There are currently about fifty-two natural substances that are generally recognized as the major Chinese tonic herbs. These incomparable, legendary herbal substances have stood the test of time. Each has in its own right come to be recognized, through many centuries of continuous use, to be a remarkable life?enhancing tonic. These are the true super-tonics, the greatest list of herbal substances in the world.

Of the major tonic herbs, a dozen or so stand out as the superstars. These twelve herbs have been the backbone of Daoist tonic herbalism for at least three millennia. It is highly probable that Lao Zi and the Yellow Emperor himself consumed all or most of these herbs. Countless sages and masters of the Daoist arts have used these and benefited by attaining great longevity and “immortality” (enlightenment ? universal consciousness). The following descriptions of these twelve herbs are not exhaustive. They present insight into the twelve great tonic herbs and provide the most important functions of each knowledge that every person using herbs to promote radiant health should have. The information provided here is designed to lay the groundwork for a broader understanding of tonic herbalism. In fact, it was difficult to limit the list to twelve herbs, since some of the other tonic herbs have profound benefits. For much more in-depth descriptions of all of these herbs and how they are used, you are encouraged to read The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs (AKA “Radiant Health”), published by Warner Books.

This book will prove to be an invaluable resource and guidebook on your path to radiant health.

Though most of these herbs may be used individually, in actual practice, most of the herbs are combined into formulations that may be consumed on a daily or otherwise regular basis to promote one’s health and well-being.

Reishi

Reishi is considered by many people to be the ultimate tonic herb. It is widely renowned in the Orient as the “mushroom of immortality” and the “herb of good fortune.” The best Reishi is the red variety known as Ganoderma . Again, every Daoist that has ever lived in China, Korea or Japan consumed Reishi as often as possible. Reishi is now cultivated in Asia, and the very best Reishi is grown on “Duanwood” logs by organic means, and thus it is known as “Duanwood Reishi.” Hothouse Reishi and Reishi mycelium, varieties most commonly available on the U.S. market, are of inferior quality. Wild Reishi is also available, and high quality wild red Reishi is a premier Shen tonic. Reishi has been demonstrated in research done in China and Japan to be a significant immune system enhancing agent that also protects the various organs and tissues of the body. It is the supreme Shen tonic of Chinese tonic and is also considered to be a major Qi tonic. Reishi has an immediate calming influence, and over time is believed to help enhance wisdom, which may lead to true spiritual insight. Reishi protects the liver from poisons and has a very powerful regulating effect on people who experience allergies. Everybody should consume Duanwood or wild Reishi every day, and practitioners of Qi or other forms of Taoist yoga should never miss a day.

Ginseng

Asian Ginseng is the primary Qi tonic of Chinese tonic herbalism. Wild ginseng is an elite Shen tonic, revered by Daoists. Ginseng is one of the most famous and valued herbs used by mankind. Panax (Asian) Ginseng is an energy tonic that regulates the human energy system. It helps to regulate and nurture both the central nervous system and the endocrine system. Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb. It helps a person to adapt to all kinds of stress, and enhances endurance and resilience under stressful conditions. all the systems of the body, but is most specifically to the Spleen and Lung functions, the functions that produce Qi in the body. Wild Ginseng nurtures spiritual power and thus is said to enter the Heart meridian. Ginseng contains many active ingredients, but the most important are the saponins called ginsenosides. Ginsenosides specifically improve adaptability and are believed to help build muscle and endurance. Therefore Ginseng is very popular with athletes. Asian Ginseng generally has a “warm” energy.

Most ginseng is good for men and women alike. Wild and semi?wild Ginseng is generally far superior to the cultivated, commercial varieties. Wild ginseng possesses qualities that cultivated ginseng and has been a primary herb used by Daoist adepts. The higher the quality, the more Shen (Spirit) a ginseng root is said to contain. Ask for advice as to which might be best for you. Beware of cheap Ginseng products, because they are often made from immature roots that have imbalanced chemistry. These cheaper Ginseng products account for Ginseng’s unfortunate reputation for increasing tension or for causing headaches, or even high blood pressure. Mature, Ginseng will not have any side effects.

American Ginseng Root

For the past few hundred years, ginseng collected in North America has been popular among herb users in China. American Ginseng, or Panax Quinquefolium, is a true ginseng family member even though it grows in North America. It contains phytochemicals known as saponins that are similar to those found in Oriental ginseng (Panax Ginseng). However, American Ginseng is considered to be a Yin tonic herb, especially nourishing to the lungs, and stomach. It builds adaptive energy without the warming effects of Asian ginseng and is thus the ginseng of choice for overly yang people. American Ginseng is extremely popular in China. The wild variety is far superior to the but is much rarer and much more costly. Nevertheless, wild American ginseng is a great value, considering its extraordinary benefits.

