Hi everyone, Mike Stuchiner, Master herbalist here with Z Natural Foods, and today's video is going to be discussing the topic of medicinal mushrooms and their potential relationship to being adaptogenic and having adaptogenic-like qualities. But before we get started, two quick mentions. One is if you'd like more information about me or you'd like to check out some of my other herbal medicine videos, you feel free to go to my YouTube channel at "A Master Herbalists' Perspective" (with an 's'). Number two is our medical disclaimer. The information you're about to receive is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, prescribe, or diagnose any specific or general medical condition. It should also not be used as a substitute for your primary healthcare provider's diagnosis, treatment protocol, or medical information. With that said, let's get started. So, I guess to get the ball rolling in this video, it's important to understand that adaptogens have been shown to be a supportive tool for managing a healthy stress response through what are known as non-specific physiological responses. What makes all adaptogens unique is their ability to adapt to the harsh conditions in which they're grown. This adaptability allows them to thrive and become robust plants or fungal substances. As the research on adaptogens has been compiled over the years, herbalists and scientists have learned and concluded how each adaptogen's energy, warming, cooling, drying, moistening, and so on, and constituent balance has allowed them to be used in a more specific, targeted approach. Medicinal mushrooms contain a wide variety of nourishing compounds that work synergistically to support overall well-being. While all mushrooms have certain nutrient qualities in common, they also have unique attributes allowing them to support and uniquely focus on individual systems. Our mission is to answer your questions and provide a thorough explanation of the critical details to understand this topic. So today, I'm going to answer the question: What mushrooms are considered to be adaptogenic, if any at all? Plants and fungi are often categorized based on their functional qualities. Unfortunately, many plants and fungi are called adaptogens, even though they don't often fulfill the criteria that define what makes an adaptogen. So, in order to answer this question thoroughly, it's essential to understand the requirements for how an adaptogen is defined and how they work. The following are the primary points that define what a plant or fungus must do to be considered an adaptogen. One, be non-toxic at clinical doses. Two, increase the resistance of hormonal and immune systems to all kinds of stressors through a non-specific physiological response. And three, normalize body function, no matter how external stressors have altered them. One of the leading pioneers of stress research was a Canadian professor named Hans Selye, who was widely known for contributing to stress research and developing what is known as the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) concept in 1936. The syndrome has three primary stages of progression in the human stress response. Stage one is the alarm stage, which is the immediate reaction to a stressor, otherwise known as fight or flight. Stage two is the resistance stage, in which the body adapts to the external stressor. And stage three is the adrenal maladaptation or exhaustion phase, during which the stressor has been present for an extended period of time, and the body begins to struggle because it is drained of reserves. This is the stage that can lead to more significant issues if not resolved promptly, such as stroke, heart attack, and infection. But there's more. The author of the book "Adaptogens in Medicinal Herbalism" by Donald Yance, proposed the hypothesis that a fourth stage should be added to this General Adaptation Syndrome concept called "restore and revitalize." Based on his clinical experience and observations regarding the application of adaptogenic compound formulas that include companion antioxidants and their effects on the human stress response, stage four, according to Donald Yance, would be called "recovery and healing." He believes the value of these formulas for maintaining and restoring homeostasis lies in their ability to enhance the four Rs: recognize, respond, recover, and restore. His fourth stage hypothesis is that once you're back in an anabolic positive state where energy recovery occurs, all energy systems and networks must be fully restored to complete the revitalization process. Because many plants and fungi not considered true adaptogens can actually fulfill aspects of the original three criteria that we just went over, we have learned that what really makes plants and fungi an actual adaptogen is that they must work through one or both of the body's Master Control Systems. One would be known as the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), which is a complex system of neuroendocrine pathways and feedback loops that support and maintain homeostasis response during chronic stress. This is the interface between the