Overview

Rhodiola is a plant called Rhodiola rosea. The root of rhodiola is used to make dietary supplements, such as tablets or capsules. People take rhodiola for many reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, and too much saliva. Before taking rhodiola, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is rhodiola used for?

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is used for many reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons for using rhodiola include the following.

• For symptoms of anxiety or depression
• To help manage stress
• To improve athletic performance
• To improve memory and thinking skills
• To increase energy levels

Note: The FDA has not reviewed rhodiola for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does rhodiola work (mechanism of action)?

Rhodiola is a plant called Rhodiola rosea. Dietary supplements that contain rhodiola are made from the root (rhizome) of the plant. Since rhodiola grows in colder regions and at high altitudes, it is sometimes called arctic root or Siberian rhodiola.

Rhodiola root contains a chemical called salidroside that is thought to have effects in the brain. It is also thought to act as an adaptogen, which is a substance that helps the body respond to stressful changes in its environment. This has led to interest in using rhodiola root extract to help manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression and boost energy levels, memory, and thinking skills. But research on rhodiola is limited, and it is not clear if or how it may work for any of these uses.

Herbal products, such as rhodiola, naturally contain many chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific rhodiola product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store rhodiola?

You should store rhodiola according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of rhodiola?

The most common side effects of rhodiola are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Dizziness
• Too much or too little saliva

There may be other side effects of rhodiola that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of rhodiola?

While less common, the most serious side effects of rhodiola are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Rhodiola may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking rhodiola and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use rhodiola?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take rhodiola.

• Arctic root
• Hong jing tian
• Rhodiola
• Rhodiola rosea
• Rose root
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific rhodiola products they stock.

What should I know about rhodiola before using it?

Rhodiola is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep rhodiola out of the reach of children.

Rhodiola may affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how rhodiola affects you.

Some people use rhodiola for depression. If you have symptoms of depression, do not try to treat these symptoms on your own. Talk to your health care provider about your treatment options.

Herbal products, such as rhodiola, naturally contain many chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific rhodiola product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested rhodiola products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using rhodiola?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if rhodiola is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how rhodiola could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if rhodiola passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does rhodiola interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between rhodiola and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect rhodiola, but drinking alcohol while taking rhodiola may increase your risk for dizziness.

Does rhodiola interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between rhodiola and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with rhodiola is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking rhodiola with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much rhodiola?

If you or someone else has used too much rhodiola, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take rhodiola safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.