Tonics And Elixirs

Virtually all cultures, from Native Americans to the ancient Chinese and from Aboriginal Australians to the Indian tribes of South America, have used the healing powers of herbs and plants to make preparations for restoring tranquility to the mind, health to the body, and preventing the onset of disease. Probably the most ancient of all medical techniques, the use of herbal tonics, tinctures, elixirs, and herbal teas is becoming an increasingly popular approach in the modern world to restoring energy to a tired body and mind. They are also invaluable when used in the prevention of illness to build up the body's strength and natural resilience. The demands of modern life can make us all feel stressed and tired. Nature has conveniently created a pharmacopoeia of health-giving, natural restoratives that are rapidly gaining in popularity with the general public and health workers worldwide.

Herbal tonics and elixirs are available that will help in preserving and maintaining your vitality and well-being, assist recovery during convalescence, and speed the body's natural healing process during illness. However, do not allow feelings of fatigue, stress or general weakness to continue over a prolonged period without seeking medical advice. Many preparations have been designed for self-help, and a variety of herbal practitioners, working in a range of many international traditions, may also be consulted. The following tonics are among the most popular.

Aloe
The jellylike liquid of aloe leaves is reputed to have healing properties for both internal and external wounds and for soothing irritated skin. It is an effective preventive or treatment for irritable bowel syndrome and good for the digestive system. Prolonged or excessive use may induce hemorrhoids. Consult a qualified practitioner before taking aloe internally.

Cider vinegar
Cider vinegar tones up the immune system, balances the body's chemistry and helps prevent and treat kidney stones and most arthritic conditions. The usual dosage is one teaspoon mixed with honey and warm water, taken three times a day.

Cod liver oil
This important fish oil is a time-honored favorite for protecting health. A daily dose-one capsule-of this fish oil will tone your general health and is a valuable source of vitamins A and D.

Coenzyme Q10
Important for the production of energy in the body, this supplement is often referred to as the wonder vitamin Q. Actually, it is a coenzyme. It enables the body's cells to release energy from food. While the body manufactures this enzyme itself, illness, aging, and generally lowered resistance tend to reduce production. To maintain or boost energy levels take up to three capsules daily. It is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Damiana
This herb has a reputation for rejuvenating the reproductive organs because it increases the blood flow to the capillaries. It also stimulates the genitourinary tract when excreted and so appears to stimulate the sex organs. It may have this effect because it has a nervine action, creating a feeling of mild euphoria for one to two hours. It is beneficial against anxiety and depression. Available over the counter in capsules. It can also be drunk as a tea.

Echinacea
North American Indians have traditionally used this herb as an overall tonic to strengthen both the mind and body and to maintain the immune system. Capsules are generally anti-infective and used for treating colds and flu. They also help rebuild the immune system, particularly in the pelvic region, and may be taken after yeast infections, such as candida and thrush, and following cystitis. It is also recommended for treating glandular fever. Taken as a tea, it improves the circulation and may help in treating bronchitis. A practitioner may prescribe a tincture for this. Echinacea has been used to help restore the immune system in cancer patients following chemotherapy, but is not recommended for self-help.

Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil is a popular supplement that contains the nutrient gamma linoleic acid (GLA), used by the body for the formation of prostaglandins. Similar to hormones, these play a part in the regulation of the blood, skin, and reproductive functions. The body makes its own GLA but not always very effectively. Evening primrose oil is helpful in treating many different conditions, including PMS, painful breasts, and arthritis. Atopic eczema is thought to be caused by a deficiency of linoleic acid in the body and evening primrose oil may be taken internally for this condition and also applied directly on the lesions. Evening primrose oil may also benefit brittle hair and nails. Some herbalists believe it may help coronary heart disease. Evening primrose oil is available in liquid and capsules. Use as directed.

Fennel
This is excellent for toning up a sluggish system and for stimulating the appetite. An infusion of fennel on its own or mixed with chamomile and hops helps constipation.

Flax (linseed)
This small brown seed contains nutrients vital to the body's life processes and well-being. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, important in the prevention of serious degenerative illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, immune disorders, allergies, depression, and certain kinds of mental illness. Grind the linseeds or crush them in a pestle with a mortar and add them to any meal you choose-from breakfast cereal to soup, salad, and stew. Three teaspoons of linseed swallowed with water once a day, at the same time each day but not at mealtimes, softens the consistency of bowel movements, alleviating the discomfort of hemorrhoids.