Goji Fruit

This delicious fruit is very widely used as an excellent Yin Jing and blood tonic. Regular consumption of Lycium is traditionally believed to lead to a long and happy life. It is said that prolonged consumption of Lycium will promote cheerfulness and vitality. Many famous Daoists who attained great longevity and wisdom have praised Lycium as the herb of longevity. Lycium the Kidneys and Liver and directly and reliably builds Jing. Lycium is said to brighten the eyes and improve vision. It is said that Lycium strengthens the legs and enhances sexual function. Lycium fruit contains polysaccharides that have been demonstrated to strongly fortify the immune system. Lycium is also very rich in vitamin C (a vitamin C precursor that becomes vitamin C when it enters the blood stream) and in B vitamins. Furthermore, it is the richest source of carotenoids, including , of all known plants on earth and is thus a powerful antioxidant. It is now commonly called “Goji,” and is widely available. However, quality is a major issue with Goji. Truly great Goji grows in the far north of China, Mongolia and in the Heaven Mountain region of northwestern China. Heaven Mountain Goji is now considered, in China, to be the best quality. In China, Himalayan Goji is considered to be of inferior quality product and is rarely used.

Schizandra Fruit

Schizandra is a wonderful tonic historically consumed by Chinese royalty. It is one of the few herbs that contain all three Treasures in abundance. Therefore, all Daoists throughout Chinese history consumed Schizandra. Schizandra is considered to be a youth preserving herb and is renowned as a beauty tonic. It has been used for centuries to make the skin soft, moist and radiant. It is also said to be a powerful tonic to the brain believed in China to improve memory. It is also said to be an excellent and reliable sexual tonic when consumed regularly. It is said to help produce abundant sexual fluids, increase sexual endurance and to strengthen the whole body. It is used in many tonic formulations as an “astringent,” preventing the leaking of Jing. a wonderful multi?layered flavor when processed properly. The best Schizandra comes from the Mountains of Manchuria (northern China).

Astragalus Root

Astragalus root is one of the most important herbs in the world. Astragalus is the main herb in a wide range of tonic formulations. It is said to strengthen the “upright Qi” which supports our posture and the position of the organs. Astragalus has been used for over two thousand years to strengthen the body as a whole. It has been recognized as a superb and potent immune system tonic by modern researchers. It balances the immune system and may be used consistently and indefinitely without fear of side effects. Astragalus has also been found to be a to bone marrow. Astragalus is believed by the Oriental people to strengthen muscle and improve metabolic functions. The Qi building power of Astragalus matches that of ginseng. Like all tonic herbs, Astragalus is available in a wide range of qualities. Generally, with Astragalus as with Ginseng, when you purchase Astragalus, you are paying for the Qi available in the herb. More expensive varieties contain for more Qi than cheaper varieties. You get what you pay for with Astragalus.

CodonopsisRoot

This superb Qi tonic is used in much the same manner as Ginseng, and is considered to be an excellent substitute for Ginseng in any formulation calling for basic Ginseng, but requiring a gentler effect. It is said to restore energy, balance the metabolism and stimulate the production of blood. It is also traditionally used to clear the lungs of mucous and as a tonic of special value nursing mothers. It is said to help the skin become elastic, smooth and radiant and is thus used in many tonic formulations designed to increase both beauty and vitality. It is an excellent tonic the immune system.

Cordyceps

This rare and strange herb is considered to be a moderately Jing (primal essence) tonic of the highest stature, in the same league as other major herbs such as Deer Antler, and Ginseng. Cordyceps is also a superb Qi and is especially valued as a Lung tonic.It is a mushroom that grows on the head of a particular kind of caterpillar in mountainous regions of Tibet, Mongolia and Western China. It has enormous renown as a tonic and is said to build sexual and physical power. It increases mental and is one of the most powerful tonics to the immune system known to mankind. Cordyceps is universally believed in the Orient to prolong life and slow down aging. It possesses both Yin and Yang tonic properties, accounting for its enormous popularity and value. wild Cordyceps is currently selling for over $12 million a ton in the Chinese market. Obviously, a small amount is all that is necessary to achieve a big result in terms of building Jing.

Deer Antler

Deer Antler is widely believed in the Orient to strengthen all aspects of a person’s and is considered to be an ultimate Yang primal essence (Jing) tonic. It is a warm tonic, although it is also known to contain Yin Jing. It is also a major blood tonic. Extracts of Deer Antler have been found to strengthen the central nervous system and the heart. Deer Antler is believed to strengthen the mind and to calm, yet enliven, the Spirit (Shen). Deer antler is universally believed throughout the Orient to invigorate sexual energy. Modern research indicates that Deer Antler stimulates the production of blood by nourishing the marrow.

