In Traditional Chinese Medicine’s (TCM) Five Element theory, water is the element of winter and it governs the kidney and bladder meridian channels. Welcome to the north, place of coldness, the Great Mystery, that liminal place between birth and death, hibernation, and gentle yet powerful underground transformation. Miles and miles of infinite expansive water flows, seen and unseen, across the planet. 60% of our bodies are water.

We rest in winter, nourishing ourselves, slowing down, taking it easy. This is a great time for tonification. In Chinese medical theory, we tonify the Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang.

Qi, Blood, and Yin tonics can all be sweet, and tend towards a rich or heavy nature. These herbs are commonly paired with digestive herbs, such as ginger. However, tonics should only be taken on an as-needed, clinically appropriate basis, and are contraindicated for sluggish digestion, as well as excess type conditions such as acute disease, fevers, inflammation, or obesity.

Most of these tonifying botanicals are roots, best prepared in decoctions or as powders or granules.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) encompasses a variety of herbal medicines and mind-body practices, such as acupuncture. While popular in China and in many other countries as a primary or complementary health approach, its efficacy has not been investigated. However, existing research does suggest that many herbal remedies are effective to treat conditions such as constipation and fever.

TCM includes a wide range of health interventions, and is also a way of thinking about health and the body. Ancient TCM beliefs include the concept of the body being a smaller version of the universe, of the harmony between yin and yang, that all phenomena can be represented by the five elements, and that the vital energy called Qi flows through the body and maintains health. Scientific research on TCM generally does not concern these aspects of TCM, but rather focuses on the efficacy or possible danger of the medical practices involved.