Rhodiola Rosea: What It Is and How to Take It

Rhodiola rosea is a hardy little plant from some of the coldest places on earth, and a popular herbal supplement in the UK. This guide explains what it is, where it grows, how to read the numbers on a rhodiola label and who should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

What is Rhodiola rosea?

Rhodiola rosea is a succulent perennial in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). It has fleshy blue-green leaves and clusters of small yellow flowers, and it grows from a thick, scaly root. Its common names are roseroot and golden root. "Roseroot" comes from the rose-like scent of the freshly cut root.

Rhodiola is not a vitamin or a mineral, and no health claims are authorised for it in Great Britain.

Where does it grow?

Rhodiola grows in cold, high or northern places: the Arctic, Scandinavia, Siberia, the Alps and other mountain ranges of Europe, Asia and North America. It is also native to the British Isles, where it clings to mountain ledges and sea cliffs, particularly in Scotland, Wales, the north of England and Ireland.

The root has a long history of use in the folk traditions of Scandinavia, Russia and Siberia. Most rhodiola for supplements comes from cultivated or carefully managed wild sources, because slow-growing wild roots can be over-harvested.

Reading a rhodiola label

Root extract

Rhodiola supplements use the root and rhizome. A root extract is made by soaking the dried root in a solvent such as water or ethanol and concentrating what is drawn out.

Salidrosides and rosavins

Rhodiola extracts are standardised to marker compounds so each batch meets the same specification. The two you will see most are:

• Salidroside, found in Rhodiola rosea and several related species.
• Rosavins (rosavin, rosin and rosarin), which are characteristic of Rhodiola rosea in particular.

A 500 mg extract standardised to 3% salidrosides contains 15 mg of salidrosides. The percentage describes the extract; it is not a measure of effect.

Species name

Look for Rhodiola rosea by name. Other Rhodiola species exist and are not interchangeable.

Our Rhodiola capsules

Our Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract 500mg Vegan Capsules contain:

• 500 mg Rhodiola rosea root extract per capsule
• Standardised to 3% salidrosides, which is 15 mg per capsule
• Vegan HPMC capsule, single botanical, no fillers or binders, made in the UK
• Suggested use: 1 to 2 capsules daily, preferably during a meal, with a large glass of water
• Packs of 60, 120 and 180 capsules

Browse other single herbs in our Herbal Singles collection, or read how rhodiola sits alongside ashwagandha, ginseng and reishi in Adaptogens: The Ancient Herbs Explained, From Root to Capsule.

How people take rhodiola

• Follow the serving on your label and do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
• Our label suggests taking it during a meal. Many people take it in the morning or early afternoon as part of a regular routine.
• Check for rhodiola in any blend or stack you already take, so you do not double up.

Who should check with a doctor or pharmacist first

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Rhodiola is not suitable.
• Under 18. Our products are not intended for anyone under 18.
• Medication. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist first if you take antidepressants or other medicines that affect mood, medicines for blood pressure or blood sugar, stimulants, or any other prescription medicine.
• Medical supervision. Speak to your doctor first if you are under medical supervision for any condition.
• Surgery. Tell your surgeon and stop before a planned operation.

Frequently asked questions

Does rhodiola grow in the UK?

Yes. Roseroot is a native British plant of mountain ledges and sea cliffs. Wild plants should be left alone; supplements use commercially grown or managed sources.

What is the difference between salidroside and rosavin?

Both are natural compounds in the root that are used as markers when making an extract to a set specification. Rosavins are more specific to Rhodiola rosea.

Is Rhodiola rosea the same as ginseng?

No. They are unrelated plants. Rhodiola is a stonecrop; Korean ginseng is the root of Panax ginseng.

Is rhodiola vegan?

Yes. Our capsules use plant-derived HPMC shells and are suitable for vegans.

This article is general information and is not medical advice. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.