Deer antler contains chemicals that are very closely related to human growth hormone (HGH) and is now widely believed to promote youthfulness as a result of this chemistry. The soft antler of the male deer is removed from the deer when it has grown just two or three spikes and is still covered by velvet. The deer grows new antlers. The tip of the antler is the most potent part because it contains the most active substances (more than 90% of the active substances in deer antler are contained in the tip, the last inch of the antler). It takes thirty deer antlers to make one ounce of “tips.” Tips are more expensive than the middle and lower parts of the but are of much more value. I recommend you only buy products made from the tips of the antler.

Dendrobium

Certain varieties of Chinese orchid are an excellent Yin essence (Jing) tonic and longevity herb. It has been widely used both by Daoist masters and by the Chinese elite.There are several species and varieties of Dendrobium available. Dendrobium is said to quickly and effectively replace spent “Jing.” It is widely used in the Orient by those who engage in a lot of sexual activity to replace the spent energy and to replace thus it is commonly called “honeymooners tea.” When combined with licorice root, and Lycium fruit, it is also called “healer’s tea,” because it is said to provide healing energy which can be transmitted to others, and replace the spent healing energy. Thus body workers, other hands?on healers, and all those who give of themselves their benefit by consuming Dendrobium. My great Daoist teacher Sung Jin Pak, recommended that I consume Dendrobium every day because of my activities as a hands on acupressurist.

Eucommia

Eucommia is a superb Jing tonic, used to strengthen the back (especially the lower back), skeleton, and joints (especially the knees and ankles). Eucommia possesses both Yin and Yang activity and is thus suitable men and women alike. Eucommia is believed to confer strength and flexibility to the ligaments and tendons. It is often used by Qi practitioners, martial artists, yoga practitioners, and other athletes to strengthen the back, knees, and the entire body. It has been found to be very helpful at regulating blood pressure, especially high blood pressure. Eucommia is widely used in China as a safe and effective sex tonic for men and women.

It is also considered to be a major longevity herb. It was the second herb described in the first herbal text written in China, by Shennong, following ginseng.

He Shou Wu

Constant consumption of this famous “longevity herb,” whose full name is Polygonum , is said in the Orient to help return an aging person to youthfulness and to keep a young person young. This herb has been consumed by almost every Daoist that has ever and is fundamental to the practice of the Daoist inner arts. It is an unsurpassed Yin Jing tonic, as well as a major blood tonic. It is said to increase energy and to clean the blood. As an essence tonic, it is believed to be a powerful sexual tonic when consumed regularly. He Shou Wu is widely believed in China to increase sperm production in men and to increase fertility in women. It is used in almost all that are believed in the Orient to nurture the hair and teeth. It was the first herb my great teacher gave me. I still consume it every day, no matter what I’m doing or where I am.

Rehmannia

Rehmannia is said to be the “Kidney’s own food.” It is thus believed to be a Kidney tonic and longevity herb and is found in many common “anti?aging” formulations for longevity, and rejuvenation. It is also considered a premium blood tonic and is said to benefit sexual functions in men and women. The steamed variety is said to be warm in nature, and it is the steamed variety that is considered tonic. Steamed Rehmannia should be combined with Qi tonics to improve its assimilation.

Gynostemma

Gynostemma is popularly believed in Asia to be an anti-aging, longevity herb. Gynostemma is generally reinforcing to overall and has a strong anti-fatigue effect. It is also used throughout Asia as a virtual “cure-all.”

Gynostemma is a major adaptogenic herb, in the same league as Panax Ginseng, Reishi, Schizandra and Astragalus. It is that has been revered and widely used by Daoists in Southern China as a primary Qi tonic. Gynostemma is widely believed to improve the utilization of oxygen, to improve digestion, to strengthen the mind, and to improve sexual functions. It is also believed to help calm the nerves and to The ultimate greatness of Gynostemma lies in its broad spectrum adaptogenic quality. It has double-direction activity in many areas. It has the ability to bring balance to the body under a wide range of stressful circumstances. Constant consumption of Gynostemma tends to have a highly protective quality because it strengthens the adaptive capacity of the person at every level of their life. Constant consumption of Gynostemma is widely believed to promote radiant health and great longevity. Gynostemma has fabulous, safe anti-inflammatory activity throughout the while strengthening the overall immune system. The chemical constituents responsible for the adaptogenic characteristic of Gynostemma are saponins