Rhodiola Rosea and Anti-aging

Adaptogens

One of the most exciting therapies in the field of anti-aging involves adaptogens.

Though adaptogens were not given their name until 1947, by the Russian scientist Dr. Nicolai Lazarev, the substance has been used for thousands of years in China and Russia. Nowadays we know that adaptogens are herbal substances that helps adjust the body's response, on the cellular level, to various stresses put upon it. This regulates many of the body's systems, including the immune system, nervous system, endocrine system, cardiovascular system and mental functions. Studies have shown that adaptogens can increase mental clarity and physical energy, enhanced immunity and resistance to disease, and reduced recovery time after exercise. Other reported effects are an improved metabolism and more restful sleep. Over recent years, hundreds of experimental and clinical studies on adaptogens have been done - most of them in Russia and Germany. Most of these studies have shown the outstanding stress-protective and immune system enhancing capacities of adaptogens.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea, also known as Arctic Root or Golden Root, is a plant that is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, Asia and the Arctic region. It grows in dry, cold areas and has been a staple in the diets of many Eastern European and Scandinavian countries for centuries. Traditionally, the plant was given to betrothed Siberian couples to ensure the birth of many healthy children.

Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb. Siberian Rhodiola rosea extract has also shown to reduce and/or prevent stress-induced cardiac damage, decrease myocardial catecholamines and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. It also reduces adrenal catecholamine release, and can prevent heart arrhythmia. Siberian Rhodiola rosea is also capable of improving thyroid function without the side affects of hyperthyroidism.

During periods of exercise or intense athletic training, Siberian Rhodiola rosea has been shown to improve glycogen (the muscle fuel) production and therefore increase muscle power and energy. This also help to stave off fatigue during intense activity.

It boosts the breakdown of fat cells and so can actually help the body burn fat better and help with weight reduction and improved metabolism.

Real Siberian Rhodiola rosea root extract must contain rosiridin, rosavins and salidroside in ratios approximately 3:1:1 that reflect the phytochemistry of the natural plant. For example, the extract of Siberian Rhodiola rosea root should contain minimum 3% rosavins, 1% rosiridins and 1% salidroside.

Caution

Currently, there are no known drugs or herbal interactions associated with Rhodiola; however, research is still being done on the product, especially here in the West. One should not take Rhodiola while pregnant or breast-feeding as the risks to pregnant women and nursing mothers have not been studied enough to know for certain if there is a potential hazardous interaction. Because Rhodiola is a stimulant, individuals with manic-depression (bipolar disorder) should not take this product. Irritability and insomnia are two of the more common side effects of Rhodiola. They are usually seen when more than 1,500 mg of the herbal is taken a day.

Black Cohosh for Menopause

The Natural Secrets of Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is also known as Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Bugwort, and Squawroot. This plant is native to shady woodlands in the United States and Canada. It is easily recognized from its rich green leaves, and tall flowering stems, which are covered with white blossoms. It is also known for its unpleasant scent. Its root is almost black and thick and knotted. Through the ages, the Native Americans and Aborigines were fond of using as a comforting brew for rheumatism, reducing inflammation of painful joints, improving circulation and relieving pain. Black cohosh contains vitamins A and B5, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, lipids and resin.

How Black Cohosh Works

Studies have led scientists to believe that Black Cohosh works on two levels. Firstly, it comes from a family of plants well known for their ability to deaden pain, so Black Cohosh acts as a painkiller. Beyond this, Black Cohosh contains a collection of steroid like compounds that are thought to be at the root of its anti-inflammatory activity. These compounds are believed to act locally (applied) and generally (taken internally) to reduce joint inflammation.

Black Cohosh has been found to contain chemicals that affect the female reproductive tract, two noted examples being formononetin and cimicifugoside. Formononetin, an isoflavonoid, has been shown to stimulate the production of estrogen and to have an anti-cancer activity. Formononetin has also been shown to be a fungicide. The presence of this anti-fungal agent can improve and prevent symptoms of Candid Albicans (thrush).


Black Cohosh and Menopause

Black Cohosh can also help to ease the passage into menopause. The herb has weak estrogenic effects which help reduce the number, severity and frequency of hot flushes and night sweats as well as warding off insomnia, mood swings, nervousness, irritability, heart palpitations and headaches. Many practitioners would recommend the short term use - up to six months- of black cohosh as a natural alternative to HRT.

Most studies of black cohosh have used the extract known as Remifemin, which is standardized to contain 1 mg of terpene glycosides per 20-mg tablet. The most commonly used dosage of Remifemin is two 20-mg tablets twice daily. Maximum effect usually occurs in four to eight weeks.

It is interesting to note that another compound found in Black Cohosh, cimicifugin, has been found to reduce blood pressure. As well as this, cimicifugin has been shown to increase coronary circulation to the heart, which may make Black Cohosh of interest to women who have already developed heart disease.

* Applications; the rootstock should be collected in the fall, after the leaves have died down and the fruit has appeared. Decoction: boil 2-tsp. rootstock in 1 pint of water. Take 2 to 3 tbsp. 6 times a day, cold.

* Fluid extract: a dose is from 5-30 drops in liquid daily.

* Tincture: made by half-filling a pint or quart bottle with the powdered root, adding diluted alcohol (not rubbing alcohol) or whisky until the bottle is full, and agitating once or twice a day for two weeks. Doses range from 1-30 drops in a tsp. of water.

Black cohosh can be purchased in capsule form and the recommended dosage is 1 capsule, 3 times daily.

Caution; excessive intake of Black cohosh can cause nausea, vomiting and vertigo.