This is not an entheogen but it sounds very interesting. I'm not taking it at the moment but I do have a few small plants growing. It may be too warm for it where I am. Rosea is said to be an adaptogen that is supposed to stimulate the immune system and bring the body back into balance. It also is supposed to have antioxidant properties. Here is a link for more info
http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/rhodrosroot.html (http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/rhodrosroot.html)
It's a very interesting herb, my question though isn't how to grow it but how to ingest it effectively and palatably. I've found the tea to be rather astrigent and it has brought me close to having to pull over on the way to work in order to vomit when I had a strong cup on an empty gut. Any idea how to produce the most effective extracts of this herb?
Jacko, I have no idea about that. I should think adding some honey to it would help. What benefits have you noticed from using this herb?
I occasionally enjoy a decoction of the root as a pick-me-up after or instead of my morning dose of caffeine. I've found that, as Jacko suggests, it is quite astringent, and should really be taken on a non-empty stomach. The taste and bitterness is not too bad if you a) don't brew it TOO long (10 minutes at most works for me) and b) brew it in a larger volume of water along with another herb (I use green rooibos).
Nice non-speedy pick-me-up, for me it's on the same magnitude of some celastrus paniculatis seed oil. For an all-nighter, it's quite good when alternated with a caffinated beverage. A strong cup will keep you awake, if you take too late in the day. The astringency makes me thirsty. When paired with caffeine, I'm constantly drinking and peeing.
Jacko, I think I remember reading somewhere that a ethanol tincture is effective--- can't remember where I read it, tho. I've also seen places online where you can purchase an extract in tablet form. But I don't know how or if either a tincture or pills are effective.
Slight pick me up effects, certainly nothing compared to the 3 cups or so of strong coffee I usually drink by 9:30 each morning but still something there. Also reputed to be a good anti-oxidant, some proported cognitive function enhancement, nothing entheogenic that I've heard about. I've had interest in this primarily as an energy and focus booster with some bonus tonic activity at a reasonable price compared with Reishi. The astringency is what's gotten me off of using the tea on a regular basis, and a good heaping addtion of rooibos helped with the flavor more than any sweetener, though rooibos is a little pricey even if it does have some beneficial qualities on it's own.
I take rhodiola daily, but I do buy a supplement (from New Chapter, but Gaia Herbs is good, too). It is a great adaptogen, it makes a stressfull day at work or commute much more enjoyable. I grow it as well, but have not yet harvested. I really only grow it to balance my ingestion, but of you are into extracts I suggest a tincture- basic alcohol extration then take a dropper first thing in the morning before work. When my boss is yelling at me I smile inside and think, "hee, hee, this stuff is great AND legal!"
Or, since the whole herb is so inexpensive, you could make your own extractor tincture with ethanol.
It is like really good strong Ginseng. And has been proven to have better adaptogenic effects and to be something like 30 times less toxic than ginseng. It makes me feel alert yet relaxed. Relaxed because I feel good, not because I'm sedated. Nice stuff :)
I bought some bulk r.r. and plan to cap it and start taking it. Some people say it helps you sleep and some say it is like caffeine. I guess I'll find out.
Uh, where have you heard it helps you sleep?-- I've never heard that one. Rather, I have actually experienced a bit of rhodiola-related insomnia after having a cup when studying after dinner--- finally took a bit of chemical help to get me sleeping well after midnight. Coincidence? I doubt it.
I sure wouldn't want to take it right before bedtime, but your mileage may vary.