arth. They possess a markedly medicinal effectiveness and must not be taken over a long period of time since side effects will likely result. If you wish to remove cold, heat, and other evil influences from the body, to break up stagnation of any sort and to cure illnesses, you should base your efforts on the herbs in the Inferior Class.
The tonic herbs have unique qualities that make them different from all other herbs. The single most important quality is that they contain an abundance of one or more of the Three Treasures, Jing, Qi and/or Shen. That is why Shennong says that they “supplement the energies and nutrients circulating in the body and prolong the years of life without aging.”
Major Tonic Herbs Used by Daoists for Centuries to Nurture the Three Treasures
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 fifty two 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 herbs, and benefited by attaining great longevity and “immortality” (enlightenment ? universal consciousness). The following descriptions of these twelve super-tonic herbs are not exhaustive. They present insight into the twelve great tonic herbs and provide the most important functions of each one ? 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 super-tonic 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 long term 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 lucidum. 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 herbalism, 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 Gung or other forms of Taoist yoga should never miss a day.
LIST OF INGREDIENTS:
1.TONGKAT ALI 200:1 EXTRACT
2.DEER ANTLER 20:1 EXTRACT
3.CORDYCEPS 20:1 EXTRACT
4.SCHISANDRA 20:1 EXTRACT
5.MARAL ROOT 20:1 EXTRACT
6.LION'S MANE MUSHROOM 20:1 EXTRACT
7.CHAGA MUSHROOM 20:1 EXTRACT
8.HE SHOU WU (FO-TI) 20:1 EXTRACT (PREPARED)
9.GYNOSTEMMA 20:1 EXTRACT
10.ASTRAGALUS ROOT 20:1 EXTRACT
11.RHODIOLA ROOT 20:1 EXTRACT
12.CISTANCHE TUBULOSA 20:1 EXTRACT
13.REISHI MUSHROOM 20:1 EXTRACT
14.PINE POLLEN
15.POLYRHACHIS 20:1 EXTRACT
16.SHILAJIT 20:1 EXTRCT
17.ASPARAGUS ROOT 20:1 EXTRACT
18.REHMANNIA 20:1 EXTRACT
19.EUCOMMIA 20:1 EXTRACT
20.DENDROBIUM 20:1 EXTRACT
21.AJUGA TURKESTANICA (10% TURKESTERONE) EXTRACT
22.ASHWAGANDHA 20:1 EXTRACT
23.MACA ROOT 20:1 EXTRACT
24.LICORICE ROOT 20:1 EXTRACT