Renew, revitalize and restore: the three Rs that captured our attention when we came across the innovative superfood tonic powder, Ancient Wisdom, by Imperial Tonics. With a unique blend of tonic herbs and adaptogens – reishi mushroom, schizandra, goji berry, astragalus root, and he shou wu –we were curious to dig in deep to see just what this blend of exotic herbs and foods offered. To satisfy our own curiosity, we checked out exactly how each of these herbs influences the body. Take a look at what we found, then try our perfect recipe to put this super-tonic to good use. Each of these ingredients help us better navigate the stress-laden challenges and quirks of day-to-day life!
Duanwood Reishi Mushroom: Reishi, also known as “the mushroom of immortality,” is one of the most prized herbs in Chinese tonic herbalism. First written about by Daoist monks, who have traditionally held reishi in high regard, they believe the mushroom nurtures the growth of intelligence, wisdom and spiritual insight; calms the mind, strengthens the nerves, eases the body and builds will power. Made with duanwood, this form of reishi has shown to be the most powerful of the reishi mushrooms in the world from a pharmacological perspective. Recent research demonstrates reishi’s life-extending properties, but also its significant ability to stimulate brain neurons, destroy cancer cells, and prevent the development of new fat cells in obese individuals. In addition, it has led to positive improvements in conditions such as asthma, allergies, autoimmune disorders, diabetes and liver disease.
Schizandra: The empress of Chinese herbalism, schizandra reigned as the favored herb of wealthy households, from emperors to royal women, for centuries in Imperial China. As a beautifiying tonic, schizandra was held in high regard among Chinese women for its profound ability to moisten the skin and clear the blood. It is said that if schizandra is taken for 100 days continuously, it will sharpen the mind, purify the blood, improve memory, rejuvenate the kidney jing energy, and cause the skin to become radiantly beautiful. Finally, Schizandra has been shown to strengthen and protect the liver by promoting detoxification and the safe clearance of toxins from the body.
Goji Berry: for the last several thousand years, goji berries have been revered as a superfood in Asian cultures for the promotion of longevity. In Chinese herbalism, goji is known for its role as a yin jing tonic to strengthen the blood and revitalize the body. Today, goji berries have grown in prominence for their youth-preserving, health-improving and mood-elevating properties. Goji berries are extremely rich in beta-carotene, which gives credence to the long-held belief that goji berries improve eyesight. Their phytochemicals have been shown to protect against free radicals and protect the DNA of our cells. It has long been attributed that goji berries strengthen the back, tonify the sexual and reproductive functions, and help restore yin energy to the kidney and liver energy channels.
Astragalus Root: Long held as a staple of Chinese herbalism, astragalus, known as “the great protector,” is known the world over for its strengthening abilities to the body. Its main benefits are to strengthen muscle and support metabolic functions. It is often used to tone the bowels, strengthening digestion and elimination, and for increasing the health of the skin, increasing its resistance to challenging environmental conditions.
He Shou Wu: He shou wu, which translates to “black-haired Mr. He,” is known in Chinese herbalism for its ability to tonify the organs and nourish the blood. He shou wu is both energizing and calming. It helps to balance the body, as well as the mind, through its capability to support both liver and kidney. Through this, it is an important anti-aging and longevity herb, one that supports the growth of the hair and nails, and keeps the hair from losing its color.
Imperial Elixir with Ancient Wisdom Tonic Herb Powder
serves 1 – 2
Directions:
Boil 2 cups filtered water and add 1 tea bag or 1-2 tablespoons loose-leaf tea. Steep for 5 minutes.
Pour tea into a blender. Add goji, vanilla, honey and coconut oil. Blend.
After blended, add in Ancient Wisdom, maca and sea salt. Blend for 1 minute.
Pour and enjoy!
FAQs
A herbal tonic is a solution or other preparation made from a specially selected assortment of plants known as herbs. They are steeped in water and drunk either hot or cool. Herbal tonics are believed to have healing properties ranging from relieving muscle and joint pain and extend as far as inhibiting some cancers.
