When stress becomes a constant, your body pays the price – with poor recovery, low energy, poor sleep, and increased inflammation.
That internal pressure builds until even the basics – like training or staying focused – feel harder than they should.
Adaptogens help your body better respond to that pressure. One of the most studied and reliable of these is Rhodiola rosea, a herbal extract that’s been used for centuries to support resilience, mental clarity, and recovery.
What Makes Rhodiola So Useful?
Rhodiola works by supporting the HPA axis: The communication network between your brain and adrenal glands. When you're under physical or emotional stress, this axis gets overwhelmed. Cortisol rises. Inflammation increases. Fatigue kicks in.
Rhodiola helps regulate that stress response, without shutting it down. It improves your ability to stay sharp, calm, and focused when pressure hits.
Key benefits:
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Reduces fatigue and mental fog
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Supports a more stable mood
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Improves cognitive performance under stress
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Helps regulate cortisol and reduce inflammation
Why I Recommend Thorne Rhodiola
Not all herbal supplements are created equal. Thorne’s Rhodiola stands out because it:
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Uses a standardised extract (3% rosavins, 1% salidroside) for consistency and potency
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Is NSF Certified for Sport®, meaning it's batch-tested for quality and contaminants
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Has clinical backing for both cognitive and physical performance under fatigue
This makes it a solid choice for anyone juggling training, work, and life stress – especially if you’ve noticed burnout creeping in.
How to Use It
Take 1 capsule in the morning or early afternoon. It’s best taken away from heavy meals. Avoid taking it at night. Rhodiola is mildly stimulating and may interfere with sleep if taken too late.
This isn’t a “take it once and feel it instantly” supplement. It works best when taken consistently, especially during high-stress weeks or training blocks.
FAQs
Q: How long does Rhodiola take to work?
A: Many people notice a subtle difference in focus and energy within 1–2 weeks. For stress resilience and inflammation support, consistent use over 4–6 weeks is ideal.
Q: Can I take Rhodiola with caffeine or other supplements?
A: Yes — Rhodiola pairs well with caffeine if you're looking to support mental performance, but it’s best to trial it on its own first. As always, start low and monitor how your body responds.
Q: Is Rhodiola calming or energising?
A: It’s classed as a “balancing” adaptogen: Meaning it helps calm a wired nervous system or lift you out of sluggishness. Its effects feel smooth, not jolting.
Article By Sam Roberts | Fitness Director and Head Coach at 5th Element WellnessSam is a holistic coach who helps men and women over 40 reduce inflammation, reclaim energy, and rebuild strength, without extreme diets or burnout training plans. With a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and certifications in Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, Precision Nutrition, and advanced program design, Sam blends evidence-based strategies with real-world coaching that sticks. As Fitness Director at 5th Element Wellness – Australia’s #1 multi award-winning holistic gym – Sam specialises in strength, metabolism, and nervous system recovery. His anti-inflammatory coaching model is built around what actually works for ageing bodies: smarter training, deeper recovery, and a nervous system that can handle what life throws at you. With over a decade of experience, Sam’s focus is simple: Reduce inflammation. Build strength. Future-proof your body. Follow him on Instagram @thesammyroberts. |