Tori Hudson, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  Astringent and uterine tonic herbs can be used in combination formulations and used for weeks to several months. Use as a tea, liquid extract, or powdered capsule. |
David Winston, RH(AHG), and Steven Maimes
See book keywords and concepts |  Tonic herbs such as dang shen also are believed to be inappropriate during acute viral or bacterial illnesses such as colds, bronchitis, and influenza. Because this herb increases hemoglobin levels, it should be avoided by people who have excessive iron levels.
Herb/Drug Interactions: None known.
Selected Research Studies
Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) and Bai Guo (Ginkgo biloba) Enhance
Learning and Memory (Singh et al. 2004).
Ginkgo is well-known for improving cerebral circulation and memory. | | As such, many tonic herbs (such as atractylodes, jujube date, and dang gui) that are not adaptogens have been called that, perhaps solely to satisfy marketing needs.
All adaptogens have tonic effects, but not all tonics are adaptogens. The following list details some of the specific characteristics of adaptogens.
• As tonics, adaptogens improve cellular energy production and help maintain energy reserves.
• Adaptogens stimulate the nervous system by means that are totally different from those of stimulants. | | Tonic herbs are a part of everyday life in China and are used to maintain balance or wellness.
To be considered a tonic in Chinese medicine, an herb must meet the following criteria:
• Aid in the attainment of a long life;
• Have broad and profound health-promoting actions;
• Have no negative side effects when used reasonably and therefore can be taken continuously over a long period of time if desired, yielding cumulative, long-term benefits;
• Help balance emotional and psychic energy; and
• Taste good enough to be consumed easily and be easily digestible. | | Many of these same tonic herbs are part of the Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Mongolian, and Tibetan materia medicas.
ADAPTOGENS IN NORTH AMERICA
There are two recognized adaptogens native to North America—American ginseng and rhodiola. There are several other plants that may have adaptogenic effects but none have been studied or have been confirmed as such.
American Ginseng
American ginseng [Panax quinquefolius) is native to the Eastern United States and Canada.
Many Native Americans used and still use American ginseng. | | Tonic herbs are important in Chinese medicine, in which their main function is to supplement deficiencies and enhance energy and well-being. A tonic can be taken every day, usually with no side effects.
One theory states that adaptogens function primarily due to their antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects. Although this theory is partially accurate, it is inadequate to explain the full effects of these medicinals. So, although adaptogens are antioxidants, having antioxidant properties (as do green tea, rosemary, and bilberry) is not enough to make a substance an adaptogen. | | Hopefully, in the future there will be additional research on these and other emerging tonic herbs.
We often refer to ayurveda or traditional Chinese medicine when discussing adaptogens. The reason is that eighteen of the twenty-one adaptogens we discuss have been used as medicines in either ayurvedic practice or traditional Chinese medicine. Because these traditions are thousands of years old, there is both a rich history and strong credibility as to their use and effectiveness. Table 1.2 lists the adaptogens with their Chinese and ayurvedic names and some additional common names. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  The Chinese name huang qi translates as "yellow leader," referring to the yellow color of the root and its status as one of the most important tonic herbs. Traditional Chinese Medicine used this herb for night sweats, deficiency of chi (e.g., fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite), and diarrhea (page 163).2
Active constituents
Astragalus contains numerous components, including flavonoids (page 516), polysaccharides, triterpene glycosides (e.g., astragalosides I-VII), amino acids (page 465), and trace minerals. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
See book keywords and concepts |  Using Tonic Herbs
The value of tonic herbs lies in their normalizing, nurturing effects. These invaluable remedies will usually have some associated action that further indicates how they are best used. The cardiovascular tonic hawthorn is an excellent example. Hawthorn tones the whole cardiovascular system, while at the same time specifically dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
Whenever possible, the herbalist will focus on the use of such remedies, and will use stronger effectors only if absolutely necessary. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
See book keywords and concepts | | Herbs that may be helpful
Historically, tonic herbs, such as burdock (page 648), have been used in the treatment of skin conditions. These herbs are believed to have a cleansing action when taken internally.15 Burdock root tincture may be taken in 2 to 4 ml amounts per day Dried root preparations in a capsule or tablet can be used at 1 to 2 grams three times per day Many herbal preparations combine burdock root with other alterative herbs, such as yellow dock (page 763), red clover (page 735), or cleavers (page 660). | | Herbs that may be helpful
Many tonic herbs, which are believed to strengthen or invigorate organ systems or the entire body, can be taken safely every day during pregnancy. Examples include dandelion (page 666) leaf and root, red raspberry (page 735) leaf, and nettle (page 714). Dandelion leaf and root are rich sources of vitamins and minerals, including beta-carotene (page 469), calcium (page 483), potassium (page 572), and iron (page 540). Dandelion leaf is mildly diuretic (promotes urine flow); it also stimulates bile flow and helps with the common digestive complaints of pregnancy. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
See book keywords and concepts |  They should be taken in smaller doses than tonic herbs, and for shorter periods of time.