Ginger
This is the herb the Chinese use for treating morning sickness, motion sickness, indigestion, and nausea. Peel and grate the root to make an infusion of ginger tea for treating these digestive complaints or take one capsule up to three times daily. An infusion of ginger root is also helpful in treating most forms of arthritis and menstrual cramps, as well as helping raise the spirits of those suffering depression. Tablets are also effective for treating menstrual cramps: Take one up to three times a day. Ginger is said to stimulate the function of the lungs and a practitioner may prescribe a tincture for treating bronchitis. An infusion of ginger and spring onion is a traditional remedy for colds and flu.

Ginkgo biloba
This herb stimulates the blood supply to the brain. Older people with circulatory problems may benefit from one capsule a day. It may also help alleviate the symptoms of post-viral fatigue. It may help Alzheimer sufferers; gingko biloba is thought to help memory loss. It has an antioxidant action and it is thought to protect cells and slow down the aging process. Use only over-the-counter preparations. Caution: some people cannot tolerate even small doses.

Ginseng
This is a wonderful tonic that stimulates and helps to restore the whole body, increases endurance, helps counter stress, and boosts energy. Overdosage of ginseng causes restlessness, irritability, muscular aches, and tension (particularly in the neck and shoulders). Ginseng is reputed to stimulate energy in all the body's organs and may be helpful in treating some forms of impotence and loss of libido in both men and women. However, ginseng can overenergize certain types of women and prolonged use or high doses should be avoided during pregnancy. Two cups if ginseng tea taken daily may help alleviate menopausal hot flashes. Ginseng should not be taken by those who are suffering from fever or flu symptoms or who have high blood pressure. Ginseng is available in many forms. Use as directed or consult your herbalist. If you are taking a vitamin C supplement, allow two hours between taking this and taking ginseng, as this vitamin can interfere with the body's ability to absorb ginseng.

Guarana
The seeds of this herb contain a small amount of caffeine, which is partly why it is so widely recognized as an energy booster. Researchers in a number of countries have found it to be effective in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Guarana revitalizes mind and body.

Kombucha
This tonic has been brewed and drunk in China for more than 2,000 years and is claimed to have strengthening, rejuvenating, and revivifying properties. It is a heavy mixture of yeast and bacteria that contains a rich variety of B-complex vitamins, folic acid, a powerful detoxifying agent, glucuronic acid, an antibacterial, and usnic acid, an antiviral agent. These combine to help repair and strengthen the body's connective tissue. It is said to help prevent serious illness because of its immune-enhancing properties and to keep aging at bay, cure arthritis, and reduce the risk of cancer or the size of existing tumors.

Propolis
Propolis seems to stimulate the immune system to form antibodies that differentiate between useful and harmful bacteria. It is also helpful in the treatment of cystitis: take one capsule or tablet three times a day, or as directed. An alternative medical practitioner may prescribe a course of propolis and pollen for the treatment of prostate problems. Women suffering from vulvitis (inflammation of the vulva) may be advised to take 3 g propolis a day for three days and then 2 g a day for eight days. Propolis is also available as a liquid: Drink 4 to 10 drops in half a glass of warm water once or twice a day.

Reishi mushroom
The reishi mushroom is considered an important energy tonic. It is claimed to stimulate the immune system and is officially listed in Japan as a substance for treating cancer. It can also be used for deficiency conditions and to fortify the body's natural vigor. Use capsules as directed.

Royal jelly
This tonic is the natural food of the queen bee, who is much bigger and lives 60 times longer than the other bees. The power of royal jelly has been well-known in China and other Eastern countries for many centuries. Even today the Chinese give injections of royal jelly to cure arthritis. Royal jelly is claimed to enhance the general level of well-being, to stimulate the immune system, and to increase stamina and energy levels. It has a natural diuretic action and also helps to relieve allergies and asthma, to heal wounds, and to purify the blood. Some researchers believe royal jelly boosts the body's ability to handle the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation in cancer treatment. To improve and maintain well-being, use capsules as directed on the package or by your herbalist. You can also take it as a liquid tonic.

Saw palmetto
The saw palmetto berries are claimed to be an excellent energy and sex tonic, particularly for men experiencing impotence or prostate problems. The North American Indians have a long tradition of using the berries for catarrh and congestion of the lungs. Saw palmetto is also used to treat urinary problems. Caution: Do not substitute saw palmetto for medical treatment.