Tonic Herbs For Vitality & Longevity
A tonic herb is a type of plant used in herbal medicine that is believed to strengthen, nourish and support the body’s systems over time, rather than addressing specific symptoms or conditions directly. Tonic herbs are typically consumed regularly over a long period to promote general health, vitality and resilience.
Here are the key characteristics of tonic herbs:
Nourishing: They supply essential nutrients and compounds that help maintain health.
Adaptogenic/Regulating: They help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance (homeostasis).
Mild and Safe: Generally safe for long-term use with minimal side effects.
Cumulative Effect: Their benefits build up gradually over time, rather than producing immediate, dramatic effects.
Tonic herbs are often part of traditional systems of medicine such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In TCM, they are often called “superior” or “restorative” herbs, believed to build Qi, Jing, and Shen (the vital energies of life).
Here are a few of Sage Wellbeing’s favourite tonic herbs:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
• Primary Benefit: Helps the body adapt to stress, promotes energy and mental clarity.
• Often called the “King of Adaptogens.”
Global Healing Women’s Hormone Balance contains Ashwagandha
Global Healing Men’s Hormone Support contains Ashwagandha
STAIT for Women contains Ashwagandha
Ginseng (Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius)
• Primary Benefit: Enhances energy, stamina, and mental performance; supports the immune system.
• Korean/Asian Ginseng for energizing; American Ginseng for calming.
Global Healing Women’s Hormone Balance contains organic Korean Ginseng
Global Healing Men’s Hormone Support contains organic Panax Ginseng
STAIT for Women contains Korean Ginseng
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
• Primary Benefit: Calms the mind, strengthens immunity, supports longevity.
• Known as the “Mushroom of Immortality.”
Superfeast Mason’s Mushrooms contains Reishi
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
• Primary Benefit: Improves liver function, enhances endurance, balances mood.
• Known for its “five-flavour” profile and broad adaptogenic benefits.
STAIT Superfood contains Schisandra
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
• Primary Benefit: Strengthens the immune system, boosts vitality, supports the lungs.
• A classic Qi tonic in Chinese medicine.
STAIT Superfood contains Astragalus
Holy Basil (Tulsi) (Ocimum sanctum)
• Primary Benefit: Supports stress resilience, mental clarity, and immune function.
• Sacred herb in Ayurveda known for its calming effects.
Cordyceps Mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis)
• Primary Benefit: Enhances energy, athletic performance, and lung capacity.
• Known as a “lung tonic” and for its rejuvenating effects.
Superfeast Mason’s Mushrooms contains Cordyceps
Superfeast Jing contains Cordyceps
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• Primary Benefit: Harmonizes other herbs, supports adrenal function, soothes digestion.
• Often used in herbal formulas to enhance absorption and balance energy.
Global Healing Foreign Protein Cleanse contains organic licorice
Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)
• Primary Benefit: Builds and nourishes the blood, supports detoxification, strengthens hair and skin.
• Rich in minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Global Healing Prostate Health contains organic nettle.
Explore Tonic Herbs
Saffron (Crocus sativus) is not typically classified as a tonic herb in the traditional sense, especially within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Ayurveda, where tonic herbs are defined as substances that support and strengthen the body’s core systems over time.
However, saffron does have properties that overlap with tonic-like effects, particularly in the following areas:
Saffron’s Health Benefits That Mimic Tonic Herbs:
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Mood regulation – may help support serotonin levels and reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety
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Antioxidant protection – contains powerful compounds like crocin and safranal that protect cells from oxidative stress
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Hormonal balance – used traditionally to support menstrual health and PMS symptoms
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Cognitive support – emerging research suggests benefits for memory and neuroprotection
While not traditionally considered a “tonic herb”, saffron acts as a functional botanical with tonic-like effects, especially for emotional wellbeing and nervous system balance. It’s more often categorised as a nervine, adaptogenic-supportive, or mood-enhancing herb.
STAIT For Women contains Affron®
What is Affron®?
Affron® is a premium saffron ingredient standardized to 3.5% Lepticrosalides™, which is responsible for the beneficial properties and organoleptic properties of affron®. It is backed by eight human clinical studies that have shown to improve mood in healthy consumers with occasional stress and uneasiness, and to improve sleeplessness.
Affron® genuine quality relies on local trusted sourcing, the selection of the best quality species Crocus sativus L. and the exclusive and proprietary extraction process that uniquely concentrates and preserves the actives with low energy use.
In the words of Superfeast:
“Tonic herbs are not a trend. They are grounded in thousands of years of empirical evidence. Their safety has been verified in modern times with scientific research, confirming the effects the ancient herbal scientists monitored over thousands of years of practice.”