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Rose root – the Viking botanical of strength and endurance


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Beautiful Botanicals by Joanne Howdle

Rhodiola rosea also known as rose root or artic root
Rhodiola rosea also known as rose root or artic root

The genus Rhodiola consists of over 200 species and is part of the Crassulacea family of succulent plants. The genus comprises at least 20 species used in the traditional medicine of China, India, Russia and Scandinavia.

These species have a long and enduring history as a herbal adaptogen because of their outstanding stress-protective and immune boosting qualities. The best-known species is Rhodiola rosea, commonly known as the ‘rose root’ – literally because the wooded root of the botanical is rose-scented.

This hardy perennial is typically found growing in the crevices of mountain rocks and on sea cliffs. The rose root grows in cold regions, including the Arctic and Siberia, and the coastal regions of Northern Asia, Northern Europe, North America and the British Isles.

The botanical can grow up to 35-40 centimetres in height and has several stems growing from the same root. Rose root leaves are alternate and stalkless and its flowers are usually dioecious.

The small yellowish white to greenish-yellow-coloured flowers of the rose root, which can have red or copper tips, bloom from July to August.

The high concentration of organic compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and quinones contained within the root of the botanical have been prized by diverse cultures throughout the ages. This is because they can be dried, powdered and made into a beneficial medicinal tea.

The medicinal properties of the wooded root of Rhodiola rosea are first recorded in the five-volume encyclopaedia De materia medica – On Medical Material written by the Ancient Greek botanist, pharmacologist and physician Pedanius Dioscorides (circa 40 AD – circa 90 AD), who recommended rose root tea as a treatment for anxiety, depression and stress.

The Emperors of Ancient China used to send expeditions to bring back the rose root for use in medicinal preparations to treat stress. In Siberia, rose root tea is an antidote to the depression-inducing weather and given to newlyweds to ensure fertility and the birth of healthy children. In fact, the recipe for rose root tea is a closely guarded secret among Siberian families.

In Mongolia, rose root tea is a longstanding folk remedy used for generations to treat colds and flu, tuberculosis and cancer. Rose root tea is also part of the Chinese and Russian Olympic Teams diet – they use the botanical as a safe and legal energy enhancer to maximise their potential at the Olympic Games.

According to legend, the Vikings who from the mid-9th century AD, settled in Caithness and much of northern and western Scotland, northern England and western Ireland, harvested Rhodiola rosea from the rocky cliffs around the coast of the British Isles. They allegedly used the wooded root of the botanical to make a tea to increase their energy levels and give them strength and endurance.

The Vikings needed strength and endurance especially during the summer months when, having planted their crops on their farms, they sailed off in their longships on raiding, trading and fishing expeditions and to colonise new lands.

The young succulent leaves and shoots of the rose root can be cooked or eaten raw; they have a slightly bitter taste. The leaves of the rose root can also be made into a sauerkraut, whilst the stems of the botanical can be steamed or cooked like asparagus.

The wooded root of the plant can be mixed with one tablespoon of honey and two cups of boiling water to make a refreshing herbal tea. In gin manufacture the wooded root of Rhodiola rosea adds a delicate floral note to the spirit.

Joanne Howdle.
Joanne Howdle.
  • Joanne Howdle is interpretation and engagement manager at the multi-award-winning Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd.

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