For centuries, the Chinese have used herbs to cure and prevent illness, and to embrace peacefulness and wellness. More and more people -- including many Milwaukeeans -- are turning to Eastern practices or combining them with Western medicine to proactively ensure good health.

There are thousands of herbs in existence, but a select few are known as "tonics." Tonic herbs are used proactively. They are not considered medicinal, meaning they are not specifically used to treat a sickness. Instead, they are used to strengthen and improve specific organs, systems, weaknesses or the entire body. They can also enhance one's vitality and adaptability, increase natural harmony and strengthen the body's functions.

According to clinical herbologist Howard Silverstre, this Eastern approach to wellness is often misunderstood by Westerners. "Many Americans look to tonics to give them enough energy to continue burning the candle at both ends," he says, "but the Chinese use tonics as a way to build themselves up so they don't become run down in the first place."

Ingesting tonics is a proactive approach to maintaining good health. Many Americans wait until their health starts to suffer before they start making healthy changes, whereas most Easterners practice healthy behaviors while they are still well in order to remain hale and hearty.

Tonics are extremely gentle and have minor-to-no side effects, yet they profoundly affect the body. Consulting with a doctor before taking tonics is a good idea. They keep the body at maximum performance, maintain wellness and prevent problems as a result of aging.

Results from tonics, however, usually take longer to achieve than harsher medications, but they last a lot longer. "Tonics give the body what it needs to improve over time," says Silvestre. "They allow the body to reach homeostasis, which is the point of feeling good."

Dr. Gary Lewis is a traditional MD at the Brown Deer Medical Clinic who integrates current medicine with ancient techniques. He also believes that tonics can be as effective as other drugs on the market. "Herbal medicine, as opposed to Western medicine, stimulates the life force, the central energy and encourages the body to use its own forces to stay well," he says.

People who find themselves suffering from the same minor illnesses every year, or those who are concerned about contracting a disease that is common in their family, might consider using tonic herbs.

After ingesting tonics a person is more likely to have increased appreciation and sensitivity, and therefore, a better chance of achieving what the Chinese refer to as "radiant health." One might also want to consult with a doctor or herbologist before taking large doses of tonic herbs.

There are many tonic herbs, but the following are a few of the most widely used and trusted by herbologists.

Ginseng is one of the most important tonic herbs. According to Chinese medicine, ginseng strengthens qi, which is the energy that makes up the universe. Ginseng also increases vitality, nurtures the lungs and stomach, and strengthens the spleen. It is also believed to increase endurance, decrease stress, and strengthen conditioned reflexes.

Licorice root is another highly regarded tonic. It is used as a harmonizing ingredient that is believed to revitalize the "center." It is also believed to cleanse the system of poisons and toxins and increases energy. It may also increase concentration.

Angelica root is a fantastic blood tonic. It nourishes and regulates blood, making it ideal for women to take during menstruation. It also is thought to improve circulation, clear up the skin, act as a sedative, and accelerate the healing of wounds.

In order to experience the maximum results from tonic herbs, other positive lifestyle choices such as proper diet, exercise and sleep patterns need to be incorporated into the daily routine. "We need to rediscover the lost art of tonics," says Silvestre. "We need to stop looking for something to stimulate us, and start looking for things that will strengthen us."