endocrine, nervous, immune, digestive, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems. The other is known as the SAS or the sympatho-adrenal system, AKA your fight or flight system. So, the answer to the above question is that while many medicinal mushrooms have adaptogen-like qualities, only two of them can really be considered true adaptogens based on the above criteria. One is the Red Reishi mushroom. While the Reishi mushroom has been shown to be a true adaptogen, this powerful mushroom is well known and respected for a lot more. Reishi is known as the "mushroom of immortality" and has a long and well-documented history in traditional Chinese medicine because of its ability to potentially support a healthy aging process via nourishing what Chinese medicine calls the "Three Treasures." One, Jing (Essence), is primarily stored in the kidneys. Jing is one's constitution, regulates the body's growth and development, and works with Chi to protect the body from harmful external conditions. Poor constitution, blood loss, and excessive sexual activity can cause Jing Essence deficiencies. Two, Chi, life force or vital energy stored in the kidneys. Both the physical and emotional are manifested as Chi. The Chi in our body is derived from two sources: first, it's inherited from our parents, and the second is derived from external substances like food, air, and water. Together, Jing and Chi are believed to form the foundation for the third treasure known as Shen. Shen is the emotional and spiritual layer of our being that reflects the state of our nervous system. Shen lives in the heart and is said to preside over the activities that take place in the spiritual and mental plains. Because Shen lives in the heart, people with disrupted Shen may experience anxiety, stress, difficulty breathing, and insomnia. In some cases, the primary weakness is from the spleen, which cannot generate enough blood to nourish the heart and anchor the Shen. A study examining Red Reishi mushroom extract's effects on a condition like chronic fatigue concluded that Reishi was significantly superior to the placebo with respect to clinical improvement in symptoms of this condition. Red Reishi comprises complex carbohydrates called water-soluble polysaccharides, terpenoids, proteins, and amino acids. Thanks to modern techniques of performing tissue cultures, we know that Reishi has around 16,000 genes that code for more than 200,000 compounds, and 400 are active constituents. Reishi could arguably be one of the greatest tonics on Earth and may support a healthy immune system response and liver function. The other mushroom is Cordyceps mushroom, researched for its ability to support vitality and performance, strengthen the body and mind, and support a healthy stress response. This elite-level Jing tonic and superstar of the mushroom world is categorized as an actual adaptogen and revered by tonic herbalists worldwide. Sweet in flavor and warm in temperature, Cordyceps is famous for nourishing both yin and yang, supporting kidneys and lungs, and supporting life capacity and life force reserves. A double-blind placebo study using 28 individuals examined whether acute and chronic supplementation of Cordyceps improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise. One week of supplementation elicited no significant treatment interaction of VO2 max. After three weeks, VO2 max significantly improved. An analysis of 95 percent confidence intervals revealed significant improvement across the board, with additional improvement in VO2 max. It was concluded that acute supplementation of Cordyceps-containing mushroom blends may improve tolerance to high-intensity exercise. Greater benefits may be elicited with consistent chronic supplementation. Finally, a study examining the effects of Reishi and Cordyceps on improving training conditions and outcomes concluded the following: After three months of supplementation, the testosterone-cortisol ratio changed statistically significantly, thereby protecting the athletes from what is known as non-functional overreaching and overtraining syndrome. Antioxidant activity was measured by quantifying the scavenging ability of the human serum on the synthetic free radical DPPH. After three months of fungal supplementation, the data demonstrated an increased scavenger capacity of free radicals in the athletes' serum after the race, thereby protecting athletes from oxidative stress. In conclusion, while medicinal mushrooms all have similar general constituents, like a wide array of polysaccharides, attributes, and the ability to nourish in common, they are all unique in their own individual way. Medicinal mushrooms have a wonderfully rich usage history and are revered and respected worldwide as powerful tonics because of their nourishing qualities. Fungi have been and will continue to be the focus of research for years to come. The unique attributes, unlimited potential, and untapped information we continuously learn make the fungal world so intriguing. So, I hope that this was an educational video for you guys, and I hope you enjoyed it. This is Mike Stuchiner, Master Herbalist. I'll see you next time.

