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| Tonic Herbs : Supplemental therapy - Page 8
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Warming Essence Tonics
Warming tonics are of vast importance in the tonic herbal system because they can provide warming energy to the kidneys (adrenals) and in turn can increase the life force of the body/ mind as a whole which results in a more dynamic life. Their energy is warm, sweet, pungent and sometimes sour. Their properties are generally tonic, diuretic, astringent and aphrodisiac.
Some symptoms of warming essence deficiency include the following: exhaustion, lack of will power, chill, pallor, feeling like being alone and not talking, fear of cold, lower back ache, joint pains, pale tongue, weak and deep pulse, impotence, watery vaginal discharge, infertility, wheezing and early morning diarrhea. Tonic that warm a person up increase the general physical energy as well as the energy of the spine and brain. They strengthen the sexual power, the blood and bones and stabilize the joints. They provide the energy of courage, fortitude and will power. The warming essence tonics increase the adaptive energy of the body and enhance internal defense mechanisms. They also regulate the function of the adrenal cortex, regulate energy metabolism, promote sexual functions, and strengthen resistance. Since they tend to be drying in nature, it is best to add some of the moisture engendering tonics with them so that they do not damage the fluid aspects of the body, which is more delicate. The warming essence tonics can also be used to tone up the heart, circulation and digestion.
Warming essence herbs/foods:
- Ashwagandha
- Celery seeds
- Cinnamon
- damiana
- Fenugreek seeds
- False Unicorn root
- Garlic
- Hawthorn berries
- Psorelea
- Saw palmetto
- Schizanda fruit
- Teasel root
- Turmeric
- Saffron
- Prickly ash
- Myrrh
- ginger
- walnuts
- meats/ eggs ( they are building and warming to the system)
- thyme
- orange peel
Herbal Paste Recipe
Here is a sample recipe of the herbal pastes that I make. You will need to purchase herbs that are in powder form or you can grinder them yourself. Put them through a sifter if they do not completely grind up to a fine powder.
Some Samples of Strengthening herbs
- Astragalus
- American Ginseng
- Ashwagandha
Demulcent Soothing Herb for Re-moistening
- Marshmallow
- Ground sesame seeds
Spices to Aid Digestion/Agni
Combine about an ounce of the above ingredients with either almond or sesame butter, depending on the need. Add enough sweetener to make it taste good. I usually use honey, however, raw sugar, maple syrup or rice syrup can be used as sweeteners. About two tablespoons is adequate. A little ghee (clarified butter) may be added to the mixture. Mix in chopped walnuts nuts, sesame seeds or dried fruits such as coconut, raisins, lycii berries, dried blue berries, dates, or cranberries. Use the foods that are most appropriate to your clients needs.
You may want to add some spices to your mixture such as those listed below. Just add a quarter teaspoon of each because they are strong. Make sure the paste is thick enough so that it won't easily drop from a spoon and will hold its form but not so dry that it is unappetizing. You may add more powdered herbs or oil to the mixture until you have the right consistency.
Roll into small balls and keep them stored in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator. For an added taste delight, you may want to roll the confections in carob powder or grated coconut.
For those who cannot eat nuts an is to puree dates and then add the powdered herbs until a thick consistency is obtained. Sweeteners are not needed with the dates as they are sweet enough. Ghee may be added. Follow the rest of the recipe as stated above.
A STONGER PASTE FORMULA
To make a strong formula, you can eliminate the nut butter and dates all together and make the paste with the herbs and molasses or honey and possibly with the addition of ghee. Gently heat the honey and /or molasses and stir in an ounce of the herbal combination. Do not let the mixture boil - just soften the honey/molasses with a low heat. Start with about 1/4 of the sweetener and add in the powdered herbs. A little ghee can be added to the formula at this time as well. The consistency should be a very thick paste that does not drip off a spoon. The dose is 1/2 to 1 tsp. with meals three times a day.
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