Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The Buzz on Rhodiola Rosea [from Issue 2012-10]


Little-Known Herb is a Major Player!

Saturday, September 22nd marked the Autumnal Equinox - the beginning of autumn. From now on we can expect shorter days and dropping temperatures, which for many of us can cause changes in our sleeping patterns, our energy levels and our mood. Sounds gloomy right? It doesn't have to be. Fortunately, there are some herbs out there that can help, and one that is particularly useful at this time of the year is Rhodiola Rosea. Please read on, as we share what we have learned about this "Golden Root," as many generations for thousands of years have prized it as a natural plant remedy for stamina, robust health and longevity.


*When you cut the root of the Rhodiola Rosea it gives off the aroma of a rose - that is why it is called Rhodiola ROSEA!

What is Rhodiola?

Rhodiola Rosea can be found growing in frigid temperatures above 10,000 feet in the high rock altitudes of Altai Mountains of Siberia. This plant has yellow flowers, but it is the root of the Rhodiola Rosea that is prized for its health benefits.

History of Rhodiola

The use of Rhodiola as a medicinal plant can be traced back to 77 A.D. where it was first written about by a Greek doctor. The Vikings used Rhodiola Rosea to increase their endurance and stamina during their journeys. Chinese Emperors would conduct expeditions to bring back the Golden Root from the Siberian Mountains for use in their traditional remedies. The people of Central Asia considered tea brewed from Rhodiola essential to promote health during the cold weather season. Rhodiola Rosea was a prized medicinal herb used throughout parts of Europe and Asia. Since Rhodiola Rosea grew primarily in Siberia, it was so highly valued that it was illegal to trade outside of the borders of the former Soviet Union. The Russians used Rhodiola to survive the harsh Siberian winters.


The Soviet Union began extensive research on how Rhodiola worked after World War II. It was considered TOP SECRET!

The Rhodiola Secret

During the 1950's, researchers outside of the U.S. conducted top secret studies in an attempt to minimize anxiety and stress to obtain a competitive edge in the world. They knew the secret was to find a way to control and balance mood, concentration and focus. They also knew that the greatest competitors in the world had one thing in common: they remain calm, balanced and even-keeled ... even in the most stressful situations. Soldiers, astronauts and Olympians were able to stay strangely cool, calm, and collected even in the most difficult of situations. Uncovered de-classified secret documents reveal that these international researchers were studying a Siberian herb called Rhodiola Rosea. Those studied were more focused, sharp as a tack, with long-lasting stamina and improved performance. Those who knew this secret believed they had a competitive edge on many fronts, so they were reluctant to release it to the world.

We have two events to thank for our knowledge on Rhodiola Rosea-The fall of the Soviet Union and the studies done by Dr. Zakir Ramazanov.


In 1990, when the Soviet Union collapsed suddenly, many classified documents regarding Rhodiola Rosea became available to the Western World. After seeing the results himself and realizing that this discovery could benefit and change the lives of people around the world, who are affected by stress, Doctor Zakir Ramazanov, PhD, left his homeland Russia and is credited for introducing Rhodiola Rosea to the United States. He, himself, had first learned of Rhodiola Rosea from a fellow soldier, whose mother sent him packets of the powdered herb to improve his stamina in war. In his research, Dr. Ramazanov discovered that Rhodiola was used during the Cold War by the Soviet Olympic athletes, the cosmonauts and elite Soviet Military forces. In the late 1990's, Dr. Ramazanov visited BeeAlive at our Valley Cottage offices and shared with us his knowledge and passion for Rhodiola Rosea.

Here are just some of the secrets revealed about Rhodiola Rosea ...

  • Helps increase endurance and stamina
  • Supports the body's response to stress
  • Helps balance mood
  • Promotes mental clarity
  • Promotes healthy sleep
  • Functions as an important adaptogen, increasing the body's resistance to physical, biological, emotional and environmental stress*

What are adaptogens?

Adaptogenic herbs must conform to these standards:

  • They must be non-toxic and cause very few, if any, side effects
  • Produce nonspecific resistance in the body to all types of stressors (physical, chemical and biological)
  • Produce a normalizing influence on the body
An adaptogenic herb, such as Rhodiola Rosea, is able to normalize the body and place the body in proper balance, meaning that they can increase energy if your body is fatigued and also decrease energy if your body is over stimulated. The idea is that a body in balance, on every level, will always perform better than a body out of balance.

Rhodiola for the Inside ...

BeeAlive's Rhodiola Plus was originally introduced as "Bee Happy Plus." We've changed its name and improved upon the original formula to provide our customers with the highest quality Rhodiola Rosea product available in the marketplace. In addition to Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, we've included Eleuthero and Schisandra fruit and seed extracts, which are also used for their invigoration, stamina and adaptogenic benefits, making this a powerhouse herbal combination.


... and the Outside!

We have recently introduced our BeeAlive Spa Essentials line of all-natural skin care products -- delicate formulas that are hand-crafted in small batches, gently infusing the intense nourishing properties of Royal Jelly, Honey, Propolis and Bee Pollen together with the soothing qualities of natural herbs and essential oils. Along with the intensely hydrating benefits of Shea Oil, our Enriching Royal Jelly Creme features Rhodiola, which when topically applied, helps to de-stress the skin for a vibrant appearance.


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