A tonic is an agent that restores or increases body tone, an invigorating, refreshing, or restorative agent or influence. A natural tonic is for producing or stimulating physical, mental, or emotional vigour and to strengthen or invigorate the healing system. Tonics are usually liquid preparations that have a combination of herbs, vitamins, minerals and other ingredients. A tonic acts to supply the body's repair mechanism with missing nutrients so that it can restore vigour and healing expeditiously.
These nutrients should come from the foods we eat. Often our foods don't contain all the nutrients they should, for whatever reason. Some stimulants to energy or immune system are exceptional and often herbs can provide these without significant side effects. They made tonics to supply these substances. Natural tonics can fill the gaps in the nutrition for normal, but depleted, function or as a first aid.
Usually natural tonics are made with some single herb or a combination of herbs. Some of the more common are garlic, ginseng, ginger, and green tea. Mushrooms are also used as tonics. Cordyceps sinensis improves athletic performance and increases energy. Even plain water can be a tonic for someone who is suffering from dehydration. A detox herb may be a tonic if the liver is a fatty liver or under-functioning. Milk thistle and dandelion, or artichoke may help the liver release toxins and rejuvenate its function-in due course. Biostrath Elixir is a complex fermented herb mixture which may help immune system recover, reduce worry-stress and help mental acuity.
Any kind of high quality natural tonic made with sea vegetables should supply the body with every mineral it needs to function at its best. Unlike medicines, which can have an immediate effect on symptoms, you may not see immediate results with tonics. If necessary use a tonic regularly for a few months. Do not use atonic with high levels of a stimulant (eg caffeine, Korean ginseng or Guarana) for ‘too long’ as it may exhaust the adrenal system and upset sleep, blood sugar control and the immune system.