Renew, revitalize and restore: the three Rs that captured our attention when we came across the innovative superfood tonic powder, Ancient Wisdom, by Imperial Tonics. With a unique blend of tonic herbs and adaptogens – reishi mushroom, schizandra, goji berry, astragalus root, and he shou wu – we were curious to dig in deep to see just what this blend of exotic herbs and foods offered. To satisfy our own curiosity, we checked out exactly how each of these herbs influences the body. Take a look at what we found, then try our perfect recipe to put this super-tonic to good use. Each of these ingredients help us better navigate the stress-laden challenges and quirks of day-to-day life!

Duanwood Reishi Mushroom: Reishi, also known as “the mushroom of immortality,” is one of the most prized herbs in Chinese tonic herbalism. First written about by Daoist monks, who have traditionally held reishi in high regard, they believe the mushroom nurtures the growth of intelligence, wisdom and spiritual insight; calms the mind, strengthens the nerves, eases the body and builds will power. Made with duanwood, this form of reishi has shown to be the most powerful of the reishi mushrooms in the world from a pharmacological perspective. Recent research demonstrates reishi’s life-extending properties, but also its significant ability to stimulate brain neurons, destroy cancer cells, and prevent the development of new fat cells in obese individuals. In addition, it has led to positive improvements in conditions such as asthma, allergies, autoimmune disorders, diabetes and liver disease.

Schizandra: The empress of Chinese herbalism, schizandra reigned as the favored herb of wealthy households, from emperors to royal women, for centuries in Imperial China. As a beautifiying tonic, schizandra was held in high regard among Chinese women for its profound ability to moisten the skin and clear the blood. It is said that if schizandra is taken for 100 days continuously, it will sharpen the mind, purify the blood, improve memory, rejuvenate the kidney jing energy, and cause the skin to become radiantly beautiful. Finally, Schizandra has been shown to strengthen and protect the liver by promoting detoxification and the safe clearance of toxins from the body.

Goji Berry: for the last several thousand years, goji berries have been revered as a superfood in Asian cultures for the promotion of longevity. In Chinese herbalism, goji is known for its role as a yin jing tonic to strengthen the blood and revitalize the body. Today, goji berries have grown in prominence for their youth-preserving, health-improving and mood-elevating properties. Goji berries are extremely rich in beta-carotene, which gives credence to the long-held belief that goji berries improve eyesight. Their phytochemicals have been shown to protect against free radicals and protect the DNA of our cells. It has long been attributed that goji berries strengthen the back, tonify the sexual and reproductive functions, and help restore yin energy to the kidney and liver energy channels.

Astragalus Root: Long held as a staple of Chinese herbalism, astragalus, known as “the great protector,” is known the world over for its strengthening abilities to the body. Its main benefits are to strengthen muscle and support metabolic functions. It is often used to tone the bowels, strengthening digestion and elimination, and for increasing the health of the skin, increasing its resistance to challenging environmental conditions.

He Shou Wu: He shou wu, which translates to “black-haired Mr. He,” is known in Chinese herbalism for its ability to tonify the organs and nourish the blood. He shou wu is both energizing and calming. It helps to balance the body, as well as the mind, through its capability to support both liver and kidney. Through this, it is an important anti-aging and longevity herb, one that supports the growth of the hair and nails, and keeps the hair from losing its color.