Golden Root (Rhodiola rosea)

Golden Root (Rhodiola rosea) is a member of the Crassulaceae family, native to Alpine Regions Of Russia, Central Asia, and Mongolia. Traditionally, its roots, rhizomes, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, stimulant, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, tibetan medicine, and european herbal medicine.

Golden Root (Rhodiola rosea) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Golden Root (Rhodiola rosea) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Golden Root
Scientific Name	Rhodiola rosea
Plant Family	Crassulaceae
Genus	Rhodiola
Species	rosea
Native Range	Alpine Regions Of Russia, Central Asia, Mongolia
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Rhizomes, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Stimulant, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tibetan Medicine, European Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Rhodiola rosea
Common Name: Golden Root
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Roselle, Rhodiola, Rhodiola Rosea
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Rhodiola

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 20 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface reddish-brown and lower surface pale green, exhibiting prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescence composed of dense clusters of small, yellow flowers with five petals, actinomorphic symmetry, and two stamens with yellow anthers.
Stems: Elongated, cylindrical stems with opposite branching, covered in short, glandular hairs, exhibiting a woody texture with a slightly swollen base.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Tibetan Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a warming tonic, for foundational support.
Stimulant: In herbal texts, considered a gentle stimulant, for alertness-focused applications.
Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a moderate anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Sedative: Commonly referenced as a soothing sedative, in calming-focused applications.

Active Compounds

Alkaloid: Organic compounds biosynthesized by plants as part of secondary metabolism.
Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Terpenoid: A large class of naturally occurring compounds derived from isoprene units.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: The use of this herb has been associated with reported contraindications in some situations.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Extract: A preparation involving the separation of plant constituents without alcohol.
Tincture: This method preserves plant compounds using an alcohol-based solution.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in high organic matter soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.