We offer a selection of classic formulas from Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Taoist/martial arts tonic tradition, prepared as full strength tinctures. (1:5, 66% -which means 1 part herbs to five parts 130 proof alcohol - unless otherwise specified).

Most of these are tonic formulas, used for physical and spiritual development (in conjunction with martial arts training or meditation), or for longevity (anti-aging); there is also a selection of well-known formulas for prevention and cure of common cold, several formulas for traumatic injury, a couple for constrained liver qi (a common contemporary syndrome), etc.

I make these primarily for myself and whoever happens to stop by the shop. They are made in small batches (pint or quart, depending on how expensive the ingredients are), so they go in and out of stock. If you would like to order some by mail, please see order info.

These tinctures are prepared primarily from the best quality imported herbs which I have been able to find (mostly from Spring Wind Herbs) - although many of these herbs are growing at Mountain Gardens (see Chinese Herb list) most of them are presently too valuable as stock plants to harvest (exceptions are noted as MG = organically grown at Mountain Gardens, and I hope that there will be an increasing number of these).

In order to choose an appropriate formula, it is necessary to have an idea of one’s condition / constition in Chinese terms; this can be diagnosis by a practitioner of TCM (acupuncture or herbal medicine), or self-diagnosis using texts such as Beinfield & Korngold: Between Heaven and Earth and Kaptchuk: The Web That Has No Weaver. Additional information, indictions and contra-indications,etc is available in the sources listed .

ALBIZZIA 9 - The flowers and bark of the Mimosa tree ("collective happiness plant") and other herbs from the Chinese category "calm the spirit." For depression, insomnia, forgetfulness, restlessness

ASTRAGALUS 10+ - This formula was developed to treat chronic immune deficiency by tonifying qi, yin and essence. Astragalus, ginseng, eleuthero, schizandra, reishi, fo-ti, and 7 more tonic herbs.

ASTRAGALUS GINSENG COMBINATION - Primary formula for weak spleen / digestive system characterized by poor appetite and digestion, frequent illness, pallor and fatigue. Much used for recovery, e.g. rebuilding immunity after chemo- or radiation therapy.

BUPLEURUM & DRAGON BONE - Primary anti-stress, sedative formula. "The Chinese answer to… Valium and Tagamed." Also used to aid withdrawal from tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.

ELEUTHERO 10+ - This is an anti-aging formula. It addresses, in particular, declining mental and sexual ability, by nourishing and astringing the jing, vital essence.

ESSENTIAL ENERGY FORMULA - This formula addresses depletion of essence from excessive stress, work or sex. Symptoms might include poor appetite & digestion, weakness & fatigue, impotence, insomnia.

RESTORE THE PULSE - This formula is well-known for quickly rebuilding energy. Used in Chinese hospitals for recovery from trauma and surgery.

GINGKO HEALTHY BRAIN FORMULA - This combination of 13 Chinese herbs and gingko leaf is used for poor memory, also insomnia, mental agitation or fatigue, dizziness, etc.

GINSENG & LONGAN FORMULA - Major formula for depression; tonifies the spleen / digestion and heart /spirit to increase energy and calm the spirit.

GINSENG NUTRITIVE COMBINATION - A very balanced tonic formula to build blood and energy, nourish the essence and stabilize the spirit. For generalized deficiency, chronic fatigue or anxiety, or recovery. Mild, especially useful for the elderly.

GINSENG STIMULANT COMBINATION - Get up, and stay up! Kola & guarana with Korean and wild American ginseng and honey baked licorice. Dance all night.

HORNY GOAT COMBINATION - This is intended to be tasty and aphrodisiac. Epimedium, lycium & schizandra, ginseng & licorice.

JADE PILLOW - Foremost Chinese formula for insomnia and irritability due to liver and heart deficiency. Oyster shell helps "settle the spirit."

JADESCREEN & XANTHIUM - Fortify yourself with a Jade Screen! The classic formula for "defense energy" (against colds & flu) augmented to make it also useful for sinus conditions due to allergies.

LIBIDO COMBINATION - Canada lovage ("boar hog root") - Appalachian folk aphrodisiac, with ashwaganda & muira parama.

PROSTATE FORMULA - Chinese herb formula which addresses prostate problems, both sexual and urinary, BHP, enlarged prostate.

STEP BACK FROM OLD AGE WINE - An example of the tonic wines which are popular in China. This one "recedes old age and rolls back the years."

TEN GREAT TONICS - Another famous, well-balanced, "all-inclusive" tonic. For all sorts of fatigue & debility, major immune stimulation.

VITAL ESSENCE - Ginseng & deer antler, lycium, schizandra & licorice. Powerful tonic formula. Builds sex energy.

WINTER TRAINING - Based on an ancient martial arts formula. Ginseng, tiger (ox, nowadays) bone, deer antler and other powerful warming, energy tonics. Keeps joints limber in cold weather.

YOHIMBE COMBINATION - Yohimbe is probably the best-validated herbal aphrodisiac, but does have side-effects including elevated blood pressure. Combined damiana & licorice.