Traditional Chinese Medicine

Fundamental to the understanding of Chinese medicine is the concept of yin and yang. Basically

this principle states that good health involves keeping the body in balance. If there is an

unbalance, the role of TCM is to bring the body back into a balanced state. This is achieved

with the right foods, herbal tonics and medicine, acupuncture and Qi Gong exercises.

The Chinese view the body as being composed of five fundamental organs - Kidney, Liver, Lungs,

Spleen and Heart. Though they share the same names, the concept of an organ in Chinese medicine

differs from that of Western medicine. The Chinese regard each organ as a system which controls

both the physical and mental aspects of our being. Each organ has important functions to

perform, and its success is very much dependent on the support given and the control exerted by

the other organs. Unbalance occurs when one organ becomes too strong or too weak.

The Eastern philosophy on health is centered on prevention, rather than cure. In Ancient China,

the physicians taking care of the Emperor's immense household will only get their pay if

everyone is healthy. Likewise, it used to be common practice to consult a TCM practitioner when

one is well and to take tonic herbs with the express purpose of remaining healthy. This

practice is similar to the practice of taking vitamins among Western consumers. Top

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Over many centuries, the people of Asia have tested virtually every conceivable substance for

its nutritive, tonic and medicinal properties. The vast majority of "herbs" used in TCM are

derived from the roots, leaves, flowers and fruits of plants. However, sea plants, fish and

aquatic creatures, animal parts and by-products, insects, reptiles and mushrooms have all been

designated as "herbs" in the practice of TCM.

Practically all Chinese herbal medicine used today have survived the test of time. Most of them

have been in regular use for over 1,000 years. Likewise, many Chinese patent medicines and

formulas have been developed many centuries ago. The Chinese do not believe in testing new

products on animals. Instead, Chinese doctors often test these products on themselves before

they were used on their patients. Very few new herbal remedies were develop in recent times.

Instead, Chinese doctors still refer extensively to the documented works of their predecessors.


Chinese medicinal herbs were first classified by the Emperor Shen Nong according to their

therapeutic properties and relative safety.

1. Tonic Herbs (also known as Royal or Ruler Herbs) are the highest class of herbs. Tonic herbs

are not considered as medicine, rather they are treated as highly nutritious foods. They are

completely safe if properly used and can be consumed as often as desired.

2. Minister Herbs are used to correct minor unbalances in the body. These herbs have both

medicinal and preventive properties. Though relatively safe, the choice of which herbs to use

must be chosen carefully.

3. Assistant Herbs are powerful herbs capable of correcting major unbalances. Most assistant

herbs are highly toxic and should not be used unless prescribed by a TCM practitioner. This is

the lowest class of herbs and are used only as a last resort.

Only a few herbs are used singularly. Most herbal treatments require additional herbs to

increase the potency of the primary herbs, to neutralize side effects and to direct the action

towards specific organs. Top

Tonic Herbs

Only a select group of less than a hundred herbs are regarded as tonic herbs. Tonic herbs are

"super-foods" which benefit our well-being in ways which the common foods cannot. They have a

protective, balancing and vitalizing quality beyond that of ordinary herbs or foods. For

centuries, they supply rare and unique nutrients to complement a well-balanced diet.

While most tonic herbs are rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, they are especially

valued for their bionutrients. Rarely found in foods, these substances benefit the body in

special ways. Researchers have found bionutrients in tonic herbs that exhibits anti-aging,

memory- enhancing and cholesterol-lowering properties. Some bionutrients are extremely potent

antioxidants, others aid in the absorption and utilization of nutrients from foods.

Many tonic herbs are adaptogens, substances that help bring the body into a state of balance.

This is usually achieved through the stimulation of the body's immune and healing functions.

Tonic herbs have the unique ability to adjust its actions to the body's needs. They could act

as a stimulant or induce a restful sleep. Herbs that exhibit such properties are rare and are

highly prized.

The very best tonic herbs provide a broad range of health benefits, but they are definitely not

a "cure-all" solution. However, TCM believes that for a type of unbalance, ill health can be

manifested in many ways. This means that several seemingly different problems can have the same

root cause. Thus, a tonic herb that can help the body overcome this type of unbalance should be

of benefit to a number of problems.

Today, many important tonic herbs are becoming more readily available to consumers. Ginseng,

ganoderma, cordyceps, astragalus, polygonum and dang gui are no longer regarded as exotic

remedies. While these herbs have always been available as whole dried herbs, modern consumers

prefer to take them as capsules and tablets, tinctures and even as beverages and candies.

Quality and quantity of the tonic herbs contained in such products vary widely and the consumer

must choose carefully.