Schisandra – is a Chinese origin berry one should look out for. Something hard to pronounce in the first instance but something that has too many a benefits for just a berry. Schisandra is a plant. The fruit is used as food and also to make medicine. An interesting power-packed tiny berry that holds special importance in the medical and beautification fields alike. Known as “the five flavor berry” in Chinese medicine- it tastes bounces between sour, salty, sweet, pungent and bitter. This represents an altogether a balancing effect on the body’s mechanism. Its taste is an intriguing mystery to those who have tried it.
It is available in the form of syrups, powder, pills and can be consumed with smoothies, shakes, teas or eaten orally. It is called an elixir for its properties like lignans, schizandrin, gomisins etc found in the seed of the fruit.
People suffering from liver ailments like hepatitis or having insomnia, depression, anxiety, and restlessness are usually advised to health supplements with Schisandra as one of its main ingredients. Known as Qi, “material energy or live force” in Chinese it is recommended to those who are low on energy levels and require an immune boosting agent.
Health benefits of consuming Schisandra:
Lowers inflammation
It has a high concentration of antioxidant compounds which helps Schisandra fight free radical damage and lowers inflammatory responses.Also known for balancing blood sugar levels, preventing diabetes and bringing the body into an optimal acid-base balance.
Detox for the liver
The chemicals in Schisandra improve liver function by stimulating enzymes (proteins that speed up biochemical reactions) in the liver and promoting liver cell growth. The Chinese have developed a liver-protecting drug called DBD that is made from schizandrin, one of the chemicals in Schisandra.
Supports Adrenal Function
It’s a wonderful adaptogen that supports both endocrine and immune function. Adaptogenic herbs and superfoods have been used for thousands of years to naturally raise the body’s resistance to stress environmental, anxiety, toxin exposure, emotional trauma, mental fatigue and mental illnesses. It turns down the overproduction of stress hormones and proving relief.
Improves Mental Performance
Schisandra is a common treatment for insomnia. Its stress-reducing effects also promote anxiety reduction. Schisandrin B, a component of Schisandra, preserves glutathione levels, which helps protect the brain from memory impairment. A small dosage promotes calmness and relaxation, which is beneficial for sleeping.
Helps with Healthy Sexual Function
Renown as a tonic, the zesty little berry also packs quite the spark- acting as in the moment jumpstart. Schisandra supplements are often suggested to increase libido and enhance sexual performance. It has been used as a folk aphrodisiac for thousands of years.
It is also called the Beauty Dust for a reason
Very popular among woman for has the ability to make your skin soft, smooth and beautiful. It has been taken for many hundreds of years in China for this purpose. It is believed to work by balancing the fluids of the skin. Schisandra is also known to spur the release of dopamine and help the body maintain proper levels of the important neurotransmitter. This is all you need for that supple, glowing skin.
Hepatitis
Schisandra fruit extract reduces blood levels of an enzyme called glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) in people with hepatitis. An SGPT level is a marker for liver damage. A higher SGPT level means more damage; a lower SGPT means less damage.
Major Side effects of taking Schisandra:
No major side effects have been reported by generally healthy adults using Schisandra however:
- Pregnant and nursing women: Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
- Epilepsy cases: could possibly stimulate the central nervous system.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcers: Schisandra might make these conditions worse by increasing stomach acid.
Dosage suggestions:
- All you need is 2-5 grams of Schisandra daily if you are having it in the extract form.
- Herbalists recommend tonics of Schisandra with cure cumin as an antidepressant.
- You could drop 8-10 dried berries in a quart jar of water and the slightly infused water throughout the day, nibbling them one by one as the water in the tumbler comes to an end.
The Chinese use Schisandra in their teas as a secret ingredient for beauty. You’ll find organic Schisandra in our immune tonic and energy tonics. Combinations of Schisandra with dried rose, yarrow, mimosa. Lemon balm, Monarda or bee balm is given as sensual gifts and they work just like scented candles.
Where can you find Schisandra?
Amazon
Schisandra Berry – LOST EMPIRE HERBS (Organic Powder)
Schisandra berry – HawaiiPharm (Liquid Extract)
Nature’s Way Schisandra Fruit – 100 Capsules
Gaia Herbs
Adrenal Health – Daily support
Adrenal Health – Jump Start
Other names with which it is known:
Bac Ngu Vi Tu, Baie de Schisandra, Beiwuweizi, Bei Wu Wei Zi, Chinese Mongolavine, Chinese Schizandra, Chinesischer Limonenbaum, Chosen-Gomischi, Five-Flavor-Fruit, Five-Flavor-Seed, Fructus Schisandrae, Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis, Fruit aux Cinq Saveurs, Gomishi, Hoku-Gomishi, Kadsura chinensis, Kita-Gomishi, Limonnik Kitajskij, Mei Gee, Magnolia Vine, Matsbouza, Nanwuweizi, Ngu Mei Gee, Northern Schisandra, Omicha, Schisandra Berry, Schisandra chinensis, Schisandra chinensis var. rubriflora, Schisandra Sinensis, Schisandra sphaerandra, Schisandra sphenanthera, Schisandrae, Schizandra, Schizandra Chinensis, Schizandre Fructus, Schzandra, Southern Schisandra, Wuhzi, Wuweizi, Wu-Wei-Zi, Western Schisandra, Xiwuweizi.
