The Rhodiola Revolution: Transform Your Health with the Herbal Breakthrough of the 21st Century

by Richard P. Brown, Patricia L. Gerbarg, Barbara Graham

Previously classified studies from the former Soviet Union reveal the emergence of an herbal superstar, Rhodiola rosea.

From two respected physicians--including the author of Stop Depression Now--comes an authoritative new book that explores the amazing healing powers of Rhodiola rosea. Compelling scientific evidence about this commonly available herbal supplement confirms its ability to help:

-Melt away extra pounds
-Combat fatigue
-Sharpen memory and concentration
-Enhance physical performance
-Strengthen immune function
-Protect against heart disease and cancer

As more people turn to Rhodiola rosea to improve their health and vitality, they will look for a trustworthy, authoritative resource to answer all their questions. The Rhodiola Revolution - by Richard P. Brown, M.D., Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D., with Barbara Graham - is that resource, providing the latest news from the front lines of research as well as clear instructions on using the herb for maximum medicinal effect.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

260 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Katharine Kimbriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a friend, because I've been dealing with serious chronic illness. Turns out Rhodiola rosea (Rr) is the famous "golden root" of antiquity, and it's been used for thousands of years to help people cope with harsh conditions and stress. Rr is an adaptogen, like the various forms of ginseng and ashwagandha. This means it interacts with the body to reduce forms of stress and stress damage. It has been used in arctic regions for literally thousands of years, and has more serious scientific studies in its hip pocket than most herbs.

Rr was actually a classified secret under the Soviet Union. They considered it their secret military weapon in improving soldier stamina, and also protecting against stress, fatigue and short sleep. The USSR also used it for their Olympic contenders. It was not until the USSR broke up that various Russian doctors and scientists began translating classified documents chronicling Rr studies.

Why use Rr? Well, for starters, it has almost no side effects. Occasionally people who are actually ill must start with tiny doses, and build up to standard doses slowly, but unless you are bipolar and your cycles are NOT under control, the herb should be safe for you to try out. I was reading the 2004 edition, so if you have any medical concerns, I'd definitely recommend more research and consulting your doctor about medical interaction. There may be newer studies you need to read.

Rr works for many different problems -- it can increase your energy, it can fight off many of the effects of stress and aging (it is used by those Russian peasants who get up on their roofs and clean them at 95 years of age. These tough old folks also are healthy and still have a sex life. Interested?) It can sharpen memory and fight ADD, ease anxiety and depression, help balanced your hormones, improve sexual function, enhance physical performance (Olympics, soldiers, etc.) and even block fat for lasting weight loss.

It worked for one of the two doctors who wrote this book for a condition I'm dealing with, so I've decided to try it. If it can work as well for me as it did for the doctor, I will consider my time reading this book well spent. Any other health benefits will be lagniappe.

The book does explain the doses the doctors used with their patients, depending on what the patient needed to improve. You can take it in capsules, powdered or as a tea.

I found this a fairly quick read, even going straight through the book.

[Cat Doench · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book on the benefits of the herb Rhodiola Rosea. I look even more forward to working with this herb. I definitely don’t agree with some of the diet advice in here, especially that seed oils are good for you. Some of this information is definitely outdated, but the information on Rhodiola is what I cared about the most. I’m excited to try out the supplement SAM- e mentioned in this book as well. That same supplement was also mentioned in The Mood Cure for depression, so now I feel I have to try it!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this text and learning about rhodiola rosea. My boyfriend recently introduced me to the herb, saying that it literally saved him from his depression. This book backs up those claims and I was floored to learn of all of rhodiola’s wonderful benefits. This was written in 2004, however, so I’m sure more studies on the herb have been done since. Despite its age, the book was well written, easy to read, backed by case studies, and extremely informative.

[Sandra Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book explains how Rhodiola helps to fight disease and enhances physical and mental function

[G.G. Galt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. I received it as a gift but was too sick to read it at the time. A relative kept telling me how she swears by it––that her husband asks her if she remembered to take it when she is grouchy or not feeling well. It supposedly makes an immediate difference. Sick again, this time with a low thyroid, I was desperate enough to read it. I’m sold. I began taking it yesterday and hope that it along with my 101 vitamins, will return me to optimal health, Btw, I notice it is now available as an e-book. Also, I found the story the authors told, amazing. She went through hell with Lyme Disease for years and is cured now.

[Sheri Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! excellent information