Anti-Stress, Anti-Anxiety and Relaxation Tonic This combination of herbs can be used when one feels over stressed. Some of these herbs have traditionally been used to bring about a more relaxed physical and mental state while also sharpening rather than dulling the senses.

Contents: American Ginseng root, Polynesian Kava Kava root, Brazilian Suma root, Chinese Dong Quai root, German Chamomile Flower, Green Oat Seed and Straw, Indian Ashwagandha root, Chinese Fo-Ti Root, Siberian Ginseng root, Chinese Schizandra Berry and Passion Flower. 15 to 40 drops 1-3 times daily as a tonic or 30 to 60 drops as needed. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

Ingredient descriptions:

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.

Polynesian Kava Kava Root (Piper methysticum)

Actions: Sedative, relaxant, CNS depressant.

Common Uses: Research into the source of Kava Kava's activity has been going on now for over 100 years. It is now widely accepted that the active compounds are a group of 15 lactones unique to this plant, referred to as Kavalactones. Kava Kava'a primary use is as a sleep aid, and all researchers discuss fondly its mildy psychoactive properties which induce a feeling of relaxation, contentment and sharpening of the senses. This herb has also been used successfully for headaches.

Brazilian Suma Root (Pfaffia paniculata)

Actions: Adaptogen, tonic, aphrodisiac, restorative, astringent.

Common Use: Suma root, also known as Para Todo (For All Things) is called "Brazilian Ginseng" by some herbalists and is one of the most highly regarded South American herbs. While not a true member of the Panax ginseng family, it is an authentic adaptogenic herb, and as such exerts a normalizing influence on your body and can help regulate and enhance your endocrine, nervous, digestive, cardiovascular and immune systems. South American Natives have used Suma for centuries to treat wounds, skin rashes, low energy and sexual disinterest. The overall effect is to give you an increased resistance to stress while having a cell-building and regenerating effect. It also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate chronic and acute pain. Suma root is also quite valuable nutritionally as it contains essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and trace elements. Researchers have identified 152 chemical constituents in the root, including 19 amino acids, electrolytic and trace minerals such as iron, magnesium, cobalt, silica and zinc, as well as vitamins A, B-1, B-2, E, K and pantothenic acid. It contains high amounts of the trace element germanium, which is a powerful immune stimulator. The germanium may be partly responsible for Suma's powerful ability to bring more oxygen to the cells. Suma root is becoming quite popular because of its high content of several palnt hormones. It is considered one of the richest sources of B-Ecdysterone, a plant hormone that can help maintain your youth and strength. B-Ecdysterone can also accelerate wound healing , along with allantoin (comfrey also contains allantoin), a known cellular rebuilder that is present in this plant. Research in Brazil, Japan and the United States has found unique natural substances in Suma called pfaffosides which are believed to regulate blood sugar levels. Suma helps regulateblood pressure, cholesterol, hormones (especially estrogen) and acid-base balance. You can benefit by using Suma root as a healing agent, tonic or aphrodisiac. Not recommended if pregant or nursing.

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.

German Chamomile Flower (Matricaria recutita) Relax

Actions: Antispasmodic, carminative, nervine, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, vulnerary, stomachic.

Common Use: Chamomile is often used as an excellent gentle sedative, useful and safe for anxiety and insomnia. Indigestion and gastritis are said to be eased with chamomile. Also used to ease flatulence and dyspeptic pains. Chamomile is perfectly safe for children.

Green Oat Seed and Straw (Avena sativa)

Actions: Nervine tonic, restorative, anti-depressant, nutritive.

Common Use: Oats are one of the best remedies available for feeding and nourishing the nervous system, especially when under stress. Indicated as a specific in cases of nervous debility and exhaustion when associated with depression. It can be used with most of the other nervines, both relaxant and stimulatory, to strengthen the whole of the nervous system. It is also useful for general debility, impotence and as a nutritious restorative tonic.

Indian Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera)

Actions: Adaptogen, tonic, anti-inflammatory, immune stimmulant, restorative, rejuvinator.

Common Use: In Ayurvedic medicine, this herb is considered the "Ginseng of India", said to "protect the organism from illness through maintaining the healthy balance of physical energies." Like other adaptogens, ashwagandha root exhibits an anti-stress effect, an immunomodulatory effect, it can enhance both short and long term memory, and it can strengthen the body's overall power of resistance. In sum, this Ayurvedic herb helps build immunity and is useful as a general tonic to enhance virility and vitality. Also indicated as exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties.

Chinese Fo-Ti Root or 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.

Siberian Ginseng Root (Eleutherococcus senticosus)Chinese Ciwujia

Actions: Adaptogen, circulatory stimulant, tonic, vasodilator.

Common Use: This herb may safely be used to increase stamina when under stress. After nearly a thousand studies, Siberian Ginseng has been shown to increase energy and stamina and to help the body resist viral infections, environmental toxins, radiation and chemotherapy. In Chinese Medicine it has been used to prevent bronchial, respiratory and viral infections, provide energy and vitality, increase resistance to stress, treat rheumatic and heart ailments, improve cardiovascular and neurovascular conditions and help restore memory, concentration and cognitive abilities which may be impaired from poor blood supply to the brain. Additionally Siberian Ginseng is a popular remedy for debility, depression, fatigue and nervous breakdowns. It has a growing reputation for increasing all kinds of body resistance. Also used to regulate low blood pressure and increase circulation. Excellent as a general tonic. Recommended to be taken for 3-6 months consecutively for best results.

Chinese Schizandra Berry (Schizandra chinensis)

Actions: Tonic, adaptogen, aphrodisiac, mild stimulant, deep immune activator, antioxidant.

Common Use: Schizandra fruits or berries contain various lignans, mainly schizandrins, these lignans have been found to prevent liver damage, stimulate liver repair, and stimulate normal liver functioning. These properties appear to be related to the various antioxidant abilities of the various schizandrins. Schizandra also helps in digestion, regulating gastric acid release. Other studies have shown that extracts of schizandra are stimulating to the central nervous system and are cholinergic. There have been numerous reports on schizandra's ability to quicken reflexes, increase work efficiency, control anger and combat neurasthenias (headaches, insomnia, dizziness, palpitations). Other reports have mentioned increased cognitive function and increased memory. Recent research studies have indicated that schizandra has numerous biological activities, including: anti-bacterial, mild stimulant, liver protective, anti-depressant, antioxidant, adaptogen and cardiac tonic. In Oriental Medicine, schizandra is recommended for the lungs, liver and kidneys, including as an aphrodisiac ( kidney element). Schizandra is also a registered medicine in Russia for vision problems since the herb has been found to prevent eye fatigue and increase acuity.

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)

Actions: Sedative, hypnotic, antispasmodic, anodyne, nervine.

Common Use: Passion Flower is the herb of choice for insomnia, it aids the transition into a restful sleep without any 'narcotic' hangover. As an anti-spasmodic it will be helpful in Parkinson's disease, asthma (with associated tension and spasmodic activity), seizures and hysteria. It can also be effective in nerve pain such as neuralgia and the viral infection of nerves called shingles.