Roseroot (Golden root, Arctic root)

• TinctureRootInternalTraditional use

  The standardised root/rhizome extract is used traditionally for the temporary relief of stress symptoms such as fatigue and a sensation of weakness. The European Medicines Agency (HMPC) classifies this as 'traditional use': effectiveness is plausible and based on long-standing safe use of more than 30 years (over 15 years in the EU), rather than on robust clinical trials – the HMPC judged the available studies to have considerable methodological shortcomings.

  Preparation & dosage

  A standardised dry extract of root and rhizome is used (e.g. the special extract WS 1375, adjusted to about 3 % rosavins and 1 % salidroside). Typical doses are about 144–400 mg of dry extract per day, in one or two single doses. It should be taken in the morning or before noon, as the mildly stimulating remedy may disturb sleep if taken late. Do not use for longer than two weeks without medical advice. Home-made tinctures or teas do not reach the defined active-compound composition of the licensed product.

  Dry amount

  0.144–0.4 g

  Doses per day

  2×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Adults aged 18 and over only; not for children and adolescents under 18 due to lack of data (EMA HMPC). Do not use for longer than 2 weeks without medical advice.

  Sources: [1] [3] [4]

• TeaRhizomeInternalTraditional use

  The traditional tea from the rootstock reflects the historical folk use as a strengthening remedy. It falls under the same traditional-use classification (EMA HMPC) as the extract but is less well standardised pharmaceutically.

  Preparation & dosage

  In Scandinavian, Russian and Siberian folk medicine the dried, chopped rootstock was also prepared as an infusion: about 1.5–3 g per 250 ml of hot water, steeped for roughly 10 minutes. Best taken in the morning, not late in the day. The tea is uncommon today and delivers a less defined dose than the standardised extract; it does not replace medical advice and should not be taken for longer than two weeks without consultation.

  Dry amount

  1.5–3 g

  Doses per day

  1×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Adults aged 18 and over only; not for children and adolescents under 18 due to lack of data (EMA HMPC). Do not use for longer than 2 weeks without medical advice.

  Sources: [1] [3] [4]

Roseroot is mildly stimulating; taking it in the late afternoon or evening may cause sleep disturbances, so take it in the morning or before noon. Mild dizziness, dry mouth or irritability may occasionally occur. Use with caution in people with bipolar disorder or a tendency to manic episodes, as the stimulating effect could theoretically aggravate these. Due to a lack of data, do not use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in children and adolescents under 18 years. Theoretical interactions are possible with antidepressants and other centrally acting drugs, with blood-glucose-lowering agents (antidiabetics), with anticoagulants, and with medicines metabolised by certain liver enzymes (CYP substrates); however, robust clinical evidence is largely lacking. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.