What Are Chinese Herbal Tonics
Before I delve into this topic I would like to thank my teacher of Chinese herbalism Mr. Ron Teeguarden. His deep and superior knowledge on this subject is second to none. Most of what I know and share with you comes from his generosity in sharing his wealth of knowledge with me. If you wish to delve further into this I strongly recommend you read his book, The Ancient Wisdom of the Chine Tonic Herbs.
Most of us have heard the word “tonic” used before but for the most part have not paid much attention to its true meaning. We may have even used it to order a drink such as “gin and tonic” or “tonic water”. It is one of those terms that have slipped into our common vernacular with not so much direct meaning. The purpose here in using the word tonic is to describe something that invigorates the body and restores energy. The word tonic may also refer to reinvigorating muscles as in “I have better muscle tone now that I am working out”.
An herbal tonic generally refers to an herb that brings tonus to various parts or systems within the body. This is generally done by improving various energetics within the body. We strive to improve the ability of the body to carry and accept energy from various sources. A tonic feeds and restores bodily energy. It may also have a protective function within the body. The body has the perfect built in protective system call the immune system. Certain Chinese herbal tonics and formulations help in building the immune system to a higher level. An herbal tonic may be restorative, protective, and it may produce and restore energetic flow throughout the body.
When we speak of “Chinese herbal tonics” we are actually referring to a system developed by Chinese herbalists and a set of herbs that have been classified as restorative and protective. This is the basis of the Chinese system of medicine. The “tonics” are primarily preventative and are used to build “radiant health”. According to Ron Teeguarden (January 2012, Los Angeles) there are fewer than 100 herbs on the earth that fall into this category. There are many more healing, medicinal, or cooking herbs on earth that have great value to us but they are not considered “tonics” in the classic sense.
I consider Chinese herbal tonics as a part of the proactive and preventative approach of The Whole Health Warrior. I use them to build health to prevent any decline in health. The more prescriptive medicinal herbs are used once a person becomes sick thus are considered reactive. It is for this reason that we consider Chinese herbal tonics an integral part of the Whole Health Warrior program. Since these herbs are botanicals and bring special considerations to body, mind, and spiritual growth we also consider them as its own “food Group”.
To briefly summarize the benefits of Chinese herbal tonics:
- Increase in body energetics (tonus).
- They affect the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of the whole person.
- further strengthens the overall function of the body
- Strengthens and improves overall energetics.
- To assist in protecting the mind, body, and spirit from damage and decay.
- Having said all of this we see that they improve overall bodily health and immunity
The Three Treasures
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Traditional Chinese herbalism breaks the energetics of the body down into three classes or treasures.
- Jing is the treasure of “primal life energy. It is the basic energy we are born with. It is in our DNA. The energy that feeds our entire organism. It works in eliminating latent disease which is the state of disease before it manifests. By keeping our systems in balance and regulated it allows our bodies to resist problems. I personally have a belief that this energy is closely tied to our enzyme potential. In Taoist tradition it may be described as the wax part of the candle. Imagine the stored energy in a candle that stood six inches at the base and a foot tall versus a small birthday candle. Compare the stored energy in the two. That is jing.
- Qi or chi is the energy we burn all day everyday to carry out our functions as a human organism. We burn fuel like food and air to generate qi. Our blood pumps this energy form throughout the body. It is how we carry out our daily lives. Consider this as the wick and flame of a candle. One again compare the large candle with the small one. Which one burns the longest and hottest and shines the brightest? That is qi.
- Shen is the radiant light the candle gives off. It is the radiance you give off to others. It is your spirit and how you share it with the universe. Imagine the light given off by the big candle versus the small birthday candle. It is a question I ask each day of myself: How much radiance can I generate? The answer always relates to how seriously I execute my Whole Health Warrior practices. They form the jing, qi, shen, and protection; they build reserves and generate moment to moment energy. The answer lies in the foods, the water, the air, the activity, the natural hygiene, the service I provide, the joy I spread, plus the Chine herbals I consume
The Superstars of Chinese Herbs
The brilliance of Chinese herbalism is that for more than 4000 years the effects have been studied on billions of people. They have been classified and categorized as to how they affect us. All we have to do now is consume them. Remember I have classified them as their own food group. I consume them as I would any food group. Some I drink as teas, some I eat whole such as goji berries, some I put in salads and even some come as capsules. Doesn’t matter I just consume them.
The following is a list of my suggested top 5 list within each energetic category: Of course these herbs overlap within the three treasures, but are exceptionally strong in one of them as listed below. The herbs in these lists are primarily adaptogenic and bidirectional which means they will sere the body as the body needs. For example if you are tired it might give you a boost while if you are hyper it might slow you down a bit.
Jing herbs – building primal energy
1. Cordyceps
2. Eucomia bark
3. Schizandra
4. Goji (Lyceum) berries
5. Ho she wu
Qi herbs – providing energy for everyday use.
1. Siberian ginseng
2. Reishi
3. Gynostema
4. Astragalus.
5. Schizandra
Shen herbs – energy that will help you share your light with others
1. Ganoderma
2. Biblurem
3. Zizyphus seed
4. Polygala
5. Schizandra
Protectors – serve as protection for the body and build the immune system.
1.Reishi
2. Rreishi spores (stronger)
3.Lyceum polysaccharides (Goji)
4. Astragalus
5. Cordyceps
The key to benefiting from Chinese tonic herbs is to first consider them as simply a food and build them into your regular intake as you would any other healthy foods. Second build a program that includes all three treasures and protection that you can do on a regular basis, and third understand your success will be built on regularity as opposed to quantity. Feeding the body these herbs regularly will build the three treasures and help you stay on the path to radiant health.
