Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico
Rhodiola can help reduce stress, enhance your mood, and improve concentration. Making rhodiola tincture is a great way to be able to quickly access the beneficial compounds of this root.
Rhodiola, also known as Rhodiola rosea, golden root, and arctic root, is a perennial flowering plant known for its adaptogenic properties. Adaptogenic herbs help the body adapt to stress by supporting overall resilience and balance.
It is native to the cold regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. These regions have the largest wild populations of rhodiola rosea and they are often found in high-altitude mountainous areas. Rhodiola has fleshy, thick leaves and clusters of yellowish-green flowers and has been traditionally used in Russia, Scandinavia, and other parts of Europe for centuries to combat fatigue, improve resilience to stress, and improve physical and mental performance.
Alongside St. John’s Wort and chamomile tincture, rhodiola tincture makes a great addition to your home herbal medicine cabinet to help with stress and sleep.
Health benefits of rhodiola
Reduces mental fatigue – Scientific studies show that rhodiola interacts with the nervous system and can decrease feelings of fatigue and improve energy levels, especially under stress.
Reduces symptoms of stress – As an adaptogen, rhodiola has traditionally been used to alleviate symptoms of stress or lower the body’s stress response.
Improves cognitive function – Research suggests that rhodiola may enhance memory, focus, and cognitive function.
Improves mood – Rhodiola has been shown to have potential antidepressant properties and may help alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression.
Boosts physical performance – Evidence suggests rhodiola can improve physical stamina and recovery after exercise.
Supports the immune system – Rhodiola has adaptogenic properties that can help strengthen the immune system against stress.
How to make Rhodiola herbal tincture
Tools
An airtight container with a plastic lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
Small amber glass dropper bottles – I use these
A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter – I like these unbleached ones
A small funnel
A knife or food processor – for chopping up the dried roots
Supplies
Dried rhodiola roots – organic roots are best if you can find them.
80-proof organic alcohol (or 40% alcohol) – If you cannot find organic, just use what you have. If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. I buy this bulk raw apple cider vinegar.
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
Use a food processor or knife to break down the rhodiola root into small pieces (a food processor is the faster option!). This is to maximise the surface area of the roots that are exposed to the alcohol when it steeps. The more area that is exposed, the more medicinal properties the alcohol can draw out from the roots.
Add the roots to a steralised glass jar. Fill the jar ⅓ of the way full with the dried rhodiola root. Make sure to leave room for the roots to expand as they absorb the alcohol.
Cover the roots with alcohol completely.
Add the lid and shake the jar to ensure everything is covered in alcohol.
Date and label the jar and put it in a cool dark place. Let it sit for 6-8 weeks and try to remember to shake it a few times a week to keep everything submerged in the alcohol. Add more alcohol content on top as it is absorbed by the roots so that everything remains covered.
After 6-8 weeks, strain it off using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Make sure to completely remove the roots from the tincture to avoid the tincture going bad quickly.
Add the tincture to your dropper bottle for easy dosing and date and label the bottle so you don’t mix it up with your other tinctures!
Store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight with your other herbal remedies. That’s it, enjoy!
How much rhodiola tincture to take?
I like to take 1 dropper full per day on an empty when I need to be extra focused. You can start by taking a small amount and work your way up. Make sure not to take it in the evening as it could interfere with sleep.
How long does rhodiola tincture last?
Like many homemade alcohol-based natural remedies, this tincture has a long shelf life if stored away from direct sunlight, and all of the roots are removed from the final tincture. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years.
How to make this without alcohol
You can simply swap the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. Vinegar and glycerin aren’t as good as alcohol at extracting the beneficial compounds or preserving them. I like to consume vinegar-based extracts within about 6 months and glycerin-based extracts within a year.
How to consume rhodiola tincture
Note – make sure to consume this tincture in the morning so it doesn’t interfere with you getting a good night’s sleep.
Directly – Add the dosage under your tongue and hold it there for 20-30 seconds. Then swallow – I like to do this on an empty stomach in the morning.
Diluted in water or juice – Add the dosage to a drink to a glass of water or juice to dilute the flavour.
In tea or coffee – Add the dosage into your morning tea or coffee.
How to make rhodiola tincture without alcohol
If you want to avoid alcohol, you can make a rhodiola extract by substituting alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar. Vinegar isn’t as good at drawing out the medical benefits or preserving them as alcohol. This means it won’t be as potent as an alcohol-based tincture and you’ll want to consume the extract more quickly, usually within a year. When using vinegar, consider making small batches so you can get through them within a year.
Disclaimer – I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical or health advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, speak with health professionals or get the advice of your healthcare practitioner before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction, interactions with an underlying health condition, or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication.
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How To Make Rhodiola Tincture (Using Rosea Root)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Use a food processor or knife to break down the rhodiola root into small pieces (a food processor is the faster option!). This is to maximise the surface area of the roots that are exposed to the alcohol when it steeps. The more area that is exposed, the more medicinal properties the alcohol can draw out from the roots.
- Add the roots to a steralised glass jar. Fill the jar ⅓ of the way full with the dried rhodiola root. Make sure to leave room for the roots to expand as they absorb the alcohol.
- Cover the roots with alcohol completely.
- Add the lid and shake the jar to ensure everything is covered in alcohol.
- Date and label the jar and put it in a cool dark place. Let it sit for 6-8 weeks and try to remember to shake it a few times a week to keep everything submerged in the alcohol. Add more alcohol content on top as it is absorbed by the roots so that everything remains covered.
- After 6-8 weeks, strain it off using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Make sure to completely remove the roots from the tincture to avoid the tincture going bad quickly.
- Add the tincture to your dropper bottle for easy dosing and date and label the bottle so you don’t mix it up with your other tinctures!
- Store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight with your other herbal remedies. That’s it, enjoy!
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