The number one key to success in Traditional Chinese Medicine is the treatment of each patient as an individual. When it comes to herbs, each patient's symptoms and the underlying cause are considered very carefully before a remedy is given and even if two people exhibit what appears to be the exact same symptoms, there is no guarantee that they would both have the exact same formula.
Among TCM therapies, Chinese herbal medicine can be an extremely powerful method of healing. Combined with other treatment, including Tuina, or alone, Chinese herbs treat the root cause of the underlying condition. They rarely cause unwanted side effects when prescribed by qualified TCM practitioners. Chinese herbal medicine offers ways to restore balance for most, if not all, health conditions.
There are many classes of herbs within the Chinese Materia Medica and literally thousands of substances used. A select few of these substances are used as tonics and are revered in the Asian medical community because they enhance the life force and improve longevity.
Tonic Herbs
Also called Superior Herbs, tonic herbs are safe for long term use to build and maintain health. They are not considered medicinal herbs in the classical sense of the word. They function to fortify and enhance the mind-body complex, strengthen the life forces, engender a natural harmony, and restore or encourage the adaptability of living systems.
It is essential to understand that tonic herbalism approaches health from the concept that radiant health is a product of a natural and dynamic harmony. Tonic herbs do not fight disease causing agents. The Chinese do have herbs that attack or treat disease causing agents, however, these are known as Inferior Herbs, or general herbs.
Qi Tonics
❦ Ren Shen
❦ Dang Shen
❦ Huang Qi
❦ Bai Zhu
❦ Gan Cao
❦ Da Zao
❦ Shan Yao
Blood (Xue) Tonics
❦ Dang Gui
❦ Chuan Xiong
❦ Bai Shao Yao
❦ Di Huang (Shu & Shang)
❦ He Shou Wu
❦ Gou Qi Zi
Yin Tonics
❦ Tien Men Dong
❦ Mai Men Dong
❦ Shih Hu
Yang Tonics
❦ Rou Gui
❦ Feng Wang
❦ Lu Rong
❦ Rou Cong Rong
Minor Tonics
❦ Fu Ling
❦ Wu Wei Zhi
❦ Xiang Fu
❦ Chen Pi
❦ Du Zhong
❦ Shan Zhu Yu
❦ Chai Hu
❦ Dongchong Xiacao
❦ Mou Dan Pi
❦ Ze Xie
❦ Shen Jiang
❦ Ju Hua