Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Tiny Dragon Tonic Questions...

Tonics are a special type of herb. They are part way between “Food” and “medicine”. When people hear about “herbs” they think specifically of “herbal medicine”. Here’s the thing though… “Medicine” is for when you are sick.

Some herbs are traditionally used only for short periods. You would NOT take them everyday.

Whereas a food, like salad, is something you can eat everyday. In 99% of cases it will only have positive effects, when consumed in moderation. Tonic herbs are more like “salad”. They are traditionally taken daily, over the long term, to support vitality and well-being.

In this context, tonic herbs are specifically referring to a class of herbs in Chinese Medicine called the “Superior Herbs” (or “imperial” herbs). There are Ayurvedic and western herbs that are considered “tonic herbs”, however at Tiny Dragon Tonics we focus specifically on Superior Chinese Tonic Herbs (also known as Taoist Tonic Herbs).

In order for an herb to be considered a “Tonic Herb”, it must follow these 6 principles:

1. Must contain & provide at least one of the Three Treasures (Jing, Shen & Qi).
2. Must support a long and healthy life.
3. Must have broad and profound effects on radiant health.
4. Must be traditionally considered gentle enough for daily, long-term use in moderation.
5. Must help balance one’s emotional & mental energy, so that one can experience spiritual & emotional balance & wellness.
6. Must taste good enough to be consumed (fairly) easily and must be easily digested/assimilated by the body (when prepared correctly).

Most tonic herbs actually are adaptogens. By definition, an adaptogen has "dual directional" effects. What this means, is that it adapts (and helps you adapt) according to your current state of health and stress.

For example, in Chinese tonic herbalism Reishi is traditionally considered a balancing (adaptogenic) herb. It is said to help bring the body back toward balance, whether it is running "low" or "high".

Another example is Gynostemma. When taken in the morning, it helps give you energy, kind of like green tea (except it has NO caffeine!). If you take it at night, it is said to help you rest.

So the majority of tonic herbs are also classified as "adaptogens".

We provide potent, highly concentrated herbal extracts that dissolve instantly in hot water.

Our herbs have a concentration of 10:1 or greater. In other words, 1kg of whole raw herbs were extracted in order to produce 1kg of our extracts. Therefore, one bottle of 35g Restored Essence, would equal 350g of whole herbs (the kind you would buy at a "normal" tea or herb shop).

These 10:1 extracts are created using huge pressure cookers. The whole herb is cooked down to ensure all of the qualities of the herb are made into a highly concentrated tea. The herb fiber is taken out. Using a proprietary (chemical free) method, the water is evaporated. All that is left is a highly concentrated powder. This powder contains all the qualities of the herb with zero moisture.

The result is a powder that dissolves instantly in water, and requires no steeping or boiling. It can also be taken without water.

Our herbs are sourced directly from manufacturers in China. They produce small batches of extracts and they source all of the herbs directly from farms. All of our herbs come from semi-wild cultivation practices, which means they are "beyond" organic. The herbs are sourced fresh and then tested for purity.

Only the pure highest quality herbs are extracted and powdered. Once powdered into their final 10:1 extract, they are tested again for the final Certificates of Analysis (COAs available upon request).

This whole process takes about 3 months from start to finish.

How herbs are sourced directly from farms in China. These farms utilize traditional semi-wild cultivation practices. This means the herbs are grown in alignment with nature's wisdom, rather than mass produced "factory farming" of herbs.

It's kind of like buying vegetables at your local farmer's market, rather than the grocery store. Generally, farmer's market vegetables are tastier, bigger and full of more nutrients. In fact, often they are grown with LESS chemicals than "organic certified" produce.

This is similar with our herbs. They are "beyond organic" because they truly are grown in the original way (Tao Di).

Tao Di, or Di Tao, roughly translates to "grown in the original way". This means they are grown in the region, soil and climate that the herbs would naturally grow in the wild. This produces a healthier and more robust herb, which has more of the natural health promoting qualities.

Our products are best consumed on an empty stomach, before or between meals. This ensures full digestion and assimilation from your body. That being said, you will receive benefits whenever you consume them. The first and most important rule of Tonic Herbalism is compliance. If you do not take the herb, you will receive no benefits.

The best way to take the herb, is in how water, as a tea. This is because you can taste the herb and your body can assimilate the warm tea easily. This being said, you can still receive benefit when consuming capsule form, or when added to smoothies and lattes.

We suggest taking 1/2 tsp once or twice daily (or 2 capsules, 1-2x per day). Follow the directions on the label.

When stored properly, our extracts maintain their potency for at least 2 years (often longer). This is why we provide our products in amber jars; to help maintain potency.

Light & moisture will quickly deteriorate your herbs. Be sure to keep them sealed air tight, away from moist environments and direct sunlight. Best kept in a cool, dark place.

Step One:

Measure 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. of powder in 1/2 to 1 cup hot water.

Step Two:

Mix or blend, until fully combined. Our powder quickly & easily dissolves in hot water.

Step Three:

If desired, add honey or maple syrup. Repeat daily for a minimum of 30 days. Follow the directions on the label.

BONUS Step:

Consider making an Elixir. Use milk of choice rather than water. Heat milk first. Add honey/maple syrup. Blend with your Tiny Dragon Tonic powder. Try adding it to Cacao (hot chocolate), coffee or smoothies.

Our products do not contain any gluten ingredients. That being said, they are NOT produced in a "gluten free" certified space. Therefore, there is (unlikely) possibility for cross contamination.

Yes! Our products are vegan. They contain no animal products, are animal related ingredients. Even our capsules are pullulan (derived from tapioca starch / mycelium)

No. We do not sell psychedelic mushrooms.