The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs |

Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
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With his 20 years of herbal expertise, Ron Teeguarden is the man celebrities rely on to improve their energy, put a glow on their skin, even renew their sexual vigor. Here he's written a fine and thorough introduction to the theory and art of tonic herbs. Anyone who's seen Woody Allen's Alice may be a bit leery, but there's more philosophy and science to these herbs than the hocus-pocus that the uninformed may associate them with. As Teeguarden points out, many of these herbs have been in use for more than 5,000 years.

He first covers the principles of Chinese health--yin and yang; the Three Treasures of life--qi (energy or vitality), jing (essence), and shen (spirit); the five main organ systems; and the Chinese view of the mind-body connection. These concepts may seem a bit out of this world for those accustomed to Western medicine ("Anger damages the liver"; "The kidneys control the skeleton"), but Teeguarden does an excellent job of explaining it all, even for folks who are complete novices when it comes to these Chinese health principles.

Then, using an organized, easy-to-use format and a handy one- to five-star system, he rates various herbs and classifies them according to their antioxidant qualities, ability to support the organs, and other health-promoting properties. Handy bonuses include the pharmaceutical name of each herb, its organ associations, and its taste. There are herbs for helping knee problems and boosting fertility, for improving immunity and reducing stress, even for promoting longevity. The most interesting of the bunch are the ones that you'd assume appeal to Hollywood folk: tonics to promote hair growth, clear the complexion, and prevent jet lag. Teeguarden then reveals the "recipes" or herb combinations for his tonics, some of which have amusing names like "Gecko Rockclimber," "Super Shou Wu Combination" (for fatigue or exhaustion), and "Yanlin's Beauty Formula." There are plenty of mail-order resources for those who can't find these herbs locally, along with a super chart with the Chinese symbols of each herb, the part used, and primary functions. Overall, this is a very helpful, user-friendly reference for anyone wanting to investigate the benefits that herbs and herbal tonics have to offer. --Erica Jorgensen

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Customer Reviews

All encompassing - great for someone seeking real knowledge

Review Date: September 23, 1999

Reviewer: Rebecca Adams, North Carolina

This is the third book by Ron Teeguarden that I've read and he just keeps getting better. It is laid out in a logical categorical order, which makes it very easy to compare different herbs. Ron has rated the herbs with a star rating that indicates how many treasures each herb will affect. Then he goes on to rate actual patent tonic formulas. It is a wonderful reference book, something you will refer to again and again for information and reinforcement, but it is written in very down to earth layman's language. It has an incredible amount of information, even down to some chemical descriptions and cellular activity, but if you aren't interested in going that deep, the descriptions are arranged so that you can skip whatever you don't want to read and go straight to the pertinent parts. Of all the books on Chinese herbology that I have, this one is quickly becoming my favorite. It's one of those rare books that is good to start with, and it is good to finish out a collection with also.

Very readable and informative presentation of Chinese herbs

Review Date: September 6, 1998

Reviewer: monson@fda.net, San Diego, Calif.

Ron Teeguarden is clearly an expert on Chinese herbal remedies. He presents clearly the philosophy and benefits of using various ancient herbal tonics. It makes you want to begin using them right away. The problem, it seems, is it's not easy to find reputable suppliers with dependable high quality herbs.But that's key as the author points out which makes one suspect that one of the author's purposes in writing the book was to promote his own products. Well even if that's so, it's a blessing from my standpoint to have these magical tonics available from a reputable supplier.I'm stocking up!!!

This is my favorite book on herbalism

Review Date: September 4, 1999

Reviewer: cegriffin@hotmail.com, Boston, MA

Whatever your interests in life are, Ron Teeguarden shows how the Tonic Herbs can support you. There is a lot of information in this book and it is delightfully presented. It is also a very practical exposition of the basics of Traditional Chinese Medicine. But Ron's approach is not about medicine and treating diseases as much as it is about choosing power superfoods to enhance health. I love it!

East finally meets West!

Review Date: October 10, 2002

Reviewer: Frederick E. Kline, Detroit, Mi USA

This book is a continuation on Mr. Teeguardens initial book "Chinese Tonic Herbs". Here again he manages to simplify the complex world of herbs for the layman. Passing on information rare at best within the herbalist communities. "Tonic Formula's" are common but not quite yet here in the west. I hope that with time, they will be as common place in American homes as Asparirn is today. If you are interested in learning a alternative to "post-medicine" care, and would actually like to prevent things from happening, this is your book. I have never read any book that has had such a profound effect upon my life. I can honestly say, without this book and the wisdom within, I would have been on the way out rather then finding life again!!!

Solution filled ...

Review Date: January 23, 2003

Reviewer: Arthur Spooner,

Western medicine is failing people at an alarming rate. The solutions can come from our neighbors to the east. This books answers alot of my questions. I had allways envied the health of the Chinese and Japanese people and wondered what their secrets were. After having tried the herbs and some of the teas , I now know. We can only hope this country will embrace these solutions to make this a better, more disciplined place to live. Thanks Ron...!