What Are Herbal Tonics + 5 Tonics in Chinese Medicine

The tonic herbs used in Chinese Medicine sitting in bowls with ferns and flowers around them

Herbal medicine is found around the world and is still used by many societies as a primary form of healthcare. Both Western Herbal Medicine and Chinese Medicine (CM) utilize herbs to maintain vitality, but their philosophies and classifications differ significantly. In Western herbal medicine, tonics are herbs used to tone and strengthen the body. In CM, however, tonic, or more accurately, "supplementing” herbs serve a broader function, working to balance the body's vital energies, including qi, blood, yin, and yang. This article will clarify the distinctions between Western tonics and CM supplementing herbs, providing a deeper understanding of their unique roles. It will also explore five key Chinese supplementing herbs. 

Tonics in Western Herbal Medicine

In Western herbalism, tonics are plants that offer tone to specific tissues and strengthen specific bodily systems. These herbs are considered restorative, working overtime to support the body's resilience and vitality. For example, nettle (Urtica dioica) is a nutritive tonic used to support the kidneys, often consumed as a tea for its mineral content. Another example is dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), which acts as a liver tonic, promoting the body’s natural cleansing process and supporting digestive function. While the former is additive, or “supplementing” the latter is working to help the body function, not necessarily building in the way a food might build the body through its nourishment. Western tonics are generally considered safe for long-term use and work by enhancing physiological functions. They are selected based on physical symptoms and aim to improve overall organ performance, particularly when a system is under strain due to stress, fatigue, or poor nutrition.

Ginseng root macerates in a jar of high proof alcohol

 

Supplementing Herbs in Chinese Medicine (CM)

In CM, the concept of supplementation is more additive or nourishing, addressing a specific “lack of” in the body's vital energy systems. Supplementing herbs, known as buyao, work to nourish deficiencies in qi, blood, yin, or yang. For instance, if an individual is suffering from a deficiency of qi, they might experience lack of energy, digestive issues, or poor immunity. A CM practitioner would prescribe herbs to boost or supplement qi, restoring harmony within that person’s body. Supplementing herbs are prescribed based on the individual’s overall energetic pattern(s), not just the symptoms, and aim to restore harmony within the body. These herbs are carefully selected to work in support of the body’s needs, often paired with other herbs to create balanced formulations.


Comparative Analysis

Western tonics and CM supplementing herbs differ not only in their definitions but also in their approach to health. Western tonics focus on toning and strengthening a particular organ or bodily system, targeting symptoms related to poor function. In contrast, CM supplementing herbs are selected based on the energetic diagnosis of the patient, considering the entire body's balance and seek to build a weakened system. For example, while dandelion might be used in Western medicine to support liver function, a CM practitioner might use baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala) to supplement an underlying qi deficiency. 

Angelica flowers with bees on them

Five Supplementing Herbs in Chinese Medicine

Danggui (Angelica sinensis)

Known as "female ginseng," danggui (or "Dong Quai") is a powerful herb used to supplement and quicken the blood. It is considered one of the best herbs in Chinese medicine to nourish the blood. It is especially important in supporting menstrual disharmony, and is frequently used in formulas to nourish and regulate the female reproductive system. It also helps to harmonize blood circulation and is a staple in CM for women's health.


Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus)

Huangqi is a vital herb for boosting qi, particularly the protective qi (weiqi) responsible for immune defense. It is often prescribed to individuals who more easily feel under the weather or who experience general weakness. Huangqi supports the body’s immune system while also enhancing the body's energy reserves. 


Rehmannia flowers bloom in the sunlight

Shu dihuang (Rehmannia glutinosa)

This form of rehmania is prepared by steaming the raw herb with wine to give it its cloying black texture and appearance. This herb is one of the most important in CM for nourishing blood and yin. Shu dihuang is commonly used to address blood vacuity, such as occassional dizziness, pale complexion, or irregular menstruation. It is also used to treat yin vacuity, which may present as night sweats, dry mouth, or low back discomfort. The herb works by deeply nourishing the body, especially in cases of fatigue or recovery from health disharmony.

Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala)

Baizhu is a key herb for supplementing the spleen qi, which is responsible for digestion and the transformation of food into qi. Formally known as “southern ginseng” this is one of the premiere qi supplementing herbs in Chinese medicine.  It is used in cases of spleen qi vacuity, which might manifest as poor digestion, occassional bloating, fatigue, or loose stools. By strengthening the spleen, baizhu enhances overall vitality, promoting better digestion and more efficient nutrient absorption.

