Tonic herbs? How these replenishing, restorative herbs support resilience in wobbly times

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The most common questions I get as an herbalist are "what herb is good for [insert imbalance or condition here]?"  

Like, "what's good for reflux", or "what's good for constipation" or "what's good for menstrual cramps?"

While absolutely there are herbs that can help symptomatically alleviate challenges, we don't orient enough to supporting and nourishing whole systems or tissues of the body *so that* they function more optimally.

What if we could reduce or prevent symptoms rather than wait until they're showing up to address them?

Cue "tonic herbs."  

While some of these herbs can be worked with strategically to reduce symptoms, many of them are more gentle, nourishing herbs that build resilience of tissues or a system (eg uterine tonics, cardiovascular tonics, nervine tonics) over the course of time. 

Gradually, at a deeper, but often more subtle level. Which of course can require some patience, but is a traditional way of working with plants medicinally. 

These plants are often incorporated into foods, teas, or long term formulas.

Whether overall restorative tonics for longevity or resilience, or tonic herbs for specific body systems, they are key herbs to know.

Listen to learn:

• what a tonic herb is (2 definitions) and what it is not
• the difference between acute symptom relief and tonic actions
• when and why to consider working with restorative tonic herbs
• the differences and overlaps between categories of tonic herbs
• a few examples of restorative tonic herbs, cardiovascular tonics, nervine tonics and uterine tonics

Resources:

• Sign up for the Uterine Tonics class - 3/12 at 7pm eastern - register here
• Today's shownotes: Tonic herbs for replenishment + resilience
• Episode 44: Bitters and hormonal balance
• Episode 50: Adaptogens and hormonal health
• Episode 68: Milky oats herbal spotlight

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal concerns.

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