5 tonics allowed after noon

5 tonics (foods) allowed to be consumed by monks and nuns after 12 noon and by laypeople, when they are taking the 8 precepts.

• 1. ghee
• 2. oil
• 3. butter / cheese
• 4. honey
• 5. sugar / dark chocolate

They are known as the five traditional Indian 'medicines' to be used for such reasons as when a monk or nun had been working hard, when it was very cold, or when they had received insufficient almsfood that morning. Laypeople sometimes take 8 precepts for deeper practice and may take these items too on those days, as needed.

References

• The Complete Book of Buddha's Lists -- Explained. David N. Snyder, Ph.D., 2006.
• http://www.thedhamma.com/