The Rhodiola Revolution: Transform Your Health with the Herbal Breakthrough of the 21st Century

I have been taking a formula of adaptogens developed by the late Dr. Israel I. Brekhman that includes rhodiola rosea and six other herbs. I have been taking this formula going on seven years, and at age 72 I feel fantastic. Whenever I go for a check up, the doctors are very impressed with my appearance and health. I will never stop taking this formula as long as I live, and I expect that to be a long long time, and that does not exist in my family history. When the Soviets first started their space program, they had an 85% drop out in the program. After being put on Dr. Brekhmans formula, they had an 95% retention, so that should tell you of the effectiveness of his formula. God's gift to humanity should be enjoyed by everyone, and I hope that the herbal supply never runs out.

I am a medical writer. I spend much of my time researching and writing about alternative therapies. I was surprised and delighted to discover this beautifully-written book, describing an herb I had never heard of and all its potential applications. Dr. Brown and Dr. Gerbarg are both solid, well-respected, knowledgeable psychiatrists who are versed in conventional as well as alternative modalities and their research is impeccable. I myself began taking rhodiola a few months ago because I was experiencing depression (a side effect of a medication i have been taking.) I was very pleased to discover that my depression lifted within about a week of starting therapy. I highly recommend both the book and the herb.

With all the factual, quasi-factual, and erroneous information on the market about herbal remedies the reader has to be careful about the author's credentials in most publications. In this case both authors hold highly regarded credentials. Richard Brown, M.D. is associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City and has a private practice in psychiatry and psychopharmacology. Patricia Gerbarg, M.D. is assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at New York Medical College in Valhalla. "The Rhodiola Revolution" is the result of their research and experiences with the herb Rhodiola Rosea. Divided into three parts, the first part is mainly an introduction to the interrelated health factors of stress (both emotional and biological). In it the authors also examine the human energy crisis in detail and how so many factors work together to rob people of their energy. The second part provides a detailed history of Rhodiola Rosea and how it works to increase energy levels, safeguard the neurological system, regulate hormone balance, increase physical performance, reduce mental stress, help depression and a whole host of other problems. What makes Rhodiola different from other herbs? The authors point out that it is an adaptogen and very few herbs meet the qualifications to be classified as one. Specifically an adaptogen must meet three qualifications. First it must increase "the body's resistance to a broad range of agents including physical (heat, cold, and exertion), chemical (toxins and heavy metals), and biological (bacteria and viruses)". Second, it must have a normalizing action. It must have a tendency to normalize "whatever pathological changes or reactions have occurred". So, if your thyroid is overactive it would tend to make it become less so and if it is under active it would tend to make it become more active. No matter what the condition it tends to bring your variance back toward the norm. Third, any side effects must be minimal or non-existent and it must have minimal toxicity.The last part of the book is an action plan to increase your energy levels and maintain high energy levels for life. It includes information on dietary changes, supplementation, sleep, exercise, and even mental aerobics. "The Rhodiola Revolution" is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in alternative medicine and herbal solutions in particular. The text was convincing enough that I decided to try supplementing with it. A week later I find that I am much less fatigued at the end of the day and very happy with the results. Pick up a copy of "The Rhodiola Revolution"; you won't be disappointed.

I loved reading Rhodiola Revolution. It is hard to single out a section that spoke to me more than another - the writing is simple and clear - the presentation believable and exciting - and all without being sensational. The descriptions of cellular energy - vagus nerve - different stress responder types and complementary cancer care are brilliant and should make an impact on many both in the professional and lay communities. The anecdotal reports are inspiring and a dignified testament to the power of rhodiola and herbal medicine. I congratulate both of you on this landmark contribution to the literature on herbal medicine.

A friend told me about rhodiola (it was recommended to her by a doctor,) and it's helped me control stress and anxiety. It's one of the best things I've used, ESPECIALLY including prescription meds (no side effects!) So, I was excited to see this new and informative book. Rhodiola Revolution is more than just instructions on how to take rhodiola and all of the things it's good for -- it's also a serious scientific book, a fascinating history of the herb, and a fun read!