Rhodiola

overall appearance

Low-growing succulent perennial with thick, fleshy leaves and small yellow flowers; forms dense rosettes and spreads via underground rhizomes.

roots

Thick, fleshy rhizome that smells like roses when cut; roots are golden-brown externally, yellowish-white internally, and can live for many decades.

stem

Short, thick stems 4-16 inches tall that emerge from the rhizome; stems are reddish and support rosettes of fleshy leaves.

leaves

Alternate, fleshy, blue-green leaves 1-3 inches long with serrated margins toward the tip; leaves are thick and waxy to conserve moisture in harsh conditions.

flowers

Small, four-petaled yellow flowers (occasionally red) in dense, flat-topped clusters; flowers are dioecious (male and female on separate plants) and bloom in summer.

fruits/seeds

Small, red follicles containing numerous tiny seeds; fruits develop from female flowers and ripen in late summer to fall.

5-10 grams dried root per cup water, simmer 10-15 minutes

1-2 teaspoons powdered root per cup hot water, steep 10 minutes

1:5 ratio in 40% alcohol, 1-2 ml twice daily

200-400mg daily containing 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside

Root fermented in vodka for several weeks (Siberian tradition)