Herb. No. 052 · Crassulaceae
Arctic and alpine scree — Siberia, Scandinavia, the Rockies, and high Asia.
Native · Europe · East Asia · North America
Native Also grown
OpenCautionplant
Rhodiola
Rhodiola rosea
Rose-root of the Arctic — an adaptogen for fatigue that can also overstimulate.
The golden root smells of roses when cut. Traditional Siberian and Scandinavian use is for cold, work, and altitude. Modern extracts vary. Some people sleep worse. Prefer cultivated root; wild alpine harvest is a problem.
Flavor
Rosewater, astringent tannin, and a cold-earth bitterness.
Parts used
Root
In favor
- Clear traditional record
- Can be pot-grown in cold climates
Against
- Can jitter or insomnia
- Wild overharvest
- Bipolar caution