Overhead photo of ginseng berries on plant

 

Renshen (Panax ginseng)

Renshen, is the root of Asian ginseng, also known as Chinese ginseng and Korean ginseng. This is the “king” of supplementing herbs and known to be the most important herb for supplementing qi in Chinese medicine. There are two primary forms of ginseng, the first is “white ginseng,” which is the unprocessed, simply dried version of the root and the other is “red ginseng,” which is processed by steaming the root. While many people may be more familiar with the red, processed, version, it is the unprocessed version that is most commonly used by professional practitioners in China. From an energetic point of view, the red version is more yang and thus more heating, so it is most appropriate for those who feel cold. The white version is less heating and drying and is better for those with general qi vacuity or who are recovering from health challenges. 


In closing

Western herbal tonics and CM supplementing herbs reflect two distinct systems of medicine. Western tonics aim to improve physiological function, focusing on specific body systems like the liver or kidneys. CM uses supplementing herbs to build the body's qi, blood, yin, and/or yang. Both approaches have their strengths, and an integrative understanding of these systems could lead to more comprehensive health care practices. The five Chinese herbs discussed, while only a fraction of the total number of herbs used for this purpose, illustrate the depth and diversity of CM’s approach to health, each offering unique properties to restore harmony and vitality.




Looking to learn more From TCM Practioner Thomas Avery Garran?

Find Him at Herb-Whisperer.com


You may also enjoy:

Mountain Rose Herbs PIN photo

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. For educational purposes only.


Topics: Recipes, Herbalism, Specialty Ingredients, Herbalist Corner

Thomas Avery Garran, PhD - Guest Writer

Written by Thomas Avery Garran, PhD - Guest Writer on January 7, 2025

Thomas Avery Garran, PhD, is an herbalist, author, translator, scholar, and educator who has been studying botanical medicine for over 30 years. He holds a PhD in Chinese Materia Medica Studies from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing, China. Dr. Garran is widely published, and is the author and/or translator of four books including Western Herbs in Chinese Medicine, Western Herbs According to Chinese Medicine: A Practitioner’s Guide, and Chinese Herb Cultivation: Daodi Practices for Growing and Processing Chinese Herbs. His recent work focuses on daodi (local) herbs and agriculture, and bringing his nearly 16 years of living, farming, and studying in China back to the U.S. as the president of Herb Whisperer, Inc. (www.herb-whisperer.com) and executive director of the East West School of Herbology with his wife, Holly, building their botanical sanctuary and learning center in Western Massachusetts.


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What Are Herbal Tonics + 5 Tonics in Chinese Medicine

The tonic herbs used in Chinese Medicine sitting in bowls with ferns and flowers around them

Herbal medicine is found around the world and is still used by many societies as a primary form of healthcare. Both Western Herbal Medicine and Chinese Medicine (CM) utilize herbs to maintain vitality, but their philosophies and classifications differ significantly. In Western herbal medicine, tonics are herbs used to tone and strengthen the body. In CM, however, tonic, or more accurately, "supplementing” herbs serve a broader function, working to balance the body's vital energies, including qi, blood, yin, and yang. This article will clarify the distinctions between Western tonics and CM supplementing herbs, providing a deeper understanding of their unique roles. It will also explore five key Chinese supplementing herbs. 

Tonics in Western Herbal Medicine

In Western herbalism, tonics are plants that offer tone to specific tissues and strengthen specific bodily systems. These herbs are considered restorative, working overtime to support the body's resilience and vitality. For example, nettle (Urtica dioica) is a nutritive tonic used to support the kidneys, often consumed as a tea for its mineral content. Another example is dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), which acts as a liver tonic, promoting the body’s natural cleansing process and supporting digestive function. While the former is additive, or “supplementing” the latter is working to help the body function, not necessarily building in the way a food might build the body through its nourishment. Western tonics are generally considered safe for long-term use and work by enhancing physiological functions. They are selected based on physical symptoms and aim to improve overall organ performance, particularly when a system is under strain due to stress, fatigue, or poor nutrition.

Ginseng root macerates in a jar of high proof alcohol

 

Supplementing Herbs in Chinese Medicine (CM)

In CM, the concept of supplementation is more additive or nourishing, addressing a specific “lack of” in the body's vital energy systems. Supplementing herbs, known as buyao, work to nourish deficiencies in qi, blood, yin, or yang. For instance, if an individual is suffering from a deficiency of qi, they might experience lack of energy, digestive issues, or poor immunity. A CM practitioner would prescribe herbs to boost or supplement qi, restoring harmony within that person’s body. Supplementing herbs are prescribed based on the individual’s overall energetic pattern(s), not just the symptoms, and aim to restore harmony within the body. These herbs are carefully selected to work in support of the body’s needs, often paired with other herbs to create balanced formulations.


