Rhodiola, scientifically known as Rhodiola rosea, is an herb that grows in the cold regions and high altitudes of Europe and Asia.
Its roots are considered adaptogens, which means they help the body resist and adapt to stress when consumed. More recently, it's risen up the ranks as a go-to supplement for anyone who wants to feel calmer naturally.
Dr Chris Etheridge, Medical Herbalist and Chair of the British Herbal Medicine Association, says: "Rhodiola rosea is something of a mental health hero proven to help stave off the big three - anxiety, depression and fatigue."
What are the proven benefits of Rhodiola supplements?
"Rhodiola root extract has been hailed a brain tonic for decades and is traditionally used to fight fatigue, boost energy levels and increase work capacity”, says Etheridge. “It’s believed Rhodiola helps reduce oxidative damage and increase your red blood cell count – leaving your mind and body feeling energised and ready to go!”
He continues, "Clinical studies have shown Rhodiola can reduce anxiety and is particularly helpful for stressed-out folks who need a bit of an energy boost as well as a moment of calm. Rhodiola is known as an adaptogen – a natural substance proven to protect your mind and body from the damaging effects of physical and emotional stress. While, traditionally, many treatments designed to relieve anxiety actually dampen down energy levels, Rhodiola has the opposite effect."
Are there any potential interactions between Rhodiola supplements and prescription medications?
The herbalist reveals, "Rhodiola may affect the way that the liver changes or breaks down some prescription drugs – patients should check with their GP, pharmacist or medical herbalist before taking it. Rhodiola can potentially increase the activity of the immune system, so should be avoided by those taking immunosuppressant drugs (for example, after a transplant or for autoimmune diseases). It's best avoided during pregnancy and during breastfeeding until more research has been carried out."
What should consumers look for when choosing a Rhodiola supplement?
According to Dr Etheridge, "Unfortunately, there are no easy ways to include Rhodiola in your diet," says Etheridge. "It’s an ingredient in its own right and is currently endangered in the wild, meaning that there are supply chain issues that make it hard to access in its purest form. As such, supplements such as capsules, tablets and tinctures are often the easiest way to reap the benefits”.
“It’s important to look for a traditional herbal registration or THR mark on the packaging as this guarantees high quality and purity,” Etheridge concludes.
Shop the best Rhodiola supplements below
Victoria Health Magnolia Rhodiola Complex
The Magnolia Rhodiola Complex from Victoria Health works to alleviate symptoms associated with stress, anxiety and low mood. It does this by combining that all-important Rhodiola Rosea with magnolia extract, which works its magic by reducing cortisol levels without making you drowsy.
These supplements also include Phellodendron, an ancient Chinese herb that elevates mood and improves emotional well-being as well as L-Theanine, which promotes deep muscle relaxation and better sleep quality.
Buy now £28.00, Victoria Health
Kalms Rhodiola
You've almost definitely heard of the Kalms brand before and its Rhodiola supplement comes in the form of a traditional herbal remedy that aims to provide relief from stress-related symptoms.
Each product contains 200mg of extract (as dry extract) from Rhodiola rosea L. rhizome and root, equivalent to 300-1000mg of Rhodiola. It draws its power from the Rhodiola rosea plant, which has been used for centuries to help the body adapt to stress, and is renowned for helping you naturally take the edge off stressful days.
Buy now £9.03, Amazon
WelleCo The Clarity Elixir
The best Rhodiola supplements come boosted with a few extra perks to keep you feeling your best. And WelleCo's The Clarity Elixir is the perfect addition to your working week, containing a mindful mix of Rhodiola, Brahmi and Korean ginseng with added zinc to support cognitive function. This is enhanced with the benefits of pantothenic acid for normal mental performance and B vitamins for energising the metabolism and aiding psychological function.
Buy now £29.00, Cult Beauty
BodyBio Calm
BodyBio Calm is a unique botanical blend that manages the body’s stress response, helping to create a general feeling of calm and focus. As well as Rhodiola, it contains Taurine, an important amino acid that benefits the brain and body by promoting relaxation and happiness, and Phosphatidylserine, which supports healthy cortisol levels to improve stress response.
When these supplements are doing their job, you should feel centred, relaxed, focused and able to do what you need to do. It’s subtle: no tingles, jitters or buzzed feelings.
Buy now £42.29, Healf
Fushi Rhodiola Organic Supplement
Fushi's Rhodiola Organic Supplement is an organic, vegan-friendly dietary add-on that is highly bolstered with all of the good stuff. With 400 mg per capsule, you can expect enhanced mental clarity, reduced mental fatigue and a supported healthy mind when taking these regularly.
All of Fushi's supplements make use of ethically sourced, biodynamically grown ingredients. Ensuring they possess maximum potency, nothing is older than three months when turned into supplement form.
Buy now £18.00, Naturisimo
Holland & Barrett Rhodiola Stress Relief 30 Tablets 200mg
Holland & Barrett's Rhodiola Stress Relief tablets contain 200 mg of Rhodiola rosea root extract and are a budget-friendly choice for temporary relief of symptoms associated with stress, such as fatigue, exhaustion and mild anxiety.
Vegan-friendly, they're renowned for their fast-acting and impressive results, helping to ease stress and promote a sense of calm.
Buy now £12.99, Holland & Barrett
Green Naturals Rhodiola Rosea
Green Naturals' supplement calls on the power of a premium Rhodiola that's both harvested properly and extracted effectively. It is complete with dozens of bioactive compounds, including rosavin and salidroside, working synergistically for maximum benefits.
These easy-to-swallow capsules are entirely vegetarian-friendly and are free of undesirable additives like magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, flavours, colours or similar.
Buy now £28.00, Amazon
Lifetropics Pure Rhodiola Rosea
Lifetropics' Pure Rhodiola Rosea is standardised to contain 3 per cent salidrosides which is the energising compound and comes in plant-based vegetable capsules, which are easier on the digestive system than gelatine capsules.
Each vegetable capsule contains 500mg of Rhodiola Rosea (made up of a mix of the aforementioned salidrosides and rosavin) and is manufactured using an all-natural process.
Buy now £18.95, Amazon
Viridian Nutrition Rhodiola
Viridian Nutrition's Rhodiola is a high-potency supplement that provides 7.5mg of rosavin in every capsule. The Rhodiola rosea extract in this supplement has been standardised to 3 per cent rosavin, 1 per cent salidroside and 40 per cent polyphenols, ensuring an effective dose that's easy to take.
Presented in a vegan capsule, it combines Rhodiola rosea extract with whole Rhodiola root powder in a base of alfalfa, spirulina and bilberry. Overall, this potent supplement delivers the equivalent of 880 mg of rhodiola rosea in every capsule.
Buy now £13.55, Naturisimo
Solgar SFP Rhodiola Root Extract Vegetable Capsules
Rhodiola Root Extract Vegetable Capsules is one of Solgar's premium-quality standardised full potency botanical formulas and each vegetable capsule contains 250 mg Standardised Rhodiola Root Powdered Extract.
The raw herb powder ensures that all of the compounds present in the original herb are also present in the final product to maximise its efficacy - something that not every brand takes as seriously.
Buy now £26.95, Solgar
Verdict
When it comes to the best Rhodiola supplements, Victoria Health's Magnolia Rhodiola Complex stands out as the best option. It combines a powerful blend to combat stress-induced disorders and promote overall balance, enhancing emotional well-being without causing drowsiness.
