Besides Green Tea, Garlic and Ginger, which have already been covered here and by Dr. Weil in the past weeks, there are 8 other tonic herbs that he feels we should study up on and consider choosing 2 to add to our diet. He also says that if we will give them a fair shake (take them daily for 2 months) that we will likely see their effects, and if the effects aren’t to be seen that we will know that we are helping our bodies prevent specific diseases.

The 8 other tonic herbs are:

Ashwagandha (of the nightshade family) - restorer of male potency

Astragalus (of the pea family) - strengthen disease resistance and restore immune function in the immunosuppressed

Cordyceps (mushroom) - increase physical stamina, mental energy, sexual vigor and longevity, athletic performance.

Dong Quai (of the carrot family) - blood building and circulatory system stimulant. In women it balances hormones (good for menstruation problems), in men it helps build muscle and blood.

Ginseng - Look for gensenoside content on the label to be sure you are getting real ginseng. Watch for high blood pressure, and lower dose or switch to American ginseng. Good for people with low vitality or weakness due to chronic illness or old age.

Maitake (mushroom) - significant immune function benefits, anticancer, antiviral, reduces blood pressure and blood sugar.

Milk Thistle - liver protection, good for heavy alcohol drinkers and those of us that take many pharmaceutical drugs that are hard on the liver.

Reishi (mushroom) - improves immune function, inhibits growth of tumors, anti-inflammatory

Siberian Ginseng - known also as spiny or eleuthero ginseng, is a relative of true ginseng. Increases athletic performance and endurance, enhances immune function, general restorative for people lacking in energy.

Dr. Weil’s book has a section in the back where you can see the brands of tonics and supplements that he uses and recommends and where to purchase them. This tonic thing is a bit fascinating to me (I guess you may have noticed that..LOL). Let me know if you take a tonic (or two), I would love to hear about your experiences with it!

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