Comparative Analysis

Western tonics and CM supplementing herbs differ not only in their definitions but also in their approach to health. Western tonics focus on toning and strengthening a particular organ or bodily system, targeting symptoms related to poor function. In contrast, CM supplementing herbs are selected based on the energetic diagnosis of the patient, considering the entire body's balance and seek to build a weakened system. For example, while dandelion might be used in Western medicine to support liver function, a CM practitioner might use baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala) to supplement an underlying qi deficiency. 

Angelica flowers with bees on them

Five Supplementing Herbs in Chinese Medicine

Danggui (Angelica sinensis)

Known as "female ginseng," danggui (or "Dong Quai") is a powerful herb used to supplement and quicken the blood. It is considered one of the best herbs in Chinese medicine to nourish the blood. It is especially important in supporting menstrual disharmony, and is frequently used in formulas to nourish and regulate the female reproductive system. It also helps to harmonize blood circulation and is a staple in CM for women's health.


Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus)

Huangqi is a vital herb for boosting qi, particularly the protective qi (weiqi) responsible for immune defense. It is often prescribed to individuals who more easily feel under the weather or who experience general weakness. Huangqi supports the body’s immune system while also enhancing the body's energy reserves. 


Rehmannia flowers bloom in the sunlight

Shu dihuang (Rehmannia glutinosa)

This form of rehmania is prepared by steaming the raw herb with wine to give it its cloying black texture and appearance. This herb is one of the most important in CM for nourishing blood and yin. Shu dihuang is commonly used to address blood vacuity, such as occassional dizziness, pale complexion, or irregular menstruation. It is also used to treat yin vacuity, which may present as night sweats, dry mouth, or low back discomfort. The herb works by deeply nourishing the body, especially in cases of fatigue or recovery from health disharmony.

Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala)

Baizhu is a key herb for supplementing the spleen qi, which is responsible for digestion and the transformation of food into qi. Formally known as “southern ginseng” this is one of the premiere qi supplementing herbs in Chinese medicine.  It is used in cases of spleen qi vacuity, which might manifest as poor digestion, occassional bloating, fatigue, or loose stools. By strengthening the spleen, baizhu enhances overall vitality, promoting better digestion and more efficient nutrient absorption.

Overhead photo of ginseng berries on plant

 

Renshen (Panax ginseng)

Renshen, is the root of Asian ginseng, also known as Chinese ginseng and Korean ginseng. This is the “king” of supplementing herbs and known to be the most important herb for supplementing qi in Chinese medicine. There are two primary forms of ginseng, the first is “white ginseng,” which is the unprocessed, simply dried version of the root and the other is “red ginseng,” which is processed by steaming the root. While many people may be more familiar with the red, processed, version, it is the unprocessed version that is most commonly used by professional practitioners in China. From an energetic point of view, the red version is more yang and thus more heating, so it is most appropriate for those who feel cold. The white version is less heating and drying and is better for those with general qi vacuity or who are recovering from health challenges. 


In closing

Western herbal tonics and CM supplementing herbs reflect two distinct systems of medicine. Western tonics aim to improve physiological function, focusing on specific body systems like the liver or kidneys. CM uses supplementing herbs to build the body's qi, blood, yin, and/or yang. Both approaches have their strengths, and an integrative understanding of these systems could lead to more comprehensive health care practices. The five Chinese herbs discussed, while only a fraction of the total number of herbs used for this purpose, illustrate the depth and diversity of CM’s approach to health, each offering unique properties to restore harmony and vitality.




Looking to learn more From TCM Practioner Thomas Avery Garran?

Find Him at Herb-Whisperer.com


You may also enjoy:

Mountain Rose Herbs PIN photo

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. For educational purposes only.


Topics: Recipes, Herbalism, Specialty Ingredients, Herbalist Corner

Thomas Avery Garran, PhD - Guest Writer

Written by Thomas Avery Garran, PhD - Guest Writer on January 7, 2025

Thomas Avery Garran, PhD, is an herbalist, author, translator, scholar, and educator who has been studying botanical medicine for over 30 years. He holds a PhD in Chinese Materia Medica Studies from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing, China. Dr. Garran is widely published, and is the author and/or translator of four books including Western Herbs in Chinese Medicine, Western Herbs According to Chinese Medicine: A Practitioner’s Guide, and Chinese Herb Cultivation: Daodi Practices for Growing and Processing Chinese Herbs. His recent work focuses on daodi (local) herbs and agriculture, and bringing his nearly 16 years of living, farming, and studying in China back to the U.S. as the president of Herb Whisperer, Inc. (www.herb-whisperer.com) and executive director of the East West School of Herbology with his wife, Holly, building their botanical sanctuary and learning center in Western Massachusetts.