Also called Wu Wei Zi, meaning "5-flavored herb", schisandra is a tonic herb best known for its ability to act as a sexual stimulant in both men and women. It gained notary as the "5-flavored herb" due to the 5 main elemental energies prized in Chinese medicine: wood, fire, earth, water, and metal. Described as having a sour, salty, and warm taste, schisandra can be taken as a remedy or supplement to increase sexual stamina, treat poor liver function, fight insomnia, combat mental illness, and soothe respiratory infections among other benefits.
History & Folklore
Schisandra has been utilized since the beginning of the first century across the world. Notably, in its Native China, schisandra berries were chewed daily for 100 days as a tonic to strengthen and tone various internal organs. Over the last 100 years, schