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 The Lycaeum Forums » Psychedelics & Non Visionary Related » Non Visionary Plants (Moderators: Papyrifera, Noman)Topic:
 Adaptogens: Rhodiola rosea

[whateveryouwantmetobe]

I came across this stuff as there is a new supplement available from my favorite supplement store that is a Rhodiola rosea extract (15% Rosavins).  Anyways the effects look pretty interesting, in particular the part about it helping you the most to cope with times of excess stress.  There's also a bit about the rosavins helping make your BBB more permeant to neurotransmitter precursor molecules.  It also possibly enhances neurotransmitter release.  So I see this and ask, well if it supposedly helps neurotransmitter precursors get into your brain more readily, then why not something else like MDMA?  Or it may synergize with MDMA if it is able to enhance transmitter release?  Or possibly it could help with the comedown?  Well I just got a bottle and will probably try it out tomorrow morning to see what it does by itself...

Does anyone have any experience with rhodiola???

[whateveryouwantmetobe]

Here is some more info:

Altern Med Rev. 2001 Jun;6(3):293-302.
    Rhodiola rosea: a possible plant adaptogen.
    Kelly GS.

    Rhodiola rosea is a popular plant in traditional medical systems in Eastern Europe and Asian with a reputation for stimulating the nervous system, decreasing depression, enhancing work performance, eliminating fatigue, and preventing high altitude sickness. Rhodiola rosea has been categorized as an adaptogen by Russian researchers due to its observed ability to increase resistance to a variety of chemical, biological, and physical stressors. Its claimed benefits include antidepressant, anticancer, cardioprotective, and central nervous system enhancement. Research also indicates great utility in asthenic conditions (decline in work performance, sleep difficulties, poor appetite, irritability, hypertension, headaches, and fatigue) developing subsequent to intense physical or intellectual strain. The adaptogenic, cardiopulmonary protective, and central nervous system activities of Rhodiola rosea have been attributed primarily to its ability to influence levels and activity of monoamines and opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins.

[DrYRHead]

I've came accross this one before, too. It was being toted as a Russian ginsing.

[gorfehttimrek]

I use it regularly.  I stopped using ginseng due to concerns for prostate enlargement linked to long term use.

I find the Rhodiola is actually better at giving me energy than the ginseng was.  I also like how it doesn't make me feel shaky or sweaty.

It is most definately an adaptogen and will give you more energy than ginseng(my opinion).  I've been using it steadily 3 or 4 times a week for about two years.


Kermit

[whateveryouwantmetobe]

Cool yea this brand is supposedly the most concentrated one that's been put to market yet so I guess if anything will work it should.  I took one about 30 minutes ago and am feeling a little wired already, we'll see how the rest of the morning goes.

They suggest to only take it when you are really stressed out though, sort of as a medicine for handling stress or when you need an extra push.  However it is also suggested to not take it every day for long periods of time...

[whateveryouwantmetobe]

Eh false alarm on the wired part, I'm tired again this morning already hah.  Well off to work...

[gorfehttimrek]

I find the results very hard to quantify.  Like you say there is little to no "wired" effect.  I wouldn't even classify it as an upper of any sort.

It just seems at the end of a long day, I feel much more alert and awake when I have taken a Rhodiola in that morning.

It losses its effectiveness if you take it for several days in a row.  Tolerance of some kind I think.  I use it regularly usually on Mondays and Fridays and it seems to work for me.  NOTHING noticeable as an "effect" just a general alertness at the end of a day where I would otherwise be very tired and sleepy.

[Papyrifera]

Sometimes after a long night/bad sleep I've taken one or two Rhodiola capsules. As Kermit says, its not really a stimulant buts seems to improve your energetic level. Synergizes well with yerba mate and maca flour, for post-partying lethargy but does little for my mood.

[whateveryouwantmetobe]

Yea I will be interested to test it as a side-kick to help ease other possibly more harmful substances...

I'm also interested to see if the apparent reduction in cortisol levels helps clear my skin up... I swear just about everything makes me break out these days...

[trylobeet]

I've frequently used it over the years and totally agree with kermit.

a much better alternative to both ginseng and gingko, I think.

in my experience, it synergizes well with buckets of coffee. 

P.S., cos i dont feel like starting a whole new thread about it, anyone aware of any common OTC hepatoprotectors? i need something to "patch up" my liver until i start the interferon.

[ST1R]

IIRC milk thistle.

[trylobeet]

IIRC milk thistle.

silymarin, right?

[ST1R]

Yup. I'm told extracts are easier for the body to absorb.

[xtimrs]

It's funny that one poster theorized that Rhodiola may potetiate MDMA or help the comedown as I've actually tried Rhodiola (in the form of 3% Rosavin powdered extract) with MDxx tablets and I did indeed feel like there may have been a strong synergy. Although, at the same time I was well aware I could have just been imagining this was caused by the Rhodiola as I was on tons of other drugs at the time (lot of health supplements and nootropics). The roll also had a very smooth comedown, lacking a drained, depressed feeling.

I've also used Rhodiola in conjunction with HBW seeds numerous times and it seemed like it really helped to lessen how sleepy HBW made me, causing a more alert, focused trip. Rhodiola also synergizes real well with Kratom in my opinion, making it more energetic but still very relaxing. I also enjoy combining Rhodiola with Piracetam, DMAE, Yerba Mate, Wellbutrin or Coca leaves.

The Rhodiola extract I use is the Chinese variety of Rhodiola and someone on a forum insisted that the Chinese variety is much weaker and less effective than the Russian variety. Dunno if this is true as I've never gotten to try Russian Rhodiola. I'd love to try fresh root but it's so damn expensive while the extracts are so cheap.

[Papyrifera]

This stuff on synergy with MDMA and hawaiian woodrose is interesting and worth exploring more 

[Teotzlcoatl]

This stuff got me over some serious anxiety attacks and depression.

[Papyrifera]

I took a heaping teaspoon of the root powder, for the first time this morning. Maybe it was a little too much, for I felt almost too energized, just a little bit nervous or jittery. It came on subtle but fast, and I still feel energized (but not too stimulated) many hours later. This seems an interesting plant which I will explore more.

[Papyrifera]

Day's two and three on Rhodiola rosea root powder, taken in the morning. I reduced the dose a level teaspoon, to good effect. It definately perks me up, I feel more alert, awake and aware within minutes of taking the powder stirred into a small glass of water. If stirred in properly it isn't too gritty and tastes okay, would be nice in smoothies perhaps. The energization this plant provides seems very long lasting, all day for me I can notice a subtle effect from it. This is a nice plant to work with. I plan to take a 3-4 day break after this, as I have heard a tolerance builds to the plant within four days of taking it.

[whateveryouwantmetobe]

Yea I became tolerant pretty quickly...  First day or two I was like "wow" then nothing......