Rhodiola Rosea Dangers

Stimulation

• Roseroot increases the amount of dopamine in a person's system. It contains gallic and caffeic acids, both of which contribute to the herb's use as a stimulant. Therefore, it contains similar problems that are inherent in the use of all stimulants, such as high blood pressure dangers and potential heart problems. It should not be used in conjunction with other stimulants of whatever kind. If you are a coffee drinker or are taking drugs for attention deficit disorder such as Aderall, roseroot should be avoided because stimulants in conjunction with each other can cause anxiety. If you are already prone to anxiety and panic attacks, or are already taking drugs to counteract it, then this herb should be avoided.

Insomnia

• Like most stimulants, roseroot can, according to Sloan-Kettering Memorial Hospital, contribute to hyperactivity and a sense of being jittery. Roseroot should be taken in the morning; it should not be used before sleep since it can cause insomnia. Additionally, it can disrupt normal sleep patterns and provoke vivid dreams. As of 2010, there are no reports of the "crash" phenomenon so common among legal stimulants. This is possibly because the herb does not contain caffine, and instead improves energy through the more efficient use of oxygen.

Bipolar Mania

• If you have bipolar disorder, you should avoid rhodiola rosea. As a stimulant, the plant may trigger manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. According to the Bipolar Disorders Center, "stimulants precipitate mania in some people with bipolar disorders." Most drugs classified as uppers have this problem, since a sudden increase in dopamine levels can push the brain into tremendously increased levels of activity which, in turn, can quickly change over into mania.

Rashes

• There have been some scattered reports of allergic reactions to the herb. Supplement Watch, an online journal specializing in the claims of various herbal remedies, reports that rashes and other skin problems have been occasionally reported in conjunction with the use of this herb.