PHYTOMEDICINALS: THE HEALING POWER OF HERBS
Ancient cultures had no idea why herbs worked—they simply knew that certain plants produced certain desired results.
Only in the last hundred years or so have chemists and pharmacists been isolating and purifying the beneficial chemical compounds in plants to produce reliable pharmaceutical drugs. About 25 percent of the prescription medicines sold today are (or were originally) derived from plants. | | MegaZymes from MegaFood is a vegetarian enzyme and herbal formula made from plant-based enzymes, including amylase, cellulase, glucoamylase, invertase, lactase, lipase, and protease, blended with the tonic herbs caraway, gentian, and ginger, plus acidophilus to support healthy intestinal flora.
Metazyme from Metagenics is a plant-derived enzyme supplement that contains protease, amylase, lipase, and cellulase. |
Gabriel Cousens, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  Certain tonic herbs in general, and particularly ashwagandha, shatavari, ginseng, and licorice are good for ojas. These are what Ayurveda calls soma-producing herbs.
Spirulina and chlorella - high in protein, fatty acids like GLA (gamma-linolenic acid, which is highest in mother's milk, second highest in spirulina, and third highest in hemp seeds), sulfanolipids, minerals, and vitamins - are both tridoshic (balance all the doshas) and excellent as ojas builders.
Bee pollen, as the semen of the plant world, is an incredible food for building ojas. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
See book keywords and concepts | | Historically, tonic herbs, such as burdock (page 648), have been used in the treatment of skin conditions. These herbs are believed to have a cleansing action when taken internally.18 Burdock root tincture may be taken in the amount of 2 to 4 ml per day. Dried root preparations in a capsule or tablet can be used at 1 to 2 grams three times per day. Many herbal preparations combine burdock root with other alterative herbs, such as yellow dock (page 763), red clover (page 735), or cleavers (page 660). In the treatment of acne, none of these herbs has been studied in scientific research. |
Lesley Tierra
See book keywords and concepts |  The congee may be made plain, or a variety of tonic herbs such as ginseng, dong quai, astragalus, lycii berries, jujube dates or other Chinese tonic herbs may be added to create a valuable tonic for the whole body. Herbs combined with food in this way are best used in the treatment of all deficiency diseases including weakness, tiredness, low appetite, lowered immunity, depression and poor digestion and assimilation.
To make rice congee, combine 1 cup rice with 9 cups water and cook over low heat slowly for about 9 hours, until the rice is broken down and forms a thick soup. |
C. P. Khare
See book keywords and concepts |  Chinese angelica is given in prescription to women with heavy menstruation, along with other tonic herbs. The herb is also given for improving blood circulation in the body, for treating digestive disorders, skin diseases, abscesses, boils, Herpes zoster.
Active principles and pharmacology
Key constituents are: coumarins; volatile oil (buty-lidine, phthalide, ligustilide, sesquiterpenes, car-vacrol); vitamin B12, beta-sitosterol.
Research in China from the 1970s has shown that the herb helps regulate uterine contractions and gives relief in period pain. | | Classical use
Both the drugs belong to the group of the Eight tonic herbs, known as Ashtavarga. The other 6 drugs are Jivaka (Microstylis wallichi Lindl., Rishabhaka (Microstylis musifera Lindley, Ridley), Kaakoli, Kshirakaakoli (Roscoea procera Wall.) Medaa, Mahaamedaa (Polygonatum verti-cillatum, Linn., Allioni).
