Herbal medicine is found worldwide and is still used by many societies as a primary form of health care. Both Western Herbal Medicine and Chinese Medicine (CM) use herbs to maintain vitality, but their philosophies and classifications differ significantly. In Western herbal medicine, tonics are herbs used to tone and strengthen the body. However, in CM, tonic, or more accurately, “complementary” herbs serve a broader function, working to balance the body's vital energies, including qi, blood, yin, and yang. This article will clarify the differences between Western tonics and herbal CM supplements, providing a deeper understanding of their unique roles.
