Rhodiola, or Rose Thorn, grows in cold regions, particularly in Tibet. This ability to adapt to harsh climates is often compared to the benefits it has on the human body and its ability to improve the management of stress, fatigue and factors that weaken the body.

Sometimes referred to as the "golden root", Hong jing tian is an herb that increases the body's ability to adapt to stress, fatigue and temporary weakness. In TCM, it is one of the Qi toning plants, so it acts to boost the body and stimulate the natural defences to keep the body healthy.