Female Tonic This formula can have a beneficial effect on the female reproductive system and can also be useful as a uterine and menopausal tonic. Chinese Dong Quai (Chinese Angelica) root is the most important female tonic remedy in Chinese medicine, since it is said to help with all kinds of gynecological, menstrual and menopausal symptoms. Fo-Ti is indicated in Chinese Medicine as having a beneficial effect on fertility and other female functions.

Contents: Chinese Dong Quai root, Chinese Fo-Ti Root, Vitex (Chastetree) berry, Helonias (False Unicorn) root, Blue Cohosh root, Black Cohosh root, American Ginseng root, Indian Gotu Kola herb, Licorice Root and Blessed Thistle herb. 15 to 45 drops 2-3 times daily. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

Ingredient descriptions:

Chinese Dong Quai Root (Angelica sinensis)

Actions: Female tonic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, anti-spasmodic, immune stimulant.

Common Use: Dong Quai is the most important female tonic remedy in Chinese Medicine. It is used for debility and poor vitality, convalescence and tiredness in women as well as all kinds of gynecological, menstrual, or menopausal symptoms. Dong Quai is also used to provide energy, vitality and resistance to disease and is a wonderful blood tonic, promoting its production and circulation. It is therefore used in treating anemia, boils, headaches, venous problems, low immunity and problems of peripheral blood flow. This plant also has a reputation as a liver tonic, protecting the liver against toxins and stimualting liver metabolism. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant unless under the guidance of a medical professional.

Fo-Ti root (Ho-Shou-Wu) (Polygonum multiflorum)

Actions: Tonic, hepatic, cardiac tonic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, sexual tonic, rejuvenator.

Common Uses: In China Fo-Ti known as Ho-Shou-Wu in that country, is one of the most popular herbal tonics among the elderly. It is said to tranquilize the spirit, nourish the blood and invigorate the meridians. The properties of this herb are often compared to Ginseng, but it has not yet been subjected to rigorous experimental study. In Oriental philosophy, it is said to increase Yin, thereby improving physical and mental health.

Vitex Chastetree Berry (Vitex agnus-castus)

Actions: Tonic for the reproductive system.

Common Use: Chaste tree berries, or Vitex, has the effect of stimulating and normalizing pituitary functions, especially its progesterone function. It may be called an amphoteric remedy, as it can produce apparently opposite effects, though in truth it is simply normalizing. It has for instance a reputation as an aphrodisiac and an anaphrodisiac! It will always enable what is appropriate to occur. The greatest use of this plant lies in normalizing the activity of female sex hormones and it is therefore indicated for menstrual cramping pains, premenstrual stress and other disorders related to hormone function. It is especially beneficial during menopausal changes. In a similar way it may be effective in helping the body to regain a natural balance after the use of birth control pills. Not recommended if pregnant or nursing.

Helonias False Unicorn Root (Chamaelirium luteum)

Actions: Uterine tonic, diuretic, emmenagogue, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, emetic.

Common Use: An excellent tonic and strengthener of the reproductive systems for both sexes, although used primarily for women. The body may use this herb to help balance, tone and normalize female functions. While being helpful in all uterine problems, it is especially useful in delayed or absent menstruation and ovarian pain. Also indicated to prevent threatened miscarriage and ease vomiting associated with pregnancy. However, large doses will cause nausea and vomiting.

Blue Cohosh Root (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Actions: Uterine tonic, emmenagogue, antispasmodic, nervine, antirheumatic.

Common Use: Considered an excellent uterine tonic, this herb has been used safely for toning the uterus and easing false labor pains. Its antispasmodic properties can be useful in colic, asthma or nervous coughs. It also has a reputation for easing rheumatic pains. Avoid in first trimester of pregnancy.

Black Cohosh Root (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Actions: Emmenagogue, antispasmodic, alterative, sedative, nervine, hormonal balancer.

Common Use: Traditionally used as a powerful relaxant, useful in the treatment of rheumatic pains, rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis, muscular and neurological pain and rheumatoid neuralgia, and to beneficially aid the female reproductive system, normalizing menstruation, relieving menstrual cramps and regaining normal hormonal activity. During pregnancy, use only under the guidance of a trained medical professional.

American Ginseng Root (Panax quinquefolium)

Actions: Adaptogen, sedative, restorative, tonic.

Common Use: American Ginseng is used as a natuaral preventive and restorative and is valued highly for its adaptogenic properties. Ginseng contains ginsenosides, these are classified into two groups, the Rb1 group and the Rg1 group, American Ginseng contains higher amounts of Rb1 Ginsenosides which have more sedative and metabolic effects on the central nervous system, whereas Rg1 Ginsenosides, more prominent in Korean Ginseng, are more arousing and stimulating. Rb1 Ginsenosides have Central Nervous System depressing activity, can increase digestive tract peristalsis and have been shown to increase stamina and learning abilities. Other studies have shown Rb1 Ginsenosides to have anti-fatigue, anti-convulsant, analgesic and ulcer protective properties. American Ginseng is more sedative and relaxing than Korean Ginseng and increases "yin" energy while Korean Ginseng is more stimulating and increases the "yang" energy. Often used for stress, fatigue, weakness, convalescence, low resistance, poor immunity or debility due to chronic disease and metabolic disturbances, American Ginseng is a wonderful restorative for a nervous, agitated condition. We offer excellent quality Wisconsin-grown ginseng.

Gotu Kola herb (Centella asiatica)

Actions: Tonic, depurative, diuretic, alterative, adaptogen, circulatory tonic.

Common Use: Gotu kola is useful as a brain food to rebuild energy reserves and stamina. It can increase mental and physical power, combat stress and improve reflexes. It is known to relieve high blood pressure, and is said to be a valuable treatment for depression and mental problems by helping with mental fatigue, senility, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and memory loss. Also neutralizes blood toxins and helps balance hormones and relax the nerves.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Actions: Expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, adrenal agent, antispasmodic, mild laxative, alterative, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antitoxic, tonic, pectoral.

Common Use: In China, licorice root has been called "The Great Detoxifier." It acts on the endocrine system and the liver as an anti-hepatotoxic. Also as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory it may be useful in coughs and bronchitis. A recent study found that licorice root actually stimulates the production of interferon, that critical chemical in the immune system that could benefit the body in response to many immune response deficiencies.Licorice Root also possesses estrogenic activity, and is said to be beneficial as a uterine tonic and to induce normal ovulation. This herb is also included in the Hoxsey formula. 5 to 30 drops 2-3 times daily. Caution: Excessive and prolonged use of licorice root can cause sodium retention and potassium depletion. Potassium supplementation (75-100mg daily) prevents this problem. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

Blessed Thistle herb (Cnicus benedictus)

Actions: Bitter tonic, astringent, diaphoretic, depurative, antibacterial, febrifuge.

Common Use: Primarily used for helping with female problems such as painful menstruation and associated headache. This herb also has bitter properties and has been used (but should not be overused) as a digestive tonic. Works well with burdock root to cleanse the blood. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.