One of the most common questions users ask about Rhodiola is when is the best time to take it.
This article will discuss the optimal times to use Rhodiola, from morning to evening, and special situations that require consideration.
Users can maximize Rhodiola's benefits for optimal health by understanding when to use it.
When is the Best Time to Take Rhodiola Rosea?
Morning is the ideal time to take Rhodiola Rosea because it provides energy and enhances focus for a productive day.
According to the study "Efficacy and tolerability of a Rhodiola rosea extract in adults with physical and cognitive deficiencies," taking 2 capsules after breakfast was more effective than taking 1 capsule after breakfast and 1 capsule after lunch [2].
Rhodiola is known to stimulate the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and boost brain function. Rhodiola also improves memory, concentration, and logical thinking, allowing you to work more effectively.
A study of 101 adults experiencing life stress symptoms who received Rhodiola root extract (200 mg, twice daily) showed significant improvements in stress symptoms, fatigue, quality of life, mood, focus, and cognitive decline [1].
When used in the morning, Rhodiola can help start the day with confidence and energy to face the day's challenges and tasks.
Pre-Workout
Using Rhodiola Rosea before exercise provides significant benefits for physical and mental performance. Rhodiola stimulates increased energy and endurance, improving athletic performance and training efficiency.
Research has shown that combining Rhodiola with Ginkgo can improve endurance performance by increasing oxygen consumption and protecting against fatigue [3].
This herb can help improve your body's endurance, allowing you to exercise longer and more effectively without getting tired too soon.
In addition, Rhodiola can also help boost mental focus and concentration during exercise, helping you focus on your goals and efforts optimally.
The stimulation from Rhodiola can also help boost morale and confidence, making it easier to perform complex exercises or challenge yourself with new goals.
With these benefits, using Rhodiola before exercise can help users maximize their time and energy and achieve optimal training performance.
When You Need to Be Relaxed
Rhodiola also helps improve mood, increasing the production of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters related to feelings of happiness and joy [4]. This will make people feel more optimistic about life.
Additionally, Rhodiola acts as an adaptogen, helping the body fight stress and fatigue and improve work performance. It helps regulate cortisol, the stress hormone, helping you feel calmer and more relaxed [4].
Rhodiola can help improve mood and boost optimism. Relaxation is an important part of the relaxation process, and Rhodiola can help you achieve it.
Should You Take Rhodiola Before Bed?
While Rhodiola can help reduce stress and may help you sleep better, it can also make it difficult to fall asleep if taken too close to bedtime.
Rhodiola should be taken early in the day because it can interfere with sleep or cause vivid dreams (not nightmares) for the first few weeks of use [5].
Timing to Take Rhodiola for Special Conditions
While Rhodiola can generally be taken in the morning, there are recommendations for specific conditions depending on the desired effect:
Chronic Fatigue: Rhodiola capsules can be taken twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. According to studies reporting positive effects on mental fatigue, the recommended dosage is 100–576 mg/day [6].
Anxiety, Stress, and Depression: A small study of 89 people who used Rhodiola for 42 days showed benefits in managing mild to moderate depression [7]. Studies generally indicate taking Rhodiola in the morning [8].
Athletic Performance: For athletic activity, to increase endurance and reduce muscle soreness, Rhodiola can be taken 30 minutes before exercise.
According to a study, subjects took one capsule in the morning before breakfast and one capsule in the evening before dinner for 30 days before and on the day of a marathon and for seven days after the marathon [3].
The supplementation period has been reported to help reduce inflammation and enhance muscle recovery from exercise fatigue.
For Sexual Dysfunction and Menopause: Rhodiola helps improve sexual function in men and women. It is usually used once or twice daily.
It is usually used once or twice daily, in the morning and evening to reduce menopausal symptoms, including feeling stressed, losing sleep, and mood swings [9].
Should You Take Rhodiola With or Without Food?
Rhodiola can be used either alone or in combination with food.
Taking it alone: Many people choose to take Rhodiola alone for easier dosage tracking and effectiveness monitoring.
Taking Rhodiola on an empty stomach can reduce its absorption. It can be taken in the morning before eating anything [5].
However, Rhodiola can also be taken with food. Some individuals may find it more convenient to take Rhodiola with food, especially if they have sensitive stomachs or discomfort when taken on an empty stomach.
Taking Rhodiola with food slows its absorption, reducing the risk of stomach upset.
Additionally, Rhodiola can be taken with herbs like Ginkgo and Ginseng or beverages like coffee or green tea.
Users should still pay attention to dosage and timing instructions, whether taken alone or with food. Rhodiola is typically taken in the morning or noon to harness its energy-boosting and immune-enhancing effects throughout the day.
When Does Rhodiola Take Effects?
The specific effects may vary depending on the individual or the intended use. Some people may experience short-term improvements in stress and fatigue within one or two weeks of regular use.
In a study conducted on fatigued patients managed with 400 mg Rhodiola extract for 12 weeks, patients showed improved alertness, calmness, and mood, with significant changes observed as early as the first week of use [1].
Regarding its energy-boosting and exercise-enhancing effects, studies have shown muscle strength and endurance improvements after 2 to 4 weeks of use [10].
The effects of R. rosea extract on menopausal women have also been studied. Forty menopausal women were cured with R. rosea extract (100 mg dry Rhodiola extract twice a day for 14 days or 1 mL liquid extract for 10 days).
In some participants, the management cycle was repeated 2–4 times. Normal menstruation was restored in 25 women, and 11 of them became pregnant [1].
Conclusion
The timing of Rhodiola Rosea usage depends on individual purposes and habits. However, morning is considered the ideal time to take Rhodiola.
Before exercising, Rhodiola can enhance physical and mental performance, leading to better results.
Additionally, Rhodiola can be used when feeling stressed or needing relaxation, as it improves mood and reduces stress.
Rhodiola is a safe and effective herbal supplement with many health benefits. Proper usage of Rhodiola can help improve health and quality of life.