Jivaka, Rishabhaka, Kaakoli, Kshirakaakoli and Meda belong to jivaniya(vitalising) and shukrajanana (spermatogenetic) group of Charaka, and were included in rejuvenating and age-sustaining tonics. Chyavanapraasha is one such reputed Ayurvedic tonic. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
See book keywords and concepts | | Identify body systems that would benefit from the use of tonic herbs and choose relevant tonics.
5. Are there any biochemical considerations? These might be positive indications for certain plants or clear contraindications.
6. Integrate the conclusions drawn in the previous steps and develop a prescription(s).
7. Identify other healing modalities and lifestyle issues that might support the actions of the herbs.
Identifying Primary and Secondary Actions
Secondary actions are additional actions that accompany the primary physiological effect of a plant. |
Brenda Davis and Tom Barnard
See book keywords and concepts |  Western medical science has shown that these "tonic herbs" may enhance glucose utilization and are "adaptogenic," providing protection from common age- and stress-related damage that occurs as a natural part of metabolic function, such as oxidation.
If you are considering combining Western medications with botanicals, it is best to proceed cautiously and realize that our understanding of the interactions between drugs and plant substances, while growing, is not clear. Not only are medicines for blood sugar control affected, but blood thinners as well, so caution is definitely advised. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
See book keywords and concepts | | Thus, the tonic herbs are of paramount importance, as this is exactly what they do.
A characteristic of tonics is that they are all gentle remedies that have a mild yet profound effect upon the body. Of course, not all herbal remedies are tonics, as many have a powerful and immediate impact upon human physiology. These must be used with the greatest respect, and their use is best reserved for illnesses that call for strong medicine. Identifying the intensity of an herb's impact upon the body provides a useful selection criterion. | | REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM HERBS AND ACTIONS
When considering the reproductive system, it is important to identify the primary tonic herbs and next determine other ways in which they impact the system (secondary actions). From the list of emmenagogues that follows, we shall select the most valuable tonics and explore their differential indications. For more details on the secondary actions of these herbs, please refer to chapters 25 and 26.
Herbal Emmenagogues
Achillea millefolium (yarrow) Artemisia abrotanum (southernwood) A. absinthium (wormwood) A. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
See book keywords and concepts |  In Ayurveda, some rejuvenating and tonic herbs are called 'rasayanas' and are considered to have a beneficial effect, balancing the tridosha. In Asian medicine, ashwagandha and Centella asiatica are very widely used. Many of these herbs contain saponins or steroidal compounds of some kind and it has been suggested that they act in a similar way to corticosteroids or enhance the effect of naturally occurring steroid hormones in the body. This type of drug is known as an adaptogen, and is considered to be a substance helping the body to deal with, or adapt to, stress or other adverse conditions. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
See book keywords and concepts | | This is unfortunate, because plants such as Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Silybum marianum (milk thisde), Chelone glabra (balmony), and a variety of bitter tonic herbs provide a robust materia medica.
Treatment with herbs is appropriate for a range of liver conditions, from disorders requiring only gende liver stimulation to profound liver disease. As with most claims made by the medical herbalist, pharmacological and clinical research is beginning to provide support for traditional observations and chemical insights into the mechanisms involved. |
Dianne Onstad
See book keywords and concepts |  The Goji berry is among the most revered of sexual tonic herbs in Asian herbalism and has been recognized as increasing sexual fluids and enhancing fertility. In Mongolia it is commonly used by fifst-trimester mothets to ptevent morning sickness. It is a gentle and soothing fruit that is loaded with available vitality. In several study groups with elderly people, the berry was given once a day for three weeks, with many beneficial results. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  Gentle, pleasant-tasting, tonic herbs are the safest ones to use during pregnancy. Taking them in tea form means you boost your fluid intake as well. The herbs listed below are also rich in vitamins and minerals. Experiment with various combinations to find the ones that most appeal to you.
