6 Top Herbal Tonics

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Rhodiola is a “powerful antioxidant,” Gerbarg says. Antioxidants help prevent the cell damage at the root of cancer. Studies show that the herb reduces cell mutations associated with cancer and enhances the body’s ability to repair cancer-related DNA mutations. Russian researchers have found that rhodiola improves the immune function of people with bladder cancer and reduces recurrences. Finally, the herb virtually eliminates the toxicity of one widely used chemotherapy drug, Adriamycin (Doxorubicin).

Gerbarg, co-author of The Rhodiola Revolution (2004), has used rhodiola to treat more than 150 people suffering from severe depression. “In many cases adding rhodiola to their treatment increased their energy and allowed them to experience more enjoyment in life.”

Rhodiola also protects the liver, helping the organ recover from exposure to various poisons, according to Russian and Korean animal studies.

Since her Lyme disease diagnosis, Gerbarg has taken rhodiola daily (400 to 450 milligrams), and has experienced no side effects. However, because it has stimulant action, jitters and anxiety are possible. Gerbarg cautions against using commercial preparations that include caffeine, since they may be overstimulating.

Schisandra: Balance Your Body

Chinese medicine considers schisandra (Schisandra chinesis) to be a balancing herb, Hobbs says, because it contains all five flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and spicy. Asian animal studies showed that it improves memory. The herb also protects the liver from a variety of toxic agents, and is used to treat respiratory and digestive ailments. Schisandra causes infrequent side effects.

Ashwagandha: Antioxidant All-star

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is called “Indian ginseng,” because its effects are similar to Panax ginseng. Several Indian animal studies showed ashwagandha improves stamina and reduced the damage caused by various stressors. It stimulates the immune system and has powerful antioxidant action. Antioxidants reduce risk of cancer and heart disease. Indian animal studies show intriguing cancer-preventive action.

Indian researchers also gave ashwagandha to diabetics with high cholesterol. A month later, cholesterol and blood sugar levels were significantly lower. Finally, the herb has some antidepressant action. Side effects are rare in recommended amounts, but large doses may cause stomach distress, diarrhea and vomiting. Pregnant and nursing women should not use it.

Reishi: Immune Booster

Called the “mushroom of immortality,” Chinese medicine considers reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) a qi (life force) tonic and longevity promoter. “It can help in the treatment of fatigue, respiratory complaints, cancer, heart disease and liver ailments,” says San Francisco Chinese medicine practitioner Efrem Korngold.

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