Witnessed by: TCM · Western
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), of the Crassulaceae family. Low succulent perennial from a thick scaly rootstock, with fleshy grey-green leaves; native range: arctic and alpine regions of Eurasia and North America — the cold sea cliffs and high mountains of the far north. Globally recognized as hong jing tian (红景天) in Chinese, and roseroot, golden root, Arctic root in English. The part used is root and rhizome. A fleshy golden root that, freshly cut or bruised, breathes a sweet rose scent, then turns bitter and astringent on the tongue.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
RHODIOLA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- rhodiola
- Scientific name
- Rhodiola rosea L.
- Family
- Crassulaceae
Form
- Part used
- root and rhizome
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet · bitter
- Western
- bitter · astringent · aromatic (rose-scented)
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral (ping)
- Western
- cool
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Lung · Heart
- Western
- nervous system · adrenals · heart
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- yi qi (tonifies qi), huo xue tong mai (invigorates blood and unblocks the vessels), ping chuan (calms wheezing)
- Western
- adaptogen, nervine tonic, antidepressant, cardiotonic, anti-fatigue
Cautions
Contraindications: bipolar and agitated states, insomnia if taken late in the day; caution in pregnancy
Toxicity: generally well tolerated; overstimulation, irritability and insomnia at high doses
Interactions
- Western
- stimulants: additive stimulation and jitteriness · MAO inhibitors: theoretical potentiation of monoamine activity
This is the card. Sign in for the full four-tradition entry — the aligned TCM · Ayurveda · Western · Unani reading, actions, dosing and cautions.