Schisandra - Health Benefits

Schisandra - Health Benefits

Schisandra chinensis
Schisandraceae
Over 19 species of the genus are said to be used in Chinese medicine, mostly as sedatives and tonic agents.
Schisandra is a woody vine with numerous clusters of tiny, bright red berries. It grows wild throughout northern and northeast China and the adjacent regions of Russia and Korea. Schisandra is cultivated in northeastern China, especially in the Jilin, Lianoning, Heilongjiang and Hebei provinces. It is propagated from seed in the spring and harvested in autumn when the berries are fully ripe.

Th e naturally dried fruit has been used medicinally in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. It is reported to have sour, sweet, salty, pungent (spicy), and bitter tastes. is unusual combination of five fl avors is reflect ed in schisandra’s Chinese name Wu Wei Zi, meaning “five taste fruit.” It is known to encourage healing along the Lung, Heart and Kidney organ channels. Wu Wei Zi is considered an astringent tonic although it also has these other properties as well: antitussive (cough suppressant), expectorant (loosening and clearing mucus) and adaptogenic (immune strengthening and stress supporting).

Western herbalists also claim schisandra is an adaptogen, increasing the body’s resistance to disease, stress, and other debilitating processes. Schisandra is said to “increase energy, replenish and nourish viscera (so tissue and organs), improve vision, boost muscular activity and affect the energy cells of the entire body.” In Chinese Medicine all of this would be attributed to schisandra’s support of the lung,  heart and kidney channels. 

Th e power to see is ruled by the kidneys, although blurry vision is looked at as a Liver issue in Chinese Medicine. Studies by preliminary American, Chinese and Japanese scientists have reported evidence that schisandra stimulates and protects the liver.  They believe research is still needed to determine whether schisandra has practical value as a medication, and that long-term studies of safety and effectiveness at various dose levels are defi nitely needed. Th at said, herbalists claim success using schisandra, for instance, in the treatment of hepatitis and poor liver function on a regular basis. Schisandra lignans appear to protect the liver by activating the enzymes that produce glutathione (a powerful amino acid antioxidant).

A daily dose of schisandra whole dried berries ranges from 1-10 grams. The tincture, in the amount of 2-4 ml three times per day, can also be used. An enjoyable summer use is to make a sun tea using 2 tablespoons of schisandra berries to 1 quart of water and let sit in the sun for 3 or more hours. Strain and drink or add to your favorite berry juice for a sweet, cool drink. Side effects involving schisandra are uncommon but may include abdominal upset, decreased appetite, and skin rash.