At Upmaļi, we are absolute Roseroot fans – patriots, and a little addicted. We drink it, eat it, enjoy it, and grow it ourselves. We process Roseroot in the teas and tinctures of our brand AnnA Bergmans. Now it’s time to let others experience the feeling of happiness and inner calm that Roseroot can give.

Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea) is a plant of mountains and cold climates. It grows – or once grew – naturally in Siberia, Scandinavia, and in the Himalayan, Altai, and other mountain regions. In many places, wild populations have already been destroyed or plundered. What can you do – everyone wants money, after all. Roseroot is expensive today.

But even in ancient times, Roseroot was highly valued – by Chinese emperors and Tibetan monks, by Vikings, and by the indigenous peoples of Siberia, who still use it today just as they did hundreds of years ago. As a tea, as an infusion – poured over with home-distilled spirits – or very simply: chewed and eaten when energy was needed or to chase away the melancholy of long winters.

Today, these people have to keep their wild stands secret, because the stressed modern world has almost declared Roseroot a panacea. Who wouldn’t want to be smarter, more energetic, leaner, and ultimately happier? That is why more and more scientific studies are being carried out, confirming: yes, it is effective. Yes, it works.

So what traditional medicine and scientific research show:

Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea) …

Roseroot is special because it contains the glycosides salidroside and rosavin. The rosy scent of rosavin can be perceived both in AnnA Bergmans tinctures and in our teas.

The exact amount of these compounds determines how strong the effects of Roseroot are. These substances support the nervous system and mental well-being, help reduce inflammation, increase physical strength, and protect against numerous health issues.

Particularly pleasant is Roseroot’s ability to reduce the release of the stress hormone cortisol while gently increasing levels of the “happiness hormones” dopamine and serotonin.

Studies show that this can reduce restlessness, anxiety, and depressive moods while increasing energy levels. Life becomes noticeably more balanced: mood improves, libido and potency increase, blood pressure and blood sugar levels become easier to regulate, and excess body weight may be reduced.

In addition, cognitive abilities and memory performance improve, making it easier to learn new things and cope with tasks that require mental focus and endurance.

While scientists continue to discover new properties of Roseroot, global demand, prices, and sales of Roseroot products are rising rapidly. This makes it all the more important to know whether the product we buy actually contains true Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea)—or merely one of the much cheaper Rhodiola species that do not contain the valuable, rose-scented rosavin.

Around 70% of Roseroot products traded worldwide are produced in China. That is why it pays to look closely: Where does this expensive Roseroot product come from? Are the last wild populations being exploited? And how trustworthy is the producer?

Our experience

Within our family and circle of friends, everyone has had their own experiences with Roseroot.

For one of us, it was a support from the very beginning—and still is today—in coping with academic pressure, improving athletic performance, and, above all, maintaining joy in life and inner balance. Others in our family use it as a tea—instead of their morning cup of coffee—or as a tincture to reduce fatigue and better control body weight and blood sugar levels. Yes, it works. Physical performance has also improved, and, over time, a calm and positive baseline mood sets in.

However, each person has found their own ideal dosage. Recommendations for daily Roseroot intake vary widely—from around 200 mg (according to European herbal monographs) up to 800 mg per day.

It is very important to find the dosage that is right for you personally. At doses that are too high, or when taken together with serotonin-enhancing medications without medical supervision, a serotonin overload effect can occur (similar to what happens with energy drinks). That was exactly my first experience, which is why people with very low blood pressure should not take more than 200 mg of Roseroot per day.

In the evening, we use our own tincture, “Evening Herbs Complex,” or a relaxing herbal tea. This is the so-called “swing method”: tonifying plants in the morning, calming ones in the evening. Very effective.

During the first week, you usually notice only a slight increase in alertness. Nothing spectacular. You simply keep going. Every morning—16 drops. Others take higher doses, but you shouldn’t do that at the beginning.

Gradually, clear changes began to appear. My mood improved noticeably, and nervousness decreased. I felt much calmer and no longer got upset over small things. Strangely enough, even important matters caused me less stress. Sleep improved.

This is very important, because deep and sufficiently long sleep allows the brain to clear itself of toxins that are, among other things, associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

I felt physically stronger, and in the following weeks I noticed that memory and concentration gradually improved. I could calculate faster and develop plans more easily. Very pleasant.

To feel the effects of Roseroot—especially with regard to the immune system and heart function—it should be taken regularly every morning for a period of 3–4 weeks. This should be followed by a two-week break, after which intake can be resumed for another 3–4 weeks. If at some point you no longer feel like taking it, you should stop. The body knows what it needs.

I would recommend Roseroot to anyone, at least to try it once, in order to understand how pleasant the sensations can be that this plant may evoke. It is no coincidence that Tibetan Buddhist monks use it before meditation.

The effects of Roseroot are still being researched. It is important to know that Roseroot should not be used in cases of severe mental illness or when taking antidepressants. It should also not be taken together with serotonin-enhancing substances—too much of a good thing can be harmful.

Its effects during pregnancy and breastfeeding are not known. Excessive doses can cause restlessness and insomnia in many people.

If existing medical conditions are present (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.), the use of Roseroot should be discussed with the treating physician, ideally one specialized in phytotherapy. The reason is that the active compounds in Roseroot can enhance the effects of medications.

It should also be noted that a pronounced deficiency in B vitamins, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, or magnesium may weaken or limit the effects of Roseroot.

Enjoy it and be happy!

Māra Bergmane

One should always keep in mind that no medication and no dietary supplement can replace a balanced diet.

This material is not intended to diagnose or treat diseases.