Chinese herbs are herbs, roots, barks, berries and mushrooms used to treat and balance all natural elements of human health. Specifically, the tonic herbs, are a branch of Chinese herbalism used to rebuild, renew, and rejuvenate life-force in the body.
These herbs have been studied and practiced by Chinese Taoists to bring into balance the "Three Treasures": 1) Jing 2) Chi and 3) Shen (Spirit).
The tonic herbs are documented in one of the first known herbals dating back in Chinese history several thousands of years ago.
These tonics are "food" and immune system adaptogens! They are designed to be taken over a long period of time, becoming part of one's daily regime.
"They are used to fortify the body-mind, to strengthen the life functions, to encourage natural harmony, to enhance one's adaptability, and as a result of all this, to generate what the Chinese call radiant health." Ron Teeguarden
There are a select number of major tonic herbs that are top super herbs for herbal tea alchemy. This tonics will "take your health to the next level", if you are ready.
They are building herbs, so it is important that the body is clear of major disease or sickness. It is always good to do a juice fast before beginning the tonic herb program. That way you can start fresh with a system that can adequately absorb the deep nourishment these herbs provide.
Sometimes the art of blending Chinese herbs can be a little overwhelming, but we recommend you keep it simple. The idea is that you are using the best of the best, the top herbs used by the
longevity
masters! You can't go wrong!!
Some herbs will just resonate with you more than others, those are the Chinese herbs to pay attention to. Using both logic and intuition is key.
(See our herbal tea preparation guide for tips on how to extract the most out of your herbs!)
1) Schizandra Berry
Schizandra (Schizandra chinensis) is one of the most common sexual tonics known. It rejuvenates kidney vigor and the sex gland endurance in both men and women, increasing fluids and vibrant sexual health, which is always a good sign of overall fitness!
After several months it will provide youthful, supple glowing skin and is famous as a "beauty tonic" for it is said to hold moisture within the cells of the skin.
It is a blood purifier, and enhances brain function, focus and memory. High among the Chinese herbs, it is said to be one of the only herbs to enter all 12 meridians and is virtually good for so many things the list seems endless.
It is a powerful restorative for the eyesight, known to actually increase the range of vision.
2) Asparagus Root
Asparagus root (Asparagus lucidus) is called the spirit tonic for the "heart". It specifically focuses on nourishing, calming and opening the heart region to receive the gifts of love, kindness and compassion, giving to one's self and then to the world.
It is an overall energizer and toner for the lungs, allowing the breath of life to flow easily, bridging the body-mind connection.
Asparagus is said to help one see things from a larger perspective and move beyond the world of form into a divine matrix that interconnects life and all the universe.
For this reason it is also considered a "spiritual herb" and is also used as a sexual tonic for overcoming the physical blocks to receiving ecstatic union.It is closely related to Shatavari in the
Ayurvedic herbs,
but is of a different species.
3) Dong Quai
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is a super potent blood tonic for both men and women. It has been praised as the "woman's ginseng" because of it's reviving effects on the reproductive system, building blood and harmonizing the entire blood cell structure to its natural, most efficient, state of well being.
It is used also to promote menstrual stability in women, increasing the easy unburdened flow of blood during the monthly cycles.
For this reason, it is also recommended for those with anemia to revitalize blood balance. It is good for men as well, to help to build muscle by increasing blood flow to the tissues.
Dong Quai has a bitter taste but is camouflaged in many herbal formulas when the proper proportions are used. I use this one everyday in my
herbal tea recipes
for helping to circulate and refresh the blood. It has a overpowering taste, so be warned.
4) Licorice root
Chinese licorice root(Glycyrrhizae uralensis)is the all popular, deliciously sweet and unctuous tonic that is a great enhancer and harmonizer of other herbs in
herbal tea preparation,
increasing the effectiveness of other tonics.
Known for its detoxifying effects that eliminate all toxins from the body, its cleansing attributes allow for all energies to flow more smoothly.
5) Jujubee Dates
Jujubee dates (Zizyphus jujube) or also called "red dates" are a great harmonizing herb that ties together other tonics in the formula, like licorice root. Jujubees are especially great when used with other yang herbs to add greater balance to their fiery nature.
They have a sweet flavor and are known to dry up an excessive of mucus, yet moisten tissues if needed.
Jujubee strengthens and purifies the entire body especially the stomach region, increasing circulation and clearing the systems of blockages.
