title: An approach to the concept of tonic: suggested definitions and historical aspects.
abstract: In traditional medicine, especially CAM, the concept of (herbal) tonics has a long history in the different medical systems (TEN -- Traditional European Naturopathy; TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine). Nevertheless, the ideas concerning the function of a tonic differ, e.g., stimulation of body functions, strengthening of organ function, enhancement of adaption, and well-being. Although no exact pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic properties of tonics can be given, the following general definition, even in the transcultural comparison between European and Chinese concepts, seems meaningful: A tonic is an agent that has the capability to restore and/or maintain the physiological functioning of an organ system, leading to the subjective feeling of well-being of the patient treated with it.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Robert P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Götti
authors.forename: Jörg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Melzer
authors.forename: Reinhard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Saller
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008519:Medicine, Traditional / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D018758:Stimulants, Historical / Q000592:standards / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D018758:Stimulants, Historical