Shoulder and Neck Relaxing Tonic

This tonic will ease tension and anxiety and take the edge off a bad day. Use it as a sleep tonic:

3 cups distilled water

2 small tang kuei roots (or 1 large slice)

2 jujube red dates

4 (2-inch) slices white peony root

1 slice fresh ginger or 1 dried Chinese licorice root

In distilled water, simmer the above ingredients. A ginseng cooker or porcelain pot and lid make the best cooking utensils. Simmer for one hour without lifting the lid. Strain and drink 1/2 – 1 cup to relieve tension.