Hi everyone, Mike Stuchiner, Master herbalist here with Z Natural Foods, and today's video is going to be discussing the very interesting topic of polysaccharides that are found in gourmet edible medicinal mushrooms. But before we get started, two quick things. One, if you want more information about me or you want to learn more about what I do in my videos, you can go to my YouTube channel, which is "A Master Herbalist's Perspective" (with an 's'). Two is the medical disclaimer. The information you're about to hear is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to treat, prescribe, or diagnose any specific or general medical conditions and is not to be used as a replacement for your primary healthcare provider's diagnosis, treatment, or medical information. With that said, let's begin. So, when we talk about polysaccharides, in order to, I guess, understand what kind of polysaccharides are often found in these edible medicinal mushrooms, it's important first to understand what polysaccharides are. So, in simple terms, polysaccharides are large carbohydrate molecules containing many small sugar molecules known as monosaccharides that are bounded by what is known as a glycosidic linkage, a type of bond that joins a carbohydrate molecule to another group. They're the most abundant carbohydrates found in food. Polysaccharides consist of more than 10 monosaccharide units linked together. Polysaccharides form when monosaccharides and disaccharides link together, resulting from the dehydration process. The sugars participating in this bond are called residues. So, mushrooms contain a wide range of non-starch polysaccharides, which are carbohydrate fractions excluding starch and free sugar. These include chitin, beta-glucans, alpha-glucans, mannans, and galactans. Non-starch polysaccharides are distinguished into soluble and insoluble fractions, with up to 90 percent being insoluble fractions. Approximately 80 percent of insoluble polysaccharides are chitin, including beta-glucans bound onto chitin or protein. It's believed that the primary polysaccharides found in fungi are beta-D-glucans, which come in various forms (beta 1,3 and beta 1,6) and are specific to fungi and yeast. Other forms of polysaccharides found in mushrooms are alpha-glucans like glycogen and starches and dextrans, which are not thought to provide the same nourishing qualities as beta-glucan. This is where this whole concept of polysaccharides and beta-glucans gets a little bit messy and convoluted because the belief that I just mentioned to you folks only tells you part of the story and may actually, according to several mycologists out there, be based on flawed science. You may have noticed that most medicinal mushroom product labels focus only on beta-glucans. Therefore, it's important to clarify some really vital points here about beta-glucans. One, beta-glucans are a classification of compounds known as polymers. Two, there are hundreds—I'll say it again, hundreds—of beta-glucans in shape and sizes, and while some are biologically active, others are not. Furthermore, not all beta-glucans are immunologically active. Three, each species of fungi may contain different beta-glucans. Beta-glucans can differ in function, solubility, and interaction with other molecules. Number five, while beta-glucans are potent compounds, they are just one variable of a wide range of compounds responsible for a mushroom's many nourishing qualities. And point number six, ultimately, beta-glucan levels are not necessarily the telltale sign of a product's strength and effectiveness. It's misleading to actually say that beta-glucan levels are the determining factor in the efficacy of mushroom products. Beta-glucans are most effective when they work with all other constituents found in mushrooms, and if one or more of them are missing, it can really drastically change how effective that end product that you're taking works. For example, a study was done discussing what is known as polysaccharide K from turkey tail mushrooms, and it showed that when they applied light paste, which is a fat digestive enzyme, it actually reduced the immunological response of PSK by almost 80 percent. What this shows is the importance of associated lipids bound to these beta-glucans is necessary, and just their independent presence is not enough to obtain maximum benefits. So, what do polysaccharides do in the body? Polysaccharides have the ability to support a wide range of actions in the human body. They've been shown to have immunological, neurogenic, cardiovascular, and microbiome effects and a host of other nourishing qualities. For example, lion's mane contains many bioactive compounds, and some of these bioactive compounds have been linked to a process called neurogenesis, which is the growth and development of nerve tissue. Because preliminary research on lion's mane suggests its potential to support this process by possibly preventing and repairing nerve damage, these compounds have also been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially stimulating what is known as nerve growth factor, which is a protein that plays a role in the maintenance, survival, and regeneration of neurons, benefiting those who are at high risk for any type of brain injury or brain abnormalities. A placebo-controlled study, a human study attempting to understand the effects of lion's mane mushroom on mild cognitive impairment, showed that at weeks 8, 12, and 16 of the trial, the group that took the mushroom showed significantly increased scores in cognitive function scale compared to the placebo group. The results obtained in this study suggest that the mushroom group showed very effective end results in improving mild cognitive impairment. In conclusion, edible choice mushrooms are some of the most revered and well-respected mushrooms of the herbal tonic world, with a rich history going back thousands of years in both Eastern and Western medicine. Therefore, because our mission is to answer your questions and provide you with a thorough explanation and the critical details necessary to understand this topic, this particular video was necessary to understand some of the convoluted stuff that comes along with understanding what makes these medicinal mushrooms really powerful and how, perhaps in certain cases when you're reading labels, the label that states that it's only talking about beta-glucan levels doesn't necessarily mean that those beta-glucans are the only thing that makes medicinal mushrooms the nourishing, wonderful compounds that they are or nourishing foods that they are. So, I hope this was a helpful video, and you guys can check out all the mushroom products that Z Natural Foods sells. Mike Stuchiner, Master Herbalist. I'll see you next time.

