Schisandra Berry

Also known as

Schisandra chinensis, Schizadra, and Wu Wei Zi

Introduction

Schisandra is also known as Magnolia vine with its ability to grow upwards in a creeping fashion. An ornamental plant found in many fine gardens throughout the world, but native to Asian countries with the largest exporting country being China. Its most popular use can be recorded in these same Asian producing countries as a widely used Male tonic and adaptogenic. Its Chinese name is wu-wei-zi, which means five taste fruit. Schisandra has an usually sour, sweet, bitter, warm, and salty taste, hence the name "five taste".

Constituents

Up to 19% of the fruits weight consists of lignans.

Parts Used

The whole berry or powdered berry.

Typical Preparations

Asian users take 1 teaspoon a day and it makes a lovely infusion in fruit juice. Pour ½ cup to a 1-gallon pitcher of a dark fruit juice and allow it to soak for 1 day. Strain and drink as necessary. Schisandra can also be added to tea decoctions, herbal brews (soft simmer) and is effective as a liquid herbal extract and herbal capsule. One can also make an effective Schisandra syrup by allowing the berries to soak in Glycerin for 1 month. For convenience it may be taken as a capsule or extract.

Summary

Most research has been conducted in China where double blind studies suggest that Schisandra has the ability to help those that suffer from hepatitis. The lignans in the berry appear to protect the liver by stimulating cells that produce much needed antioxidants. Because of its adaptogenic properties, it has been applied next to some herbal medicines like Ginseng as a stimulator for the central nervous system, increased brain efficiency, improved reflexes, and an accelerated rate of endurance.

The schizandra berry is known as one the adaptogenic herbs that is helpful to aid the body to deal with stress.  

It is beneficial to assist health issues that are related to stress.  

It has a good effect to assist those with depression both physically and emotionally. 

This herb has quite a few powerful actions in the body, including increasing your stamina and endurance physically.

It is well known for its action to aid stress, and is also a good herb to help the liver to heal.

This herb is a natural health remedy that is known to help fatigue by energizing the DNA and helping to build vigor and strengthen the cells and body tissues.

This adaptogenic herb is an excellent antioxidant, and its qualities will aid your cognitive powers and ability to think clearly and may increase your memory.

If you have trouble sleeping, using this herb is a natural health approach that may help you, especially if your insomnia is stress related.

Rebecca comments 

Schisandra berry has more recently been discovered to boost cellular energy at the mitochondrial level (increasing ATP to more youthful levels). Those who know me will agree that when it comes to health I am a "mitochondriac" - I've actually begun adding schisandra berry to the "Wondrous Skin" formula for it's cellular energy-boosting benefits to the skin.

Precautions