Are herbal supplements like Rhodiola rosea safe for daily consumption?

What's actually in it

Many herbal supplements are not as pure as the label suggests. When you take a supplement like Rhodiola rosea, you aren't just getting the herb. You may also be consuming heavy metals and pesticide residues that end up in the final product during manufacturing.

These contaminants are often left over from the soil or the processing methods used to turn raw plants into pills. Because the supplement industry lacks strict oversight, these substances can easily make their way into your daily routine without your knowledge.

What the research says

A 2026 study in PLoS One analyzed the quality and safety of Rhodiola rosea supplements sold in the U.S. The peer-reviewed research found that many of these products failed to meet basic safety standards due to the presence of heavy metals and pesticide residues.

While other studies have looked at contaminants in food, such as a 2026 study in Biol Trace Elem Res regarding spices or a 2026 study in Food Chem Toxicol on metals in chocolate, the findings for herbal supplements are particularly concerning because they are often consumed as a daily health habit. The science shows that you cannot assume a supplement is clean just because it is sold on a store shelf.