One solution is a yellow-flowering herb called rhodiola. We call it an adaptogen—it increases resistance to stress—and we’re still unraveling how it works. Some experts believe that adaptogens trigger protective cell processes; others link the benefit to the herbs’ effects on certain glands and suggest that adaptogens may regulate hormone production to diminish the stress response. MORE: 4 Ways to Grow Your Own Herbal Medicine Choose products containing 3 to 5% rosavin and 0.8 to 1% salidroside. Start with 100 to 150 mg once a day for a week, then increase the dose weekly by 100 to 150 mg to a max of 400 mg a day. Take rhodiola in the morning—it can energize you and interfere with sleep. Send your questions for Dr. Low Dog to askdrlowdog@prevention.com.
