All tonics are unequal

The use of tonics and adaptogens in our culture is becoming common practice. With the fatigue of fast-paced daily living setting in, excess worry, stress, and nutrient deficiencies thanks to 21st-century farming practices, it seems these herbal medicines have emerged on the menu by virtue of necessity!

Many cafes now offer tonic drinks or give the possibility to add to your coffee the latest foreign sounding herb or mushroom that will give you the boost you need to kick on through the next 8 hours, with a joyous buoyancy in your ‘bubbling springs*!

*’Bubbling spring’ is a name used within traditional Chinese medicine. It is the beginning of the kidney meridian, Kidney 1.

It is located on the sole of the foot and the basic idea is that a so called ‘spring’ in the step is representative of a good amount of energy/life force. Picture a young buoyant child skipping along a footpath. And now picture someone that is 105 years old with a Zimmer frame dragging their feet along.

The term ‘Tonic’ that is used in cafes must generally be referring to the Oriental uses of the word, as they view illness primarily coming from deficiencies, with tonics being something that supplements and supports physiological functions. Western traditional medicine often sees illness in terms of excess and stagnation, so tonics are often bitter flavoured, taken before meals, and used to stimulate digestive function with an emphasis on the detoxification of the liver.

And so the choices!

Do you have Corydalis, Cordyceps, Codonopsis, Reishi, Ginseng, American ginseng, Tienchi Ginseng, Indian Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Withania, Chaga, He shou wu, lions mane, lions paw, cats claw, cats ears?

*3 of the above-mentioned herbs is actually the one plant with different names, 1 of them grows on the back of caterpillars, 1 of them is sedating, 1 is a prolific weed throughout south east Queensland that smothers forest canopies, and 1 is a common weed growing on the footpath out the front of your house.

Unless an individual has 4,5,6+ decades under the belt or a chronic condition, tonics aren’t really needed. The unnecessary boost provided can in large doses have a detrimental effect, promoting excess heat, blood stagnation, disturbed appetite, digestive illness, headaches, or simply furthering the overall fatigue one may have been feeling in the first place.

Used during acute illness can additionally have a negative effect on the body, much the same as using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, to reduce a fever isn’t always appropriate. The fever is there for a reason.

Tonics can be boiled down to certain categories, with significantly different focuses. Some have an amazing efficacy for the Immune system, some build blood, and another restores adrenal function. Others may primarily have historical literature that says it, regulates chi, tonifies yang, nourishes yin, and has an affinity for the lungs and spleen.

Using Ginseng (Panax ginseng) in your 20’s, in the summertime, whilst also drinking other stimulants is definitely a no-go. Refer to Energetics of food part 1 for a basic run down if needed. However, drinking Indian ginseng (Withania somnifera) late at night when work has been pushing you too hard and sleeping has even become hard is a wonderful thing to do. Drinking Indian ginseng in cases of acute cold is not ideal, but taking astragalus following recovery is a great idea. Rehmania for anemia – yep, Rehmania with weak digestive function – nope. Reishi for immune system – yep. Reishi if there is stomach heat – nope.

The way around balancing the energetics of herbs to make them suitable if someone feels the specific herb might be necessary is to blend with other herbs with complementary actions. Yet that takes near a lifetime to perfect…

The general message being offered here is for you to dive headfirst into herbal medicines and start to discover the specific indications the powerful plants/fungi are offering to us. A basic understanding of your own constitution, the general areas of weakness that show up for you, so that when you do decide to add some herbs to your morning cocktail it is of specific benefit to your wellbeing.