Hi everyone, Mike Stuchiner, Master Herbalist here with Z Natural Foods, and today's topic of this video is going to be answering the question, do Cordyceps Powders really work? Before we get started, two quick things I should mention. One is if you'd like more information about me, you can go to my YouTube channel, "A Master Herbalist's Perspective," or you can go to Z Natural Foods.com to see more of my videos and articles on a wide range of topics, tonics, adaptogens, functional foods, spices, all kinds of great stuff. Next is the medical disclaimer. The information you're about to receive is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, prescribe, or diagnose any specific or general medical conditions. It is also not intended to be a substitution for your primary healthcare provider's information, diagnosis, or treatment plan. With that said, let's get started. So, in order to answer this question of do Cordyceps mushroom powders work, in order to answer that question correctly, it's vital to understand how we evaluate the effectiveness of any substance we use. And more importantly, if there's a specific criteria for how an individual should assess their progress and results. The average individual consumes stimulants like coffee or caffeine; I should say, on a daily basis because it effectively boosts energy levels for a short period of time. Quick FYI for you all, a cup of coffee or tea differs significantly from using caffeine in an isolated form because coffee and tea contain nourishing polyphenolic compounds that provide great nourishment to the body and help to balance out the effects of what coffee and tea do within the body. Pharmaceuticals are also fast-acting isolated compounds created to have a specific targeted approach through particular mechanisms of action with a somewhat predictable end result. For example, if you take two Tylenol or Advil to reduce pain or get rid of a headache, it does that for most people in 30 minutes or less. As individuals, though, we may each respond slightly differently, but the bottom line is they both work. The question is, what cost? Because we are all different regarding where we are physically and emotionally, it's challenging to provide what one would consider specific guidelines, and therefore the video here is somewhat what I like to call golden rules you should consider following in order to keep things in perspective when looking at timeframes and results when you use foods and herbs. So first, medicinal mushrooms, herbs, and foods do not work like pharmaceuticals or isolate compounds because they contain a litany of natural compounds that work synergistically, potentially supporting a more balanced subtle result. They work on multiple mechanisms of action, whereas isolated compounds tend to focus on only one. Next, everyone is in a different place mentally, physically, and emotionally. These factors consistently change based on many aspects of your lifestyle. Therefore, these factors may change the time frame and outcome of your results. Number three, as mentioned just before, our society uses caffeine-based beverages like energy drinks and coffee and tea, providing a powerful and effective short-term burst of energy. Therefore, this may, in fact, skew our perspective into believing everything should work as quickly or be as powerful in concentration levels. The final thing is concentration levels of a product are essential when looking at the appropriate amount to use and evaluating the timeframe and overall end results. So, it's vital that you are very much aware of the product you're taking and how strong of a concentration the product provides to others. Is it a one-to-one, a 10-to-one, or is it even weaker, let's say, like a one-to-four or one-to-ten? Next, in order to recognize if Cordyceps works, it's vital to understand the principles behind tonic herbalism, where Cordyceps plays a very significant role. Tonic herbalism is a complex system that looks at six vital factors: Oneness and the unity of everything, which basically states humans, nature, organs, and the mind and body all function as one. Yin and Yang, which are opposing forces within the whole, but those opposing forces are always looking for the perfect balance. The three treasures: Jing, the essence of life; Shen, the core of emotions stored in the heart; and Qi, the circulating life force. The four seasons, adapting to seasonal changes, synchronizing with nature's beginning, y'all, which is a rather complex way or extended way of saying, looking at how the balance of nature during each season, how our bodies have to accommodate during each one of those seasons. The five elements theory of traditional Chinese medicine, which states the world is made up of the fundamental elements metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, all of which create cyclical changes throughout the year and throughout your life. The Chinese organ system. In TCM, organ systems go beyond the boundaries of anatomy; all organs are integrated units based on circulation, utilization of Qi, and how it manifests. Whether it is TCM or Western herbal medicine, there are vital distinctions between medicinals and tonics. In simple terms, tonics are made to be taken daily over a lifetime to build and restore, so plenty of reserves will therefore exist. A medicinal formula is often only used long enough to help reinstate a level of balance. If used longer than necessary, they'd begin to pull from the body and potentially cause new deficiency or excess imbalances. So, Cordyceps mushrooms, that's what we're here to really talk about, right? Research for its ability to support vitality and performance, strengthen the body-mind, and support a healthy stress response. This elite-level Jing tonic and superstar of the mushroom world is categorized as an actual adaptogen and revered by tonic herbalists worldwide. Why? With sweetened flavor and warming temperature, Cordyceps is famous in TCM for nourishing both yin and yang, supporting the kidneys and lungs, supporting life capacity and life force reserves, and is considered a fantastic tonifier of Qi. You won't have to search far to see that Cordyceps is regarded as one of the greats in traditional Chinese tonic medicine, right next to ginseng, Reishi, deer antler tips, and Schisandra berry. Cordyceps has a treasure trove of bioactive compounds, as I stated earlier, saccharides, sterols, amino acids, polypeptides, and quadriceps. