Chinese tonic herbs strengthen the body, improve the functioning of internal organs, boost the immune system and improve overall health and well-being. Tonics help the body to adapt to stress, regulating the cardiovascular, nervous and respiratory systems. Some Chinese tonic herbs also stimulate the endocrine system, increasing the secretion of hormones. Long-term use of tonic herbs improves physical and mental performance, strengthens the body, improves appetite and contributes to a healthy body weight.
Ren Shen
Ren shen---ginseng---is a popular Chinese tonic herb. According to John Chen, PhD, ren shen is the best herb to restore vitality and strengthen the body. It boosts energy and improves mental functioning. Ginseng helps speed recovery after chronic illness, strengthening and revitalizing the body. It benefits lung conditions with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma or chronic cough. American ginseng---white ginseng---cools the body, improving energy and endurance. Asiatic ginseng---red ginseng---is the steamed and dried form of white ginseng, which warms the body.
Dang Shen
Dang shen---codonopsis---boosts energy, improves appetite and strengthens digestion. It has many of the same uses and benefits as ginseng, but it is less expensive. Like ginseng, it treats coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Dang shen is milder than ren shen, which makes it a better choice for people with low immunity or weak constitutions. Chinese herbalists prescribe higher doses of dang shen to make up for its mild nature.
Huang Qi
Huang qi is also known as astragalus. It boosts energy and strengthens the immune system. Astragalus benefits skin conditions and helps heal chronic sores. It has a mild diuretic effect and reduces water retention and swelling. Fresh or dried astragalus more effectively treats immune system problems, water retention and swelling. Huang qi fried in honey combats fatigue, strengthening the spleen and lungs.
Ci Wu Jia
Ci wu jia---acanthopanax root---is commonly known as Siberian ginseng, although it is not a ginseng at all. It strengthens the kidneys and spleen and reduces fatigue, poor appetite and low back and knee pain. Ci wu jia also treats insomnia characterized by excessive dreaming or difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. This herb helps combat the negative effects of stress by strengthening the adrenal glands, thyroid and pancreas.
Gan Cao
Gan cao, or licorice root, strengthens the digestive system and lungs. It treats fatigue, shortness of breath, poor appetite, diarrhea, coughing and wheezing. Licorice root also relieves pain, especially muscle pain and cramping. It treats skin sores, swelling, burns and sore throat. Chinese herbalists boil gan cao to make a decoction, grind it into topical powder or paste, or use it in pill form or as a syrup. Gan cao fried in honey makes it sweeter and more warming, which increases its ability to improve the digestion and stop coughing.
References
- "Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology"; John K. Chen, PhD, and Tina T. Chen, MS, L.Ac.; 2001
- Asia Chi: About Ginseng
- ITM Online: Codonopsis: Medicine and Food
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