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Herb Uses R, S, T Herbs
profoundly benefit the human body without dangerous side effects. While the most famous adaptogen is
ginseng, cutting-edge research by top Russian doctors and scientists has shown that Arctic Root can ease more
conditions, including stress, depression, heart disease and cancer .
Rhodiola rosea has been shown to shorten recovery time after prolonged workouts, to increase attention span,
memory, strength, and anti-toxic action. Rhodiola rosea extract increases the level of enzymes, RNA, and
proteins important to muscle recovery after exhaustive exercise. It has also been shown to increase the levels of
beta-endorphin in blood plasma which helps prevent the hormonal changes indicative of stress. This effect has
also been linked to maintaining an increased cardiac output and subsequently having a cardioprotective effect.
Studies using proofreading tests have demonstrated that Rhodiola rosea enhances memorization and
concentration ability over prolonged periods. Finally, Rhodiola has been shown to increase anti-tumor activity
by increasing the body’s resistance to toxins.
In Siberia it is said that "those who drink rhodiola tea regularly will live more than 100 years."
Chinese emperors always looking for the secret to long life and immortality sent expeditions into Siberia to
collect and bring back the plant. Being one of the most popular medicinal herbs of middle Asia, for many years
Rhodiola was illegally trafficked across the Russian border to China In Siberia it was taken regularly especially
during the cold and wet winters to prevent sickness. In Mongolia it was used for the treatment of tuberculosis
and cancer. Formerly regarded as a scarce plant, researchers from Tomsk State University found significant
stands of this valuable herb growing wild in Sibera at elevations of 5000 to 9000 feet above sea level.
Subsequent research has substantiated high live giving biological activity with no toxicity. For the treatment
of depression extracts of rhodiola, namely rosavin and salidroside, in animal studies seem to enhance the
transport of serotonin precursors, tryptophan, and 5-hydroxytryptophan into the brain. Serotonin is a widely
studied brain neurotransmitter chemical that is involved in many functions including, smooth muscle
contraction, temperature regulation, appetite, pain perception, behavior, blood pressure and respiration. When
balanced, it imparts a a sense of contentment and mental ease. Either too much or too little serotonin on the
other hand has been linked to various abnormal mental states such as clinical depression. Thus rhodiola has
been used by Russian scientists alone or in combination with antidepressants to boost one's mental state, a boon
in countries and seasons where one is deprived of adequate sun over prolonged periods of months. This leads to
a condition known as SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder common to Northern European countries.
Rhodiola has also been shown to be effective for cardiac problems caused or aggravated by stress. Its
action for these conditions is in its ability to decrease the amount of catecholamines and corticosteroids released
by the adrenal glands during stress. The abnormal presence of these stress hormones will subsequently raise
blood pressure, cholesterol, potassium levels and increase risk factors for heart disease. Rhodiola has been
found to decrease harmful blood lipids and thus decrease the risk of heart disease. It also decreases the amount
of cyclic-AMP (c-AMP) released into cardiac cells. Cyclic AMP is related to ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the
body's primary energy molecule. C-AMP acts as a 'second messenger' or liaison between the outer and inner
environments of the cell. It assists in the uptake of more intracellular calcium into the heart thus promoting a
greater potential for heart muscle contraction. Rhodiola thus regulates the heart beat and counteracts heart
arrhythmias As an adaptogen, rhodiola both stimulates and protects the immune system by reinstating
homeostasis (metabolic balance) in the body. It also increases natural killer cell (NK) in the stomach and spleen.
This action may be due to its ability to normalize hormones by modulating the release of glucocorticoid into the
body.
Rhodiola has potent antioxidant properties. By limiting the adverse effects of free radical damage, it is
able to combat all the diseases associated with aging. The presence of free radicals is associated with cell
mutagenicity, the immediate cause of cancer. Again, Russian researchers have found that the oral administration
of rhodiola inhibited tumor growth in rats 39 percent and decreased metastasis by 50 percent. It improved
urinary tissue and immunity in patients suffering with bladder cancer. In other experiments with various types
of cancer, including adenocarcinoma (cancer of glandular tissue such as breast cancer) and lung carcinoma, the
use of extracts of rhodiola rosea resulted in significant increased survival rate Like Siberian ginseng,
rhodiola is routinely used by athletes to improve performance. While the mechanism is not completely
understood, rhodiola seems to improve the ratio of muscle-fat and increases hemoglobin and erythrocytes levels
in the blood.
Many other benefits from the use of Rhodiola has been found including its ability to improve hearing,
when applied to the gums to inhibit the progression of pyorrhea, to regulate blood sugar levels for diabetics and
protect the liver from environmental toxin.
Nearly 200 different rhodiola species have been identified. Only 14 have been subjected to biochemical
study and it has been found that the chemical composition and pharmacological activity of rhodiola is definitely
species related. Essentially rhodiola rosea counteracts the effects of stress that ultimately underlies the evolution
of most diseases
Rose (Rosa spp) Honey of Red Rose (Apothecary) was once an official pharmaceutical preparation in the US
for sore mouths and throats. Fill a jar with fresh, dry rose petals and clear honey. Cover and leave in a warm
place for one week then strain the mixture. Sip a teaspoonful of the honey as required. Rose vinegar was used
for headaches, especially those brought on by heat. The leaves are a mild, but seldom used, laxative. In
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