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study using 28 individuals examined whether acute and chronic supplementation of Cordyceps improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise. It was concluded that acute supplementation of Cordyceps militaris containing mushroom blend may improve tolerance to high-intensity exercise, but greater benefits may be elicited with consistent chronic supplementation. Weather Channel, website, Cordyceps, true adaptogen. Adaptogens are a supportive tool for managing a healthy stress response through nonspecific physiological reactions. What makes all adaptogens unique is their ability to adapt to harsh conditions in which they are grown. This adaptability allows them to thrive and become robust plants. As research and opportunity have been compiled over the years, herbalists and scientists have learned and concluded how each adaptogen's energy, whether it's warming, cooling, drying, or voicing, and constituents balance, has allowed them to be used in a more specific targeted way. Medicinal mushrooms contain a wide array of nourishing compounds that work synergistically to support overall well-being. All mushrooms have certain nutritive qualities in common. They also have unique attributes, allowing them to support and uniquely focus on an individual system. Plants and fungi are often categorized based on their functional quality. Unfortunately, many plants and fungi are called adaptogens even though they don't fulfill the criteria that define what an actual adaptogen is. So, to answer the question, this general question of do Cordyceps mushroom powders work? It's essential to understand the requirements of how many adaptogens are defined and how they work. The following are the primary points that define what a plant or fungi must do to be considered an adaptogen. One, be non-toxic at clinical dosage. Two, increase the resistance of hormonal and immune systems to all kinds of stressors through a nonspecific physiological response. And three, normalize body function, no matter how external stressors have altered. We have learned that what makes plants and fungi an actual adaptogen is that they must work through one or both of the body's master control systems. The first is the HPA axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a complex system of neuroendocrine pathways and feedback loops that maintain and support homeostasis in response to chronic stress. The HPA axis interfaces with the endocrine, nervous, immune, digestive, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems. The other master system is the SNS, sympathetic-adrenal system, AKA your fight or flight. This complex system connects the sympathetic nervous system to the adrenal medulla. In simple terms, it's our fight-or-flight response. This triggered response floods our system with adrenaline and releases hormones, epinephrine, and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla. This response increases blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate and suppresses digestion. This releasing of hormones and redistribution of blood allows the mind and body to respond and survive. One final area that's essential to understand is the difference between the mycelium and the fruiting body of a mushroom. The above-ground portion of what is known as a mushroom is called, in simple terms, the fruiting body. It's like an orange to an orange tree. Yes, it's the end stage of the lifecycle and where the reproductive process occurs by releasing more spores back into the environment and restarting this lifecycle of mushroom fruiting bodies often exist for only a few days before disappearing, representing about 5% of the total process because fruiting bodies have been the primary focus of research for why they are believed to be the primary powerhouse portion of the fungi where all the nourishing compounds exist. For example, a treasure trove of bioactive compounds, as I stated earlier, saccharides, sterols, amino acids, and polypeptides. So when you leave a review discussing mushrooms for the time that you weren't here, the compound concludes that there you go. So we get these from your modulation, so dirty man is on the underground. So the shins are called Mycelium mushrooms; in this area of research, it is believed that all compounds found in high concentration in the fruiting body, like polysaccharides, are not the only driving force behind what makes mushrooms such powerful tonics. The working hypothesis behind Mycelium is that by consuming mycelium, you're ingesting the energy force or precursor for what creates itself. Certainly, it is the primary plant portion of the mushroom; I'll walk the longest-living part of the organism. This represents 95% of the life cycle. It is also basically known as the underground communications system. As more science emerges, we're learning about novel compounds on mycelium that may have the ability to change the face of modern medicine in unique ways. This area of mushroom science is fascinating for its unlimited potential. In conclusion, yes, 100% Cordyceps mushroom powders do work. While medicinal mushrooms all have similar general constituents like a wide array of polysaccharides, attributes, and the ability to nourish in common, they all have their own unique way. Whereas mushrooms have a wonderfully rich use history and are revered and well respected worldwide as powerful tonics because of their nourishing qualities. Cordyceps have been and will continue to be the focus of research for many years to come. The unique attributes, unlimited potential, and untapped energy, untapped information. We are continuously learning about all that makes Cordyceps very intriguing. This is Mike Stuchiner, Master Herbalist with Z Natural Foods. I'll see you next time.

