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| fects of a tonicwhere repeated doses increase work capacity during and after administration of the substance; as well as adaptogenic qualitieswhere there is an increase in unspecified resistance against various external, unfavorable influences. |
| In traditional Chinese medicine the schisandra fruits were used primarily for nervous conditionsespecially neurasthenia, a neurological disorder characterized by physical and mental fatigue, often including depression, headache and gastrointestinal and circulatory problems. Schisandra was also used for insomnia, weakness, chronic coughs and sneezing, liver ailments, as an aide in stopping diarrhea, and to inhibit perspiration. Despite millennia of traditional use, modern scientific research did not begin until the 1950s when reports indicated that the extracts of the dried fruits stimulated the central nervous system, resulting in increased mental and physical capacity. |
| A typical recommended dose is one to two teaspoons of the tincture two to three times per day. There are no known reports of side effects associated with schisandra use. |
| Dang Quai |
| The root of Angelica sinensis, a plant in the carrot family, dang quai is known in traditional Chinese medicine as a blood-enhancing adaptogen (tonic) that improves circulation. Some books spell this herb as ''Dong Quai." In this century it has come into common use in the West as a general tonic for women experiencing irregular or difficult menstruation. Chinese doctors recognize its ability to balance female hormonal chemistry, but they think of it as beneficial to both sexes and often include it in tonic formulas for men, combining it with ginseng and ho shou wu (see below). In men it is supposed to help build muscle and blood. |
| Dang quai is readily available in health food stores in tinctures and capsules. If you want to experiment with it, try taking two capsules of the root twice a day or one drop of the tincture in water twice a day. |
| Ho Shou Wu |
| The name of this tonic herb means "Mr. Ho has black hair," referring to its power as a rejuvenator and maintainer of youth- |
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