Traditionally used for relief of mental and physical symptoms of stress, such as fatigue, weakness, exhaustion, irritability and slight anxiety.

Also used for headaches, as an astringent, to strengthen the head, to enhance the intellect, for restoration of weak nerves; external use for hair growth, relieve of swellings, decrease of back pain, pain in joints. It is said that Laplanders (Sámi) chewed on bits of Rhodiola on long journeys.