A Brief Introduction To Tonics
Tonic herbs are supreme medicine and highly valued in ancient healing systems. Their ability to increase energy, strengthen the immune system and minimize the negative effects of stress is confirmed by modern science and by centuries of experience. These tonic blends are nutritious and invigorating. Each is a full-spectrum fluid tincture. We use the whole plant parts to extract the broadest range of the plant's active constituents. We believe that the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts and working together these constituents produce their maximum healing potential as nature intended. Herbs are primarily extracted in grain alcohol and distilled or spring water. The ratio of alcohol to water varies according to what each plant needs to extract their healing constituents. The ratio of plant to menstrum is usually 1:4 for dried herbs and 1:2 for fresh herbs. Some herbs, like reishi and shitake mushrooms, are extracted using a unique double extraction method.

QUESTION: DO TONIC HERBS COME IN CAPSULE FORM?
Its true Americans prefer their herbs in capsules and tablets, but there are many benefits to alcohol tinctures. Most herbalists recommend teas or tinctures, but capsules and tablets remain the big sellers. Tinctures are alcohol based because alcohol best extracts most compounds and carries them directly into the bloodstream. Elementals herbs uses the whole plant part and produces a full-spectrum fluid tincture. An alcohol tincture is a concentrated form of an herb's active chemicals and offer several advantages over other preparations:
·-The bottles are easy to carry and do not require refrigeration.
·-The concentrated form makes it easier to take large doses.
·-They keep for years if stored away from heat and light.
·-Tinctures are easily absorbed into the bloodstream because the herb's active components have been separated from the plant's indigestible cellulose and starch.

QUESTION: CAN'T I TAKE MULTI-VITAMINS AND GET THE SAME EFFECT?
Tonic herbs are considered superior medicine in traditional health systems because they have the power to increase energy levels, normalize the function of organ systems, boost immunity and help our bodies manage stress. Also they are highly nutritious, providing vitamins and nutrients that are easily assimilated by our bodies, unlike high dose vitamin pills that are often not well absorbed. They are very useful for those who seek to cultivate better overall health with minimal or no side effects. No wonder they are considered superior herbs in Chinese medicine.

QUESTION: WHAT QUALIFIES AN HERB AS A TONIC?
To qualify as a tonic, an herb must be proven to be nutritious, enhance immune function, affect more than one organ system of the body, and boost energy levels. Perhaps most important are two qualifiers unique to tonic herbs. They must work bi-directionally, that is help restore balance in whichever direction is needed and, be adaptogenic, work to increase our ability to handle stress and minimize its negative impact on our health.

QUESTION: WHY IS MANAGING STRESS SO IMPORTANT?
Stress impacts our ability to cope with illness. In fact, there is a clear association between stress and illness. Stress suppresses the immune system and many illnesses are stress related. Stress is part of life and normally we are able to respond effectively and regain balance. Any internal deficiency - mind, body or spirit - can make stress overwhelming and energy zapping. To put it simply, stress can be exhausting.

QUESTION: I FEEL FINE. WHY SHOULD I TAKE TONICS?
My training in Chinese medicine taught me the value of preventing disease and maintaining wellness. Here in the west we focus on treating symptoms and often take our good health for granted until something happens. We don't truly understand the concept of tonics or how they can benefit our health. Tonics were once popular here in the West, until the advent of allopathic medicine at the turn of the century. Today, tonics are becoming popular again as more people realize there is a safe way to boost energy levels, improve their health and help them manage stress.

QUESTION: WHO BENEFITS FROM TONIC HERBS?
Healthy young people do not need tonics. Tonics are effective with chronic illness, helping to build immunity, alleviating stress, protecting against environmental toxins, slowing the aging process, and insurance against family history. According to the latest studies, most chronic illness is best managed by building the immune system to help the body manage the disease.

QUESTION: ARE TONIC HERBS SAFE TO TAKE WITHOUT ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
By definition, tonic herbs are safe and are meant to be taken in small doses over a long period of time. Larger doses do not work faster or better. Tonic herbs are assimilated in much the same way as food in our bodies. In fact, they are sometimes referred to as the "forgotten foods."
In general, tonic herbs should not be used during period of acute illness. Review the cautions listed with some herbs and consult your health care practitioner if they apply to your situation.