Roseroot

Rhodiola rosea

In Sámi, the roseroot is called gálbberássi, which means the flower of the calf. In fact, the roseroot was earlier fed to calves in the springtime. The other Sámi names of the plant refer to the root and the smell of the flower: njálggaháiruohttas means “the root with a delicious scent” and hádjarurdda “the odour herb”.  The roseroot is used as a medicine so that the root is dried in the form of chips, which are then chewed. The plant increases immunity and gives energy to those who are tired. It lowers the blood sugar level, blood pressure and cholesterol and decreases stress. It is said to increase sexual desire in both genders and to improve a person’s memory. It is not known to have any side effects.

The roseroot is a perennial of the stonecrop family. It has a thick root with a rosy smell. The inflorescence is hemispheric. The plant mainly grows in the highlands, on rivers and creeks and in the clefts of rocks. The ethereal oil of the roseroot contains many useful compounds, such as geraniol, flavonoids and cinnamon aglycone.