Description
Botanical: Schisandra chinensis
Other common names: Schizandra, Gomishi, Magnolia Vine, Schisandra Fruit, Wu-wei-zi,
Fruit of Five Flavors, Sandra Berry Vine, Omicha
Schisandra - For thousands of years the herb has been cherished as an anti-ageing tonic that is believed to increase stamina and mental clarity and fight against fatigue and stress. Once a favorite of Chinese emperors, Schisandra has enjoyed a reputation as one of the most effective treatments for liver disorders. Because it helps the body to respond to stressful situations and acts as a mild sedative, Schisandra is even often touted as an herbal antidepressant.
Country of Origin: United States
Beneficial Uses:
Schisandra Berry is considered an adaptogen, in that it normalizes body functions during stressful situations that might alter those functions, helping the body to adapt and return to an overall sense of well-being and increasing the body's resistance to disease and stress. It is also said the Schisandra helps to energize RNA and DNA molecules to rebuild cells.
For thousands of years, Schisandra Berry has been cherished by Chinese women (and men) to combat ageing. Women have utilized it as a tonic to preserve their beauty and maintain youthful skin, and both men and women use it as an aphrodisiac. In men, it is also thought to increase sexual stamina.
Schisandra Berry is said to improve digestion. The increased bile flow from the liver hastens the digestion of fatty foods and improves utilization of the digested foods, which is thought to relieve many digestive-related disorders, including chronic gastritis, heartburn and indigestion, while it provides a healthy atmosphere for clear, problem-free skin.
Considered a kidney tonic, Schisandra is believed to balance bodily fluids, and as such, it is used to treat night sweats, excessive perspiration, urinary incontinence and the frequent urge to urinate. In contrast, if there is fluid imbalance, Schisandra also helps to promote the production of body fluid when needed and quench thirst.
Schisandra is mildly astringent and helps to control diarrhea, spontaneous sweating and dysentery.
Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women should not use Schisandra Berry (it is a uterine stimulant). People who have gallstones or blockages of the bile ducts and those with peptic ulcers, epilepsy and very high blood pressure should also avoid Schisandra. Do not take Schisandra Berry if you have intracranial (in the head) pressure.
