Taking Rhodiola Rosea for More Than a Month? Beware…

Health experts all over the world are recommending Rhodiola Rosea to address variety of issues, ranging from mood enhancers, stress and anxiety reducers to assisting weight loss. While this perennial flowering plant from Crassulaceae family gains popularity, we look at why do not take rhodiola for more than one month.

Commonly known as rose root, Arctic root, golden root, orpin rose, king’s crown, this plant grows in cold regions of the world. Containing over 140 chemical compounds like rosavin, rosarin, organic acids, rosin, terpenoids, and phenolcarbonic acids, the root is recommended for energy, weight loss, and focus.

Experts claim that Rhodiola Rosea is completely natural and has no side effects. However, consuming Rhodiola over a long period builds up a tolerance to the bio active effects and leads an individual to increase dosage significantly.

The dosage of Rhodiola, which varies from 50 mg to 200 mg, influences the severity of side effects. While people taking low doses might not notice any side effects, people taking high doses over a prlonged period may experience adverse reactions and side effects:

High doses or prolonged use of Rhodiola has certain side effects, some of which are listed below:

Changes in Blood Pressure: Some people have noticed changes in blood pressure after consuming the supplement. If you have a history of blood pressure changes, it is recommended not to take Rhodiola Rosea for a long time and to monitor your blood pressure regularly.

Dizziness: Moderate and/or high doses of Rhodiola can cause dizziness. If you start feeling dizzier, consider discontinuing the supplement or lowering your dose.

Dry mouth: If your mouth feels parched and drinking water doesn’t help, this may be a result of Rhodiola.

Hyper-salivation: Opposite to dry mouth, some people experiences excess saliva production while taking Rhodiola.

Heart palpitations: When combined with a stimulatory agent like caffeine, people using Rhodiola supplement may experience sensations of rapid, fluttering heart beats.

Rapid heartbeat: Some people also notice rapid heartbeats when they take Rhodiola at high doses or combine it with any stimulatory agents or medicines.

Headaches: Higher doses of Rhodiola and other interactions can aggravate excess stimulation, causing headaches.

Nausea: Some people might feel nauseous when taking Rhodiola. Consider taking Rhodiola without food in the morning and/ or cutting its dosage if you experience nausea.

Libido changes: Some people experience significant increases in sexual stamina, interest, and performance for Rhodiola.

Insomnia: Taking Rhodiola boosts mental and physical energy. However the activating effect of the supplement may cause insomnia.

Agitation: High doses of Rhodiola may cause nervous excitement and agitation. Rhodiola is known to make it difficult for a person to concentrate owing to its stimulatory effect.

Irritability: Some people can become increasingly irritable, especially when they take higher doses of Rhodiola.

If you are taking any other drugs and/or supplements, it might interact with Rhodiola and cause side effects. For example, if you take Rhodiola with a monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressant, you might experience serotonin syndrome, or abnormally high serotonin levels.