Hi everyone, Mike Stuchiner, Master Herbalist here with Z Natural Foods, and today's video will answer the question, "What are the major tonic herbs?" But before we get started, I want to mention two quick things. Number one is if you'd like more information about me, please go to my YouTube channel, "A Master Herbalist's Perspective." And you can also go to Z Natural Foods to read many of my different articles and see more of their products. Next is the health disclaimer. The information you're about to receive is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, prescribe, or diagnose any specific or general medical conditions. It is not to be used as a substitute for your primary healthcare provider's diagnosis, treatment plan, or medical information. With that said, let's get started. So, to answer the question, "What are major tonic herbs?" Before you actually answer that question, I just want to make a quick point that tonic herbalism in traditional Chinese medicine is a rather complex system. And I've mentioned this in some other videos I've done about this topic and in some of my articles, that there are no specific simple general answers. Everything is very much narrowed down to the individual and their needs at that time. Thought that that was really important to repeat yet again. Although I've said this many times, you guys, so water cm principles dictate. There are many factors to living a healthy and fulfilling life. Some of those factors include your lifestyle, your constitution, the level to which you proactively take preventative measures to help build your well-being, and your ability to avoid and adapt to external stressors. And TCM one's constitution is measured in lifeforce or otherwise known as jing. Jing is naturally substantial, meaning you're more vibrant, resilient, and robust. Therefore, hence to generally mean that you have won what is known as the genetic lottery and have a better shot at living a long and vibrant life, or so we thought. In simple terms, we have learned from science, tradition, and a little bit of common sense that those with strong constitutions due to good genetics are equally vulnerable to dying young and being susceptible to conditions throughout their life, with the primary culprit being an unbalanced lifestyle. This one factor alone can strongly deplete one's gin, whether or not they have great genetics. Therefore the need for tonic herbs has an excellent reference in this specific case. In order to understand major tonic herbs, it's extremely important to first understand how a tonic herb is defined based on function and criteria. In simple terms, four primary fundamental aspects define a tonic herb. First, tonic herbs create and support a state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being through the appropriate balance of yin and yang energy to attain vibrant and healthy. Two, tonic herbs can be used for an unlimited period of time with no adverse effects. Three, no matter how long an individual uses tonic herbs, they never build a tolerance to it. And four, true tonics come from their authentic source and spiritual homeland. This principle is known in Taoist herbalism as Di Tao and makes a vital difference in plant medicine's potency and efficacy. Tonic herbs are not used to treat or prevent any specific issue. What they actually do is they promote and support general well-being by enhancing energy and regulating function. The priority is not about healing but gently promoting one's health. Tonic herbs provide adaptive chi, allowing us to deal with daily stressors more efficiently. Ultimately, this will enable us to grow as human beings. There are four primary categories of tonic herbs. The first one is known as Qi tonics, also known as energy tonics, with a primary function of increasing energy production. TCM believes they enhance nutrient absorption and yield blood and energy. They're known to support metabolic processes, influence the spleen, and nurture the lungs. Next are blood tonics. These are known to nourish and balance blood via optimizing nutrient utilization. Blood nourishes tissues and provides a means of distribution of nutrients, hormones, and immune cells. Yin tonics are the third category. Yin is the accumulation of stored energy condensed in all body tissues, primarily in all significant organs, specifically within the kidney. Stored energy in the kidney is known as the essence and is considered the body's fundamental reserve. Yin tonics are associated with preserving quality. Finally, Yang tonics. Yang is the utilization of stored energy. Yang tonics, warm or hot in power, are associated with creativity and are therefore believed to build strength and courage. Yang herbs are used to stimulate metabolism, build muscle, and support the skeletal system. All tonic herbs, like nourish at least one of what TCM calls the three treasures. The three treasures are interconnected and contribute to overall health and well-being. They are the following: Jing, the essence primarily stored in the kidney; Qi, the lifeforce vital energy stored in the kidneys; and Shen, the emotional and spiritual layer of our being that reflects the state of our nervous system. In conclusion, tonic herbalism is one of the oldest and most well-established systems for supporting overall well-being, and tonic herbs have an exceptionally well-established history of usage. So, in the end, pick your tonic herbs and, most importantly, nourish your three treasures and live a long, healthy, happy, vibrant life. This is Mike Stuchiner, Master Herbalist with Z Natural Foods. I'll see you next time.