Tonic herbs are non-stimulant plants that with consistent use over time condition the the body, mind or subtle aspects to be healthier, stronger and more vital. Tonic herbs and agents, often called adaptogenic herbs have a tonifying effect on the body. That is they challenge the bodies organs, or systems and with consistent use over time the body "adapts" to the challenge, or becomes immune. While antibiotics have the long term effect of creating stronger pathogen strains, and weakening our bodies own natural defense, many tonic herbs work with the body, nourishing, balancing ad harmonizing body systems in a way that prevents disease. Tonics have been used alongside self realization practices for thousands of years and have tremendous potential for aiding body mind and spirit on the path of of surrender.
Tonic herbs can be distinguished from stimulant herbs that may have a similar initial effect, in that they do not provide immediate benefits. Stimulants provide an initial effect, drawing from the body's reserve energies to create a heightened state more immediately. This is of coarse is then associated with a swing in the other direction, as the body comes back depleted from the stimulated state. This can become a malevolent cycle if more stimulants are used to compensate for depletion. A tonic on the other hand conditions the body over time to function on a higher level. Tonic herbs are associated with a benevolent cycle. Over time tonics can cultivate more energy, balance, strength and vitality, which manifests as feeling good, motivating us to live in a way that cultivates more of this. In the Yoga tradition this is called a satvic state and is most conducive to the awakened awareness we call yoga. A tonic subtly challenges body systems over time, and body becomes conditioned to the challenge. That is not to say that a tonic will not have a "feeling" associated with using it. Just like every food has a taste and changes the way that the body feels (whether we are conscious of that or not), so too every plant, every medicine will have at least a subtle feeling associated with it.
It can be useful to understand that while herbs may affect the physical body, organs, and systems of the body, they also act on the subtle layers of being. The body can be understood as existing on many dimensional planes. With the physical being the most solid, the body ripples out in ever more subtle expressions, thought emotions, and ever more subtle aspects. Transformation on one level of being, affects all levels of being, and far from being distinct from one another the bodies or koshas are one dynamic very connected experience. As esoteric as this may sound, it is very practical. When you exercise the physical body, it usually has the affect of elevating your "spirit" too. That is physical exercise reduces mental stress, lifts mood, and make you "feel" good. The experience we call "health" is that of "ease" in body, mind, emotions and the intangible experience. As far as tonics the benevolent or satvic state they cultivate in the body is not limited to physicality. For instance Reishi Mushroom is associated with nourishing Shen, or subtle energy. This can be understood in concrete terms as increased concentration and calm, or the quieting of mental chatter in yoga called chitta vritti. It is clear why Reishi has been used for many thousands of years in the Taoist tradition as a compliment or aid to meditation practice.
Like Yoga the use of tonic herbs is a practice. Like Yoga tonic herbs won't transform you if you don't use them regularly. Herbs have long been used along side Yoga practice with the intention of realization of the totality of self. Just As Yoga in India has worked alongside the Aryuvedic system, Taoism, Zen and Chi Gong have worked alongside Chinese medicine. The best way to get started incorporating tonic herbs into your practice is to pick one. By their very definition, tonics do not create harmful side effects in people. This does not preclude idiosyncratic reactions. As you start to include any new herb or food in your life, listen and feel the effect. Often you can intuitively sense how it is affecting you. Decoctions, are a traditional way that herbs have been consumed, but they can also be eaten. In my practice I use extracts as well because they can easily be added to food or smoothies or tonic elixirs.
For a list of high quality herbs and extracts we offer and descriptions you can visit radiantlifeyoga.
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