Chinese herbalism has traditionally been divided into three fundamental levels. These three levels were first described in the original classic of Chinese herbalism, attributed to the emperor Shen Nong approximately three thousand years ago. The following section of that classic explains the three levels of herbalism practiced in the Orient since that time:

The Superior Class of herbs are the rulers. They control the maintenance of life and correspond to Heaven. These herb foods are not medicines so the taking of these herb foods in larger amounts or over a long period of time is not harmful. If you wish to take the material weight from the body, to supplement the energies and nutrients circulating in the body, and to prolong the years of life without aging, you should base your efforts on the herb foods of the Superior Class.

The General Class of herbs are the ministers. They control the preservation of the human nature and correspond to Man. One part of them possesses medicinal effectiveness, another part possesses preventive effectiveness. For every application, the choice of the suitable herbs should be considered carefully. If you wish to prevent illnesses and to balance depletions and consumption, you should base your efforts on herbs in the General Class.

The Inferior Class of herbs are the assistants. They control the curing of illnesses and correspond to Earth. They possess a markedly medicinal effectiveness and must not be taken over a long period of time since side effects will likely result. If you wish to remove cold, heat, and other evil influences from the body, to break stagnations of any sort and to cure illnesses, you should base your efforts on the herbs in the Inferior Class.
Of the several thousand herbs used in the Chinese herbal system, there is thus an elite group of less than a hundred herbs known as the 'Superior Herbs,' also known as the 'tonics.' The most famous and important herbs associated with Asian herbalism all fall into this 'superior herb, or 'tonic' category.'

These Superior Herbs are not considered to be 'medicinal' in the usual sense of the word. They are not used to treat specific diseases or disorders. Herbs that are strictly medicinal fall into the Inferior Herb class because they often cause side effects and because they do not develop the Three Treasures. The tonics are used to promote over-all well being, to enhance the body's energy, and to regulate the bodily and psychic functioning, to protect the body and mind so as to create what the Chinese call 'radiant health.' The Superior Herbs provide this adaptive energy in abundance and are thus a primary source of true human empowerment.

Only herbs that meet specific qualifications are ranked as a superior herb in the Chinese herbal system. For an herb to be recognized as a tonic herb (another name for a superior herb), that herb must have been found over many centuries to meet six specific qualifications.

Of the thousands of herbs and foods tested by the people of Asia over many centuries, only a very small proportion have been determined to meet all these criteria. The tonic herbs are the most prized of all herbs, for it has become clear over many centuries that the great Chinese tonic herbs can make a very major contribution toward ultimate well being. They can be consumed on a daily basis to fortify us for the adventure of life and to help us take full advantage of life? richness. Of course, in order to achieve Radiant Health, one must work on all aspects of one's life, but the tonics are considered to be an essential tool on the path of Radiant Health