Updated January 4, 2024
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"'Arctic root,' 'golden root,' and 'king’s crown'" are a few other names for yellow-flowered(1) rhodiola rosea, a root herb from such places as "the more frigid climates of northern Asia, East Europe, and the Arctic."(2) Various cultures have long used it with enthusiasm(1,2), with long use in Russia and Scandinavia for improved stress management and energy, though major scientific study only really began in the mid-1900s. There are in fact "140 different phytochemical constituents" found in rhodiola rosea with 12 considered unique to the adaptogenic herb(1).
"Its rose–scented, bright yellow flowers — located at the end of long, thick rhizomes — were first recorded(1) by the ancient Greek physician Dioscorides in 77 A.D."(1,2) who wrote a text called De Materia Medica. Greeks had long made trading expeditions across the Aegean into Colchis, now modern-day Georgia (the country, not the US state), a habitat of rhodiola rosea(2). Ancient Chinese emperors may have sent expeditions into Siberia(1,2) to procure the "golden root" which was used as a tea for flu and colds(2). Old lore of Scandinavia tells of(1) Vikings using it for physical endurance and strength(1,2) while fighting(1) and pillaging. Sherpas also used it for endurance. Traditional Siberian medicine claims that it lengthens life and different Siberian families kept where their sources of the herb were a secret, trading it for various provisions from abroad. Carl Linnaeus, the famous botanist, came up with the genus and species name in 1725 and himself prescribed it for "headaches, hysteria, and even hernias."(2)
Modern science suggests that rhodiola rosea's phytochemicals specifically aid during stress "by affecting cortisol and nitric oxide levels" including with immune and cognitive health. Research continues into its properties of being helpful in general quality of life(1).
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Personal Product Favorites [LINKS]:
Rhodiola/adaptogen tonic
Ready-to-drink, rhodiola/adaptogen shot
Rhodiola-containing cleanse-support drink

References:
1. "Ingredient Spotlight: Rhodiola rosea." Isagenix Health. Isagenix Worldwide, Inc. Web. December 8, 2023. https://www.isagenixhealth.net/ingredient-spotlight-rhodiola-rosea/.
2. Ameriden International. "The History of Rhodiola Rosea." Ameriden International, Inc. April 21, 2017. Web. December 8, 2023. https://www.ameriden.com/blog/the-history-of-rhodiola-rosea/.

Magnolia berries are another name for this red, woody-vine berry(1) under forest cultivation in northeast China(2) and part of Russia with yes, "all five basic flavors – salty, sweet, spicy, sour, and bitter". Adaptogens are present(1,2) which "retrain your body to more effectively manage stress and health."(1) "Schisandra berries contain over 65 potent bioactive phytonutrients, including lignans, polysaccharides, and vitamins." The very special profile of polysaccharides and lignans especially have sparked interest in the scientific world - they work together to support immune health and the central nervous system(2).
Ancient Chinese medicine and traditional Russian medicine both incorporated schisandra as a mental and physical health aid(2). Ancient Chinese medicine employed logic believing the five flavors meant properties benefitting the five major visceral organs; improved liver function and bodily detoxification have indeed been shown in modern times(1). The Soviet Union was really looking into its physical and mental endurance qualities by the 1960s and found that its nutrients "help to reduce fatigue and oxidative stress by contributing to normalized nitric oxide and cortisol levels in the blood" - combatting fatigue, allowing longer time at work, and lessening errors made due to exhaustion. Modern studies show properties aiding sleep and energy(2).
Further possible benefits of schisandra include: relief of depression and anxiety; mild sedative effects; boosting metabolism and therefore weight loss; suppression of blood pressure; relief of motion sickness; eye health; and digestive support. Note: Huge quantities shouldn't be consumed, especially for long periods. Dried fruit should be limited to 3 grams a day. Very high doses may raise risk of  epilepsy, peptic ulcers, or increased intercranial pressure. The adaptogenic compounds mean schisandra isn't recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers - the baby might receive too high stimulation(1).

References:
1. Staughton, John. "18 Surprising Benefits Of Schisandra." Organic Facts: Let's Get Healthy Together. Organic Information Services Pvt Ltd. 14 Feb. 2020. Web. 19 May 2021. https://www.organicfacts.net/schisandra.html.
2. "Ingredient Spotlight: Schisandra Berry." Isagenix Health. Isagenix Worldwide, Inc. 4 May 2021. Web. 19 May 2021. https://www.isagenixhealth.net/ingredient-spotlight-schisandra-berry/.

Beets may have come from ancient Egypt in the 2000s BC, and the Babylonians had various uses of some sort for the plant(1). However, until the 1500s, people ate the leaves rather than the roots(1,2). The legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon may have grown beets. Roots were thinner and more fibrous for most of history and were sometimes used in medicine(2). Ancient Greeks started cultivating them after a certain point, eating the leaves and leaving roots for ceremony. Ancient Greek doctor Hippocrates(1) [of the Hippocratic Oath] may have dressed wounds with the leaves(1). "​Despite only growing well during spring and fall, beets were so well regarded in Ancient Rome and Greece that methods were developed for producing them during the hot summer months."(2)
"The root part of the beet was cultivated for consumption in either Germany or Italy, first recorded in 1542." At the time, the roots were more parsnip shaped. It took more towards the end of the 1500s when the bulb-shaped roots came out. The northeast portion of Europe was the first area where the roots really caught on as a staple as they were one of the relatively rare veggies to grow good during winter(2). France was a big part of getting international recognition for the roots, which took almost 200 years after people began eating them - roasted beets obtained delicacy status by that point(1). Women used beet juice as a lip and cheek cosmetic during the 1800s(1,2) - "red as a beet" as a saying was inspired by that use of beets(2).

References:
1. "The Origin And History Of Beetroot And Its Uses." Healthy Beeter: Beetroot for Healthy Living. Healthy Beeter. Web. ___. http://healthybeeter.com/origin-history-beetroot-uses/.
2. Avey, Tori. "Discover the History of Beets." PBS: Food: The History Kitchen. Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). 8 Oct. 2014. Web. ___. https://www.pbs.org/food/the-history-kitchen/history-beets/#:~:text=Northeastern%20Europe%20was%20the%20first%20area%20to%20embrace,discovered%20a%20way%20to%20produce%20sucrose%20from%20beets.