall it forms a thick rootstock that smells like roses when you cut it In these drab landscapes it stands out with yellow red-rimmed petals It’ll thrive within alkaline soil exposed to freezing temperatures and minimal rain According to historical records Rhodiola has been used medicinally since the first century though it became especially popular among the Vikings In Alaska the root remains a traditional food source High levels of vitamin C and phenolic compounds have contributed to its classification as an adaptogen a natural substance that helps the body respond to stress Today it’s used as an herbal supplement for anxiety altitude sickness and improved cognitive performance Two of the compounds within the plant—rosavin and rosarin—may improve brain function and physical endurance Some take it to reduce fatigue related to prolonged chronic stress Peer-reviewed research is limited but shows promise For example one study of 50 adults who took 400 milligrams of Rhodiola daily for 12 weeks noted improvements in mental speed and capacity during cognitive performance tests The plant is considered safe when taken as directed around 400 mg per day though its potential side effects of lowering blood sugar and blood pressure may be dangerous for some users Unfortunately growing demand for roseroot has threatened the plant Most of the medicinal supply comes from wild harvesting leading to scarcity environmental degradation and illegal harvesting in protected areas You can grow Rhodiola at home by surface sowing it into well-drained sandy loam within a greenhouse in the spring The seeds should germinate in 3 weeks Once they get strong enough to transplant place them in individual pots and grow them in a greenhouse for their first winter Plant the seedlings outside in the early summer of the following year Sunny spots work best and the plant makes an excellent ground cover Once established the plants make for a low-maintenance and drought-resistant ground cover that’s sure to attract attention

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