A Glimpse Into 6 Types Of Herbal Tonics For Overall Wellness

Tonics are traditionally regarded as a substance used for stimulating a person's well-being. In the case of herbal tonics, they are formulas made from different kinds of herbs that can bring out the stimulating effects of tonics such as by invigorating you or making you feel restored and refreshed.

They've been around for thousands of years, typically used to treat specific health concerns, strengthen the body, and support overall wellness. Here are 6 of the common forms of herbal tonics as well as simple instructions on how to properly prepare them:

Capsules

Herbs in tonic capsules are first dried and grounded into a fine powder. They are then packed into the familiar digestible capsules you know and can be swallowed like a pill.

For general use, take 1-2 capsules twice a day. To treat a specific condition, take 1 capsule every 4 hours.

Herbal powder

Similar to the capsuled tonic, the herbs are turned into fine powder after being dried and grounded. They can then be used by either adding them to food or beverages.

Apply about ½ to 1 teaspoon (around 1.5-3 grams) of herbal powder to your food or beverages throughout the day.

Oil infusions

Oil-infused tonics are made when fresh or dried herbs are placed inside a jar, filled with oil, and left to steep in a warm, sunny location for about 2 weeks or more. After the time has passed, the herbs are removed and the oil can be used.

Oil is a versatile ingredient that can be made into other products such as salves, soaps, and lip balms. Some also massage oil infusion directly onto the skin a few drops at a time.

Syrups

Syrups are produced when herbs are simmered in liquid to develop a strong tea. Afterward, they are strained and cooked further with a sweetener, such as honey or glycerin, until the mixture becomes thick.

For general use, take 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) twice a day. To treat a specific condition, take 1/4 teaspoon (1.2 mL) every 4 hours.

Teas

Teas are also known as herbal infusions. Fresh or dried herbs are generally steeped in boiling water to make them.

For general use, drink 1 cup (237 mL) twice a day. To treat a specific condition, drink up to 3 cups (710 mL) periodically throughout the day.

Tinctures

Just like oil infusions, fresh or dried herbs are placed in a jar but this time they are covered with a water-soluble liquid, such as drinking alcohol or vinegar. They are left to steep in a warm, sunny location for about 4 weeks. The herbs are then strained out, and the liquid becomes the tincture.

For general use, take 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) twice a day. To treat a specific condition, take 1/4 teaspoon (1.2 mL) every 4 hours.

Topicals

Herbal salves, lotions, and ointments are made when herbal oil infusions are blended with a variety of ingredients, like beeswax, aloe vera, and other types of oils.

They are used by applying a pea-sized amount of salve or ointment directly to the skin. More can be applied as needed throughout the day.

Benefits and Precautions 

Herbal tonics have only recently been appearing in the mainstream wellness industry. Further research is needed on the safety and effectiveness of herbal tonics, as well as the best ways to utilize them. They are used by many people to support overall health, wellness, and vitality. Others use herbal tonics to address particular medical concerns or target certain body systems such as the immune or nervous systems.

Always check with a trusted healthcare professional before using any herbal tonic and only do so under their supervision. If want to give them a try, KPTown offers Kiseido Red Ginseng Tonic, a Korean specialty product made from a mixture of 6-year grown Korean Red Ginseng and different herbs. It's currently at 20% off!