When nausea is severe, don't force yourself to drink something that tastes or smells unpleasant to you. And don't blame yourself if your preferences seem to change without warning or logic.
The herbs below can be taken hot or cold. Add honey or lemon juice if that sounds appealing. | | It's one of the primary tonic herbs, meaning that it works its magic slowly over time, so you'll need to take it for several months to see results. The quality of commercial products varies widely,- purchase from a reputable manufacturer. Typical dosage-. up to nine 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day,- or 20 drops of tincture up to three times per day.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
This type of ginseng, also known as Chinese ginseng, comes in many forms and strengths, so it can be tricky to use if you are not experienced with herbs. |
Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.
See book keywords and concepts |  Additional nourishing tonic herbs and basic vitamins to slow degeneration
4. A healthy diet, bodywork, oil/herb massage, exercise, and vitamin supplements
The relative proportion of the formula that tonifies and the formula that reduces inflammation depends on signs and symptoms. In elderly patients, for example, tonification and digestion are usually emphasized.
The following therapies can also be useful additions to your treatment protocol.
• Some patients, especially those over the age of 60, require digestive aids to ensure proper absorption of nutrients. | | To treat Yin deficiency, TCM herbalists use Yin tonic herbs. These herbs generally nourish and moisten the tissues and increase nutritive forces.
Some of the most commonly used Yin tonics are raw rehmannia root (sheng di huang / Rehmannia glutinosa), glehnia root (sha shen / Adenophora tetraphylla ), scrophularia root (xuan shen / Scrophularia ningpoensis), ligustrum berry (nu shen zi / Ligustrum lu-cidum), American ginseng root (xi yang shen /Panax quinquifolius), ophiopogon root (mai men dong I Ophiopogon japonicus), and wild asparagus root (tian men dong / Asparagus lucidis). |
page 1 of 4 | Next ->
FAIR USE NOTICE: The research quoted here is provided under the protection of Fair Use provisions and published by the 501(c)3 non-profit Consumer Wellness Center for the purposes of public comment and education. Authors / publishers may submit books for consideration of inclusion here.
TERMS OF USE: Read full terms of use. Citations of text from NaturalPedia must include: 1) Full credit to the original author and book title. 2) Secondary credit to the Natural News Naturalpedia as a research resource and a link to www.NaturalNews.com/np/index.html
This unique compilation of research is copyright (c) 2008 by the non-profit Consumer Wellness Center.
ABOUT THE CREATOR OF NATURALPEDIA: Mike Adams, the creator of this NaturalNews Naturalpedia, is the editor of NaturalNews.com, the internet's top natural health news site, creator of the Honest Food Guide (www.HonestFoodGuide.org), a free downloadable consumer food guide based on natural health principles, author of Grocery Warning, The 7 Laws of Nutrition, Natural Health Solutions, and many other books available at www.TruthPublishing.com, creator of the earth-friendly EcoLEDs company (www.EcoLEDs.com) that manufactures energy-efficient LED lighting products, founder of Arial Software (www.ArialSoftware.com), a permission e-mail technology company, creator of the CounterThink Cartoon series (www.NaturalNews.com/index-cartoons.html) and author of over 1,500 articles, interviews, special reports and reference guides available at www.NaturalNews.com. Adams' personal philosophy and health statistics are available at www.HealthRanger.org.
|
 |
Refine your search
with Tonic herbs...