6) Codonopsitis
Codonopsitis (Codonopsitis lanceolate) is considered the "poor man's ginseng". It is more mild and more cooling than ginseng, but is also a great energy tonic.
It moistens and nourishes the tissues and organs where needed, with an amazing ability to provide equilibrium to the major metabolic systems. It detoxifies and stimulates the bloodstream, clearing excess and helping one to achieve beautiful complexion. It is great for anyone who is severely depleted.
7) Rhodiola
Rhodiola (Rhodiola Rosea) has been grown in areas of Tibet and Russia for thousands of years and considered a sacred herb among Asian and Russian people. It can be used to enhance spiritual nature, invoking wisdom, incredible strength, focus and physical endurance.
It has been praised, right up there with ginseng, for it's powerful qualities. It is extremely helpful for cardiovascular and overall heart health.
Rhodiola is supreme herb for anyone undergoing intense stress or physical exertion.
8) Astragalus
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is known for its immune system enhancing attributes that have been studied to benefit cancer and Aids patients.
It contains an all important polysaccaride that promotes increased immune system response and stimulates the activation of white bloods in the body. Astragalus is used to strengthen, warm and tonify the limbs, especially helpful for those in cold, harsh climates.
A rare form of astragalus is found to contain a gene that helps lengthen telomeres. It is available in only concentrated amounts in a longevity supplement called TA 65.
9) Ginseng
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is known as the "king of herbs". We place this powerful tonic under our
herbal stimulants,
though it is also #1 Chinese herb known throughout the world for it's amazing energy restoring and strength building properties.
This sophisticated system of herbalism has been successfully verified and tested as a way to build and maintain levels of health that increase
longevity,
to not only extend, but add a strength and quality to one's life!
Chinese Herbal Teas The Power of Adaptogens!
Adaptogens are herbs that help the body to "adapt" to stress, fatigue, anxiety, and traumas from the external environmental influences or internal imbalance.
All of these top Chinese herbs are adaptogens. They are like the
Ayurvedic herbs,
in that they have the ability to nourish depletions and "protect" us against any of the multiple stress factors, whether they are physical, mental, or chemical in nature.
These herbs are perennials, that is they come up year after year, which is, in part, the reason for their strength and adaptogenic attributes. They help us to ground and move from a place of strength, calmness and unwavering confidence!
Buying Herbs:
China town markets often have an abundant array of these Chinese herbs. Here is a translation guide of each herb in Chinese English to help you out. They are not usually called by their "western" names in these markets, so you would be well advised to take this list with you, that way you know what is what.
Chinese Herbal Tea And Herb Translations:
Ginseng - Renshen
Asparagus Root - Tien Men Tong
Schizandra Berry - Wu Wei Tza
Dong Quai - Dang Gui, Tang Kuei
Licorice Root - Kan Tsao
Rhodiola - Hong Jing Tian
Astragalus - Huang Chi (Qi)
Jujubee Dates - Ta Tsao
Condenopsis - Tang Shen
Reishi - Ling Zhi
Astragalus - Huang Qi
Lycium fruit (Goji berries) - Gou Qi Zi
Coriolus - Yun Zhi
Maitake - Lian Hua Gu
Cordyceps - Dong Chong Xia Cao
Fo-ti - He Shou Wu
Learn how to make your own alchemical preparations with
nutritive herbal tea
and cleansing herbs blended with the top Chinese herbs to provide you with extra-ordinary energies that will tone and re-build nerve force.
The Best Chinese Herbal Tea Book
Chinese Tonic Herbs is one of the first books that I was assigned to read in my first Integrative Herbology Appreticeship Program. The author, Ron Teeguarden, offers a unique, in depth approach with his years and practice as a leading expert on the subject of Chinese Herbalism. He writes from a great personal understanding of each of the herbs, discussing the 2 main classes of Major Tonics and Minor Tonics.
His descriptions are wonderfully poetic blending both science and spiritual connections from years of work with these Chinese herbal medicines. He also discusses the basic elements to Traditional Chinese Medicine and focal points involved in choosing and making tonic herb formulations.
First published in the mid 80's, it is still one of the top Chinese Tonic Herbals out there!
is one of the first books that I was assigned to read in my first Integrative Herbology Appreticeship Program. The author, Ron Teeguarden, offers a unique, in depth approach with his years and practice as a leading expert on the subject of Chinese Herbalism. He writes from a great personal understanding of each of the herbs, discussing the 2 main classes of Major Tonics and Minor Tonics. 
