Total Body Wellness Through Tonic Herbs:
The New Revolution in Herbal Medicine
by Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D.
Don't Combine Tonics With Non-Tonics
Because the distinction between them is not fully understood or commonly
respected, tonic and non-tonic herbs are often freely combined by users,
formulators and manufacturers alike. This practice compromises and may
completely eliminate bi-directionality and the desired tonic action. The
delicate balance among the constituents of tonic herbs can be easily upset by
the presence of uni-directional constituents from non-tonic plants. The
stimulant or depressant action of non-tonic herbs can often overpower the
balancing tendencies of the tonic herb. In other words, bi-directionality is
often lost in the wake of strong uni-directional action. For example, combining
goldenseal with echinacea produces a fine
immunostimulant but destroys the
immunotonic action of echinacea. The uni-directional action of St. John's Wort
or Kola nut is too strong for the balancing action of valerian, passion flower
or ginseng. Lily of the Valley, an otherwise fine cardioactive plant compromises
the tonic action of hawthorn. Combining tonics with non-tonics is a practice
that will undoubtedly continue. Indeed, my purpose is not to eliminate that
practice, but simply to point out that tonic activity cannot be achieved in that
manner. The benefits of tonic action cannot be realized unless pure true tonic
herbal combinations are produced.
Synergy: The Tonic Advantage
One of the astounding things about tonics is their synergy. Through the
availability of pure herbal true tonics we will not only enjoy the synergy among
the plants occurring in a single combination, but we will enjoy untold marvelous
synergistic effects when combinations are combined with combinations. Combining
a combination of nervous system tonics with a combination of digestive system
tonics retains the tonic action of all of the individual plants. Moreover, it
produces a myriad of synergistic actions between the individual herbs of both
combinations. Even though I might put together one formula for the
musculoskeletal system and a different one for the immune system, you may
discover that combining these two combinations together dramatically improves
their action in your body. This is synergy. Compare this wonderful opportunity
with the typical hit and miss method of purchasing a variety of herbal
combinations, each designed for a different purpose, without regard to any other
combination, containing both tonic and non-tonic herbs, whose actions may
actually interfere with each another, and you will quickly grasp the value of
the pure tonic approach and my motivation for devoting years of APRL time and
resources to tonic research. The all-encompassing, totally wholistic,
health-expanding opportunities accessible through involvement in a good herbal
tonic program are almost unfathomable.
Consumer
Confusion in the Marketplace
One of the main problems people have with herbs is confusion. There are
hundreds of herbs available, and thousands of different combinations of herbs.
Confronted by this array of possibilities, most people get confused. They just
want to know what herb to take, they don't have the time nor the inclination to
become an expert in herbal medicine or botany. Careful blending by herbalists
and manufacturers makes the consumer's work much easier, greatly reducing the
risk of side effects and in many cases increasing the likelihood of
effectiveness. Even with all of this care, the novice is usually still at a loss
for a starting place. The herbal tonics are a solution to this problem. Because
of their safety and system oriented nature, the tonics make an excellent choice
for people just getting acquainted with herbs. It offers the consumer a
fail-safe, no nonsense, stress-free way to begin enjoying the benefits of the
best tonic herbs the world has to offer. Even the seasoned herbal veteran will
find that adherence to the rules for tonic combinations will be extremely
beneficial. Most customers, whether they are novices or experienced herb
consumers can satisfy almost all of their routine wellness needs with tonics.
©1995, Victory Publications
8305 788599941026
Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. earned his advanced degree in experimental psychology from Brigham Young University. His specialized areas was psychopharmacology, with related studies in biochemistry, neurology, anatomy and physiology. His interest in medicinal botany began while in graduate school and his dissertation reflected that interest. Over the next several years his research in this area lead to the publications of several books, among which are: Herbal Tonic Therapies, The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, Guaranteed Potency Herbs: Next Generation Herbal Medicine, and Fat Management: The Therogenic Factor
