Herb Tonics
Adapted from Healthy Beauty by Letha Hadady
Herbal Cleansers Reduce Acidity
Stress obviously hampers digestion. The result is a toxic build-up of acids that lead to
blemishes, acidity, and irritability. After eating cleansing alkaline foods, we feel cool
and refreshed because they remove excess acids. I have seen plenty of people, who
have red dry eyes; acne or flaky, itchy rough skin; thinning hair; dry cough;
stomach ulcers; constipation; bad breath; nervousness or other signs of inflammation,
but who continue to gorge themselves with irritating foods such as hot spices, salt,
alcohol, sugar, and greasy foods, as well a
s smoke cigarettes.
and foods such as cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds,
mint, dill, cilantro, alfalfa, cucumber, zucchini, pumpkin,
or spinach.
Herbal Tonics Rejuvenate
They work differently than vitamins. Bing Cherry
concentrate, often used to reduce gout pains, supplies
minerals especially iron that condition the liver. You might
start the day by adding one tablespoon of bing cherry concentrate to water.
However, an herbal tonic does more than supplement
nutrition, it stimulates organ functions. Rehmannia glutinosa (shu di huang) does not
contain iron but improves the health of the liver and kidney, which are vital to blood
production. It also lowers blood sugar, moistens the skin and corrects constipation.
Rehmannia is combined with other digestive herbs to improve its absorption.
Herbal combinations are safer--have fewer side-effects--than single herbs. Some
Chinese herbal combinations that contain moistening, blood-enhancing herbs are:
• Nine Flavor Tea (pills) - for facial flushing, night sweats, chronic thirst, insomnia,
burning soles and palms, blurred vision
• Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (6 flavor tea pills.) - for hypertension and diabetes, dry
skin, insomnia, chronic fevers, hot flashes, and constipation.
A moistening, rejuvenating tonic such as the two above may increase urination and
have laxative effects. To prevent bloating or diarrhea, use a dose that is comfortable
and add a digestive remedy such as ginger tea, Quiet Digestion pills or Xiao Yao Wan
pills as needed. Use moistening (possibly laxative) herbs with care or avoid them all
together during pregnancy.
Note: Woman with active, estrogen-dependent cancers should avoid these estrogenic
foods/herbs: tofu, coffee, red clover, yucca, and dong quai.
MORE FROM LETHA HADADY
Letha Hadady is the author of personal transformation books including, Asian Health Secrets:
The Complete Guide to Asian Herbal Medicine, Personal Renewal, Healthy Beauty, and her
new book is Feed Your Tiger: The Asian Diet Secret for Permanent Weight Loss and Vibrant
Health. A nationally certified acupuncturist, she has appeared widely in the press and media
as an expert on natural health and beauty. Her website is: www.asianhealthsecrets.com