Schisandra Berry and Powder Profile

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.

Precautions
Botanical safety research in China, Russia, and the U.S. showed that Schisandra might cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.

 

For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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