Rhodiola with Ben LeVine + Recipe for Rhodiola Energy Balls

Rhodiola is an amazing herb to support you during times of stress! It’s energizing without causing jitters, supportive to the immune system, helpful to modulate the physical effects of stress as you’re making lifestyle changes. Rhodiola rosea is so rich in gifts, but these very attributes have led to overharvesting and sustainability issues. That’s why I am excited to share this conversation with Ben LeVine with you!

Ben not only shares a lot of information about the efforts that are underway to protect this wonderful herb, but also gives questions you can ask suppliers to make sure the rhodiola (and other endangered herbs) you are buying were harvested sustainably. And as a listener, you’ll also receive instant access to his recipe for Rhodiola Energy Balls.

For those of you who aren’t already familiar with Ben, here’s more about him. Sitting quietly atop a Colorado mountain peak, Ben LeVine felt a voice from his favorite herb that would define his future: “You were meant to become an herbalist. Just let the plants guide you.” That path has led him to the farthest corners of the Earth and back, driven to unravel the mysteries of the world’s most powerful plants. Now as Co-Founder and Chief Herbalist of Rasa, he’s using those potent herbal secrets to revolutionize your morning energy ritual with the power of adaptogens.

Listen in for:

► Considerations and questions to ask when sourcing rhodiola (Timestamp: 18:30 and 21:12)
► Why rhodiola’s growing conditions make it adaptogenic for humans (Timestamp: 20:33)
► What cautions should you be aware of when working with adaptogenic herbs? (Timestamp: 41:51)

Here is one of my favorite takeaways from our conversation:

“Are you using adaptogens to build a ladder out of the bucket or are you just using [them] to struggle longer? I'm seeing adaptogens sometimes co-opted this way – like a one-to-one replacement for coffee, with no lifestyle changes, no introspection." (Timestamp: 42:51)

It was a delight to speak with Ben and I’m so happy to share our conversation with you today!


-- LINKS --

► Access your recipe card here: https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/...

► Discount code for the Rasa Sample Pack: ROSALEE15

► Rasa Sample Pack: https://wearerasa.com/products/rasa-s...

► Get Rosalee’s best herbal tips by joining her weekly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3EtBEqe

► Ben’s website: https://wearerasa.com/

► Connect with Ben on Instagram:   / wearerasa  

► Connect with Ben on Facebook:   / wearerasa  

► Connect with Ben on LinkedIn:   / ben-levine-b1313810  

► Are you looking for high quality herbs? My recommendation is Mountain Rose Herbs. Rhodiola cut and sifted root, powdered root, capsules, and extract are all available. Click here to check them out: https://bit.ly/3ms3vQ2


- DISCLOSURE-

I’m a huge fan of Mountain Rose Herbs and will often share referral links to buy herbs or herbal supplies at their online herbal apothecary.

By using the above affiliate link, you help support this channel. Thanks!

If you’re looking for local places to buy herbs, check out my listing of herb farms in the U.S. and Canada. https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/...


-- TIMESTAMPS --

01:35 - Introduction to Ben LeVine

02:32 - Ben’s path to becoming an herbalist

06:00 - Why Rhodiola rosea is one of Ben’s favorite herbs

07:16 - Sustainability concerns when working with rhodiola

09:00 - What are rhodiola benefits and who is well-suited to working with rhodiola?

11:03 - How is rhodiola similar to and different from coffee and other caffeine-containing beverages?

12:58 - Why sustainability is such a major concern with rhodiola

16:52 - What efforts are underway to protect rhodiola’s future?

18:30 - Considerations and questions to ask when sourcing rhodiola

20:33 - How rhodiola’s environment creates health benefits for humans

25:16 - Ben’s Rhodiola Energy Balls recipe

28:51 - How adaptogens are similar to the probiotics in fermented foods

31:00 - What is Rasa and how did the company get its start?

35:13 - How Rasa sources its herbs

41:51 - Cautions when working with rhodiola and other adaptogens

44:01 - What Ben wishes he knew when he first started working with herbs


-- DISCLAIMER --

The herbal and plant information in this video is for educational purposes only. The information contained is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other medical professional. If you have or suspect that you have a serious health problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Always consult with a health care practitioner before using any herbal remedy or food, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.