Chinese medicinal herbs
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.