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Summary

Since ancient times herbs have been prized for their health-enhancing properties, and the therapeutic benefits of herbs, from kavakava to ginseng and ginko biloba have been embraced by Americans in growing numbers. At the zenlike oasis of Elixir, West Hollywood's hottest watering hole, licensed herbalists dispense a tempting array of refreshing smoothies, energizing tonics, and soothing teas that deliver all the benefits of tonic herbs in a most delicious way. InElixir's Tonics and Teas, they share their recipes so that everyone can benefit from signature blends like Greet the Day Tea and Yin from the Cold Tonic. Elixir's philosophy is to create a comfortable blend of Eastern and Western practices and tastes. Each efficacious blend of herbs is combined with juice and other flavorful ingredients so these smoothies, sodas, and teas, and even cocktails are delightful quaffs that can be enjoyed anytime. Boost your system before a workout with a glass of Energy Today Tonic, or rebalance the body after an illness with Taming the Dragon; prepare your mind to focus with a cup of Brainy Day Chai, or calm yourself after a difficult week with a Steady in Spirit. Helpful guidelines from Elixir's trained staff make choosing the right tonic for nourishing mind, body, or spirit simple, and a comprehensive glossary of herbal products takes the guesswork out of using these beneficial plants. Elixir's Tonics and Teasis an irresistible introduction to the power of herbal infusions and a toast to general well being.

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Excerpts

Energy Formulas

And permeating the soil, it is I who support all creatures by My vital power, and becoming the nectaring moon, I nourish all plants.
-- from the Bhagavad Gita (The Song Divine)

Energy is a wondrous phenomenon, though poorly understood in the West. Far too infrequently, you get a good night's sleep, eat fresh and nourishing food (not too much, not too little), keep all the stressors of your life at bay-so that you feel alive, alert and refreshed, senses primed. You're immersed in the present moment with clarity and focus. When you're in this balanced state, you don't think of how much energy you have, of whether you' ll be able to perform, you just do.

More often, you're riding the waves. One day you have too much nervous energy. Another day, you have too little stamina in reserve. Sudden bursts of energy at the wrong time can be as exhausting as they are invigorating, depleting too quickly your body's storehouse of reserves. Overstimulation or sedation, common experiences in our culture, result from quick-fix approaches, and ultimately upset your natural balance.

Our energy concoctions-juice blends, smoothies, teas, and an herb-infused liqueur-steady the flow. The potent blends of ginsengs, astragalus, yerba maté, and other herbs uplift and energize.

Here is nourishment for our qi, the day-to-day vitality and dynamism on which we depend.

Flowing Energy

There's a certain Tonic Bar patron we think of when we recommend Flowing Energy tonic because she knows better than most of us how the high tide anticipates the low. From her broad shoulders and sun-bleached hair, you'd know her as a swimmer or surfer, and she is-in the ocean many mornings before heading for the office. This make-at-home version of her favorite tonic sustains a steady all-day flow of energy. The bupleurum and peony formula (Jia Wei Xiao Yao Sun) is a widely available classic Chinese mixture of ten herbs that has many uses but is especially prized for removing obstacles to energy. See page 117 for resource information.

Serves one.

8 ounces grapefruit juice

1 dropper bupleurum and peony formula (Jia Wei Xiao Yao Sun)

1 dropper ginseng

1 dropper astragalus

3 ounces unflavored soda water or sparkling mineral water

Pour the grapefruit juice into a 12-ounce glass. Add the herbal extracts and stir well. Add ice, if desired. Then pour soda over all and stir well one more time. Serve immediately.

Energy Today

If you know you're facing a physically challenging day, bank a few energy points with this breakfast smoothie.

Serves one.

6 ounces apple juice

1 banana, cut into chunks

2 fresh kiwis, peeled and quartered

1/2 cup silken tofu

1 teaspoon green food blend

1 dropper astragalus

1 dropper ginseng

1 dropper yerba maté

Place all ingredients in a blender and whip until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and serve.

Weekday Workout

Fulfilling a bargain you've made with yourself, you rise early and prepare for the workout that strengthens your heart and clears your mind. In the pause before you salute the sun with movement and speed, power your actions with the energy and vitamin hit.

Serves one.

8 ounces orange juice

1 ounce fresh wheat grass or green food blend

1 teaspoon protein powder

1 dropper Siberian ginseng

1 dropper ginger

1 dropper Chinese white or red ginseng

Pour the juice into a blender. Add the wheat grass, protein powder, and herbs. Blend until the powder is dissolved and the wheat grass is juiced. Serve immediately.

Excerpted from Elixir's Tonics and Teas: Invigorating Tonics for the Mind, Body, and Spirit by Jeff Stein, Edgar Veytia
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.