Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. earned his advanced degree in experimental psychology from Brigham Young University. His specialized area was psychopharmacology, with related studies in biochemistry, neurology, anatomy and physiology. His interest in medicinal botany began while in graduate school and his dissertation reflected that interest. Over the next several years his research in this area lead to the publications of several books, among which are: Herbal Tonic Therapies, The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, Guaranteed Potency Herbs: Next Generation Herbal Medicine, and Fat Management: The Thermogenic Factor

Tonic Herb   Non Tonic Herb Licorice   St John's Wort Failure to make the above distinction leads the author of the tonic article into the error of assuming that ginseng extracts are tonics, when, in fact, they are not. Thus, he accepts at face value the following statement by one of his sources: "Ginseng is overused . . . Not everybody can have ginseng. If people have high blood pressure or are hyperactive, ginseng isn't good for them." The use of plain old whole ground up ginseng isn't going to do that. But the market is flooded with all kinds of ginseng extracts and hence a great deal of confusion has occurred as to the real properties of the ancient Chinese tonic. Early in his article, the author states, "Unfortunately, in our more-is-better society, the tendency among tonic users is to assume that if a little bit makes you feel good, then a lot will make you feel great." This attitude, he claims, will cause more harm than good. Well, good grief. At the risk of insulting my educated readers, I will point out the fallacy of that position. While there is some justification for resisting the "more-of-a-good-thing-is-better" mentality, there are times when it is patently foolish to be so overly cautious. Rather, we should examine each instance on its merits. In the case of the tonic, it would be very difficult, if not impossible (by definition), to overuse something that restores and maintains homeostasis. Another expert quoted in the article says, "Overuse of tonics can actually produce the opposite result of what was intended." And another "expert" says, talking about licorice root, "Large doses over extended periods of time are quite toxic." Now, you know why I wrote the book. Americans have completely lost sight of the purpose, value and nature of tonics. Licorice root is a classic example. There are many examples of licorice toxicity in the medical literature. But only since the widespread use of powerful licorice extracts has occurred. Whole licorice root, its powder, and crude extracts are innocent. Why? Because the root contains counterbalancing groups of ingredients which the body can use in maintaining a state of balance in several body systems.By the way, yours truly is quoted several times in the article, usually in counterpoint to the nay-sayers (I guess that is why the author called it a debate). In other words, even though all of our other experts are saying be really really really careful, Dr. Mowrey says there is nothing to worry about. Well, at least he got that right.