What is an herbal elixir? ›
Herbal elixirs involve steeping medicinal herbs in honey or, maple syrup, sometimes combining them with brandy or other alcohol, or fermenting them, such as medicinal meads.
How do you make your own herbal tonics? ›
Use about 1 teaspoon of herbs and one cup of cold water. Put your herbs and water into a pot, then bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and let it simmer from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on how hardy the plant is. Strain the liquid, then drink or use it in your culinary recipes.
What are the side effects of herbal tonics? ›
Herbal medicines can have dangerous side effects, research reveals. Herbal medicines can cause kidney failure and liver damage in some consumers because they contain toxic chemicals or heavy metals, or react harmfully with other drugs, a study has found.
Does tonic actually work? ›
Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink that may contain sugar and has little nutritional value. The quinine present in tonic water provides a distinctive bitter flavor. While not dangerous, tonic water does not have any major benefits and could lead to an unnecessary increase in calorie consumption.
What is the main ingredient in elixir? ›
Elixirs are clear, hydroalcoholic liquids characterized for having a pleasant taste and a sweet flavor. As such, they are mainly included in preparations to improve their esthetic acceptability. Typically, an elixir is composed of ethanol (3%–23%) and water.
What are the benefits of elixir drinks? ›
The Top 5 Reasons You Should Drink Elixirs
- What is an Elixir Drink? ...
- Good Source of Antioxidants. ...
- Remedy for Stomach Issues. ...
- Improves Digestion Process. ...
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties. ...
- Encourages Good Hydration.
In ancient Greece, elixirs were thought to give one immortality. And although a well-made elixir can certainly solve for everyday maladies such as an upset stomach or headache, eternal vitality is a bit of a stretch. They can, however, boost your energy, help your organs function and tickle your taste buds.
What is the difference between a tonic and an elixir? ›
An herbal tonic is typically a formula made from various herbs having these effects to fortify specific bodily systems, such as the immune system, and support overall health. Elixirs are basically botanical remedies used to address a specific imbalance in the body, such as a cold or menstrual cramps.
How long do herbal elixirs last? ›
An elixir is a sweet liquid, made from a combination of vegetable glycerin, herbs, and a very small amount of alcohol (to help preserve the extract). The shelf life of an elixir is approximately two years, when stored properly.
But all elixirs have one thing in common: they are immensely potent sources of nutrition and deliver unparalleled medicinal value. By learning how to integrate these into our daily life, we can not only prevent disease, but also optimize the vibrancy of our life, health and cognition!
What is the best herbal tonic? ›
Dabur Dashmularishta stands out as the ultimate health tonic in Ayurveda, tailored specifically to suit your individual needs. With its remarkable blend of potent ingredients and unique formulation, this tonic offers numerous benefits that set it apart from other health tonics in Ayurveda.
Do herbal tonics work? ›
In summary, tonic herbs work to improve the function and tone of tissues in the body, either by strengthening and nourishing the tissues or by stimulating organ function and the eliminatory processes in tissues. Depending on the herb used, they may fortify specific systems or support the body as a whole.
What's the difference between a tincture and a tonic? ›
Tonics are restorative and invigorating, but the term is often misconstrued. In this context, tonic means the act of tonifying rather than the method used to create the preparation. By this definition, one could create a tonic tincture or a tonic tea. Tincture: A liquid extract made from herbs that is taken orally.
Can I drink tonic everyday? ›
A liter normally has 83 mg of quinine. An eight-ounce glass would therefore have roughly 20 mg, about one-tenth the lowest dose doctors prescribed for leg cramps. Even three glasses daily should be OK as long as you are not sensitive to quinine.
What does herbal tea tonic do? ›
A tonic is an herbal formula made from a specially selected assortment of herbs, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, and plants, which is then used to help invigorate systems in the body and promote general health and well-being.
