Healing properties
It’s been proven that Rhodiola Pink can do a lot of good. It can be useful for people suffering from chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, diabetes, hypertension and other diseases. Below are 10 of its healing properties.
Helps with fatigue
Fatigue is a common reason to see a doctor. There are many sources of fatigue, including anaemia, thyroid disease, depression, to name just a few.
If the exact cause is not found, Rhodiola Pink may be the solution. In 2009, the authors of a study published in Planta Medica concluded that Rhodiola Pink was effective in overcoming fatigue.
Increases physical endurance
Athletes of different levels and categories often look for ways to increase their endurance. Rhodiola pink can be useful in this case as well. In 2009, the authors of a study published in the scientific journal Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine came to the following conclusion
“The combination of Rhodiola Pink and Ginko’s herbal supplements can increase endurance by increasing oxygen consumption and counteracting fatigue. The authors of a study published in 2013 in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research are of the same opinion about Rhodiola Pink’s ability to increase endurance in physical activity.
Reduces anxiety and depression
Millions of people around the world are suffering from symptoms of anxiety and depression. Their occurrence can make a huge difference in life. Consulting a counsellor or psychologist can help, but sometimes it is not enough. Often doctors prescribe medications, but many people are worried about side effects and ask for more natural remedies.
In 2016, a study published in Phytomedicine magazine proved that Rhodiola can be an effective treatment for depression sufferers. In 2015, Dr. Kropli concluded the following in his paper:
“According to the control results, the study group showed a significant decrease in the reported levels of anxiety, stress, anger, nervousness and depression over a 14-day period, as well as a marked improvement in mood overall.
Improves memory
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain impairment that is usually experienced by older people, and dementia is the most common form of the disease. Various types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, usually affect people over 60 years of age.
Less than one per cent of such cases affect people younger than that age. Almost one in ten people aged 80 years and over is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Rhodiola pink can help protect the brain from oxidative damage and can play an important role in the prevention and treatment of dementia.
This vital adaptogen is mentioned in the article The Natural Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease by Dr. Dale Bradesen, a neurologist at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), while other studies also
demonstrated the healing properties of this plant, including the work of Dr. Bei Zhang (2016) and a study in 2015 that included Rodiola pink in the list of promising products of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Lowers blood pressure.
Every fourth adult suffers from high blood pressure. Globally, there are 1 billion people with high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks, congestion and strokes.
High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. Most doctors diagnose hypertension if the systolic blood pressure (upper value) exceeds 140 mmHg and the diastolic blood pressure (lower value) exceeds 90 mmHg, i.e. when the pressure is above 140/90.
In the USA, according to the recommendations of November 2017 from the American Association of Cardiologists and the American Heart Society, the pressure above 130/80 is already considered to be the one to be treated.
In any case, maintaining a normal weight, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and daily physical activity help control blood pressure. When lifestyle changes are not enough, medicines are often necessary. Studies have shown that Rhodiola Pink can also be useful in this case.
Protects the arteries.
Atherosclerosis is a process in which the walls of blood vessels, especially the arteries, are compacted by calcium layering. This is a common phenomenon in the body, which progresses with age.
Atherosclerosis is one of the main causes of heart attacks and strokes. Also, some habits accelerate the aging process, such as smoking or poor nutrition. In 2017, a study published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine proved that Rhodiola Pink protects the arteries from oxidative damage and atherosclerosis.
Helps control blood sugar levels
Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes as it is often called, is a systemic disease that affects millions of people around the world. Diabetics suffer from high blood sugar (glucose) levels.
When glucose rises, it can lead to oxidative damage to blood vessels, nerves and organs such as the kidneys and eyes. Diabetes increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, amputation of the foot and kidney failure.
95% of people with diabetes mellitus have type 2 diabetes and 5% have type 1 diabetes. Type II diabetes is a disease that is mainly caused by an incorrect lifestyle, while type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys the pancreas. Rhodiola can help people with type II diabetes.
In his 2016 study, Dr. Chen, using an experimental animal testing model, proved that Rhodiola Pink increases the effectiveness of the insulin hormone in diabetes.
This is critical for controlling blood sugar levels. In addition, a study published in Frontiers of Pharmacology (2017) showed that the active ingredient Rhodiola pink can help protect insulin-producing pancreatic cells, known as beta cells.
In a 2015 study, Dr. Tao Zheng confirmed the healing properties of Rhodiola pink in the treatment of diabetes, while in 2017 another animal testing study showed a positive effect of Rhodiola pink on blood sugar levels.
However, more human studies are needed. Rhodiola pink should not be used as a substitute for diabetes medications, but as an adjunct for many who wish to improve diabetes control. Diet and physical activity are also very important.
Protects the liver.
The liver is mainly responsible for purifying toxins in the body. Sometimes it stops coping. Eating too fatty foods, unhealthy foods and alcohol can lead to liver damage and have a negative impact on human health.
Medicines such as acetaminophen (paracetamol, tylenol) can also affect the liver if the daily dose is higher than 4g. In fact, acetaminophen as a prescription drug appears in 37% of all liver failure cases.
A 2014 study using an experimental animal test model showed that Rhodiola pink was able to protect the liver from medication damage, and another 2016 study published in the journal BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology proved that salidroside, Rhodiola pink’s active ingredient, can protect the liver from oxidative damage caused by fatty dystrophy.
Comprehensive approach to cancer treatment
Breast, colon and lung cancer are the most common cancers in the world, killing millions of people every year. In total, more than 15 million new cases of cancer have been reported worldwide, belonging to one of these three (and other) cancers.
Cancer prevention is very important and should be a universal goal. After diagnosing cancer, many patients undergo traditional treatment that relies on surgery and chemotherapy. However, others are looking for a comprehensive approach. Rhodiola can play a role in the future.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the most common cause of death from cancer. A mammogram does not prevent cancer, it only diagnoses it at an early stage. Maintaining a normal body weight and eating healthy, predominantly plant-based foods is important for cancer prevention.