...and Key Health Concepts:...and Herbs
...and Herb
...and Treatment
...and Symptoms
...and Foods
...and Medicine
...and Diet
...and Nutrients
...and Plants
...and Side effects
...and Concepts:...and Energy
...and Formula
...and Yang
...and Yin
...and Time
...and Therapy
...and Conditions
...and Heat
...and Work
...and Study
...and Anatomy:...and Body
...and Blood
...and Spleen
...and Organs
...and Immune system
...and Liver
...and Kidneys
...and Heart
...and Cells
...and Stomach
...and Physiology:...and Effects
...and Immune
...and Deficiency
...and Function
...and Improve
...and Levels
...and Prevent
...and Balance
...and Increase
...and Effect
...and Plants and Herbs:...and Root
...and Ginseng
...and Astragalus
...and Suma
...and Ginger
...and Bark
...and Leaves
...and Cinnamon
...and Roots
...and Leaf
...and Adjectives:...and Herbal
...and Weak
...and Strong
...and Appropriate
...and Excess
...and Dried
...and General
...and Western
...and Deficient
...and Chronic
...and Substances:...and Tonic
...and Formulas
...and Water
...and Food
...and Extract
...and Tincture
...and Acid
...and Fluids
...and Radiation
...and Powder
...and Foods and Beverages:...and Tea
...and Mushroom
...and Soup
...and Mushrooms
...and Fruit
...and Sugar
...and Berries
...and Juice
...and Soups
...and Berry
...and Health Conditions and Diseases:...and Cancer
...and Diarrhea
...and Insomnia
...and Pain
...and Nausea
...and Colds
...and Inflammation
...and Exhaustion
...and Virus
...and Anxiety
...and Objects:...and People
...and Capsules
...and Vitamins
...and Seed
...and Plant
...and Animal
...and Hour
...and Oil
...and Product
...and Gum
...and Where:...and Chinese
...and China
...and Asian
...and United states
...and West
...and Indian
...and Asia
...and Japan
...and New york
...and Washington
...and Actions:...and Taking
...and Treating
...and Sleep
...and Strengthening
...and Warming
...and Strengthens
...and Drying
...and Growth
...and Drink
...and Building
...and Medical Terms:...and Properties
...and Dose
...and Results
...and Doses
...and Drops
...and Injections
...and Dosage
...and Syndrome
...and Double-blind
...and Platelet
...and Who:...and Patients
...and Doctors
...and Patient
...and Women
...and Female
...and Elderly
...and Men
...and Family
...and Herbalists
...and Physicians
...and Medical Adjectives:...and Acute
...and Digestive
...and Adrenal
...and Viral
...and Standardized
...and Adverse
...and Mental
...and Internal
...and Respiratory
...and Hepatic
...and Treatment Modalities:...and Ayurvedic
...and Chinese medicine
...and Traditional chinese medicine
...and Detoxification
...and Meditation
...and Yoga
...and Acupuncture
...and Massage
...and Biological Functions:...and Digestion
...and Period
...and Memory
...and Strength
...and Fertility
...and Breath
...and Concentration
...and Attention
...and Metabolism
...and Weight loss
...and Nutrients:...and Antioxidant
...and Vitamin C
...and Enzyme
...and Vitamin
...and Polysaccharides
...and Magnesium
...and Dha
...and Isoflavones
...and Potassium
...and Calcium
...and Macronutrients:...and Protein
...and Minerals
...and Salt
...and Seeds
...and Oils
...and Enzymes
...and Proteins
...and Mineral
...and Fatty acids
...and Fats
...and Drugs:...and Chemotherapy
...and Tablets
...and Diuretic
...and Sedative
...and Stimulants
...and Antibiotic
...and Antidepressants
...and Laxative
...and Diuretics
...and Antibiotics
|
Related Concepts:
Herbs
Root
Body
Tonic
Herb
Chinese
Energy
Tonics
Ginseng
Effects
Treatment
Formula
Immune
Astragalus
Symptoms
Blood
Adaptogens
Deficiency
Yang
Herbal
Spleen
People
Foods
Tea
Formulas
Yin
Ayurvedic
Cancer
Weak
Strong
Medicine
Diet
Shen
Time
Patients
Organs
Appropriate
Immune system
Function
Improve
Liver
Water
Kidneys
Properties
Food
Taking
Heart
Conditions
Therapy
Levels
Prevent
Digestion
Extract
Balance
Tcm
Nutrients
Heat
Excess
Dried
General
Plants
Work
Chinese medicine
Doctors
Study
Studies
Increase
Western
Research
Ashwagandha
Effect
Deficient
Combination
Dang shen
Example
Treating
Tonification
Dose
Diarrhea
Cordyceps
Group
Side effects
Insomnia
Suma
Tincture
Cells
Chemotherapy
Chronic
Stomach
Ginger
Disease
China
Results
Cold
Bark
Asian ginseng
Acute
Problems
Specific
Capsules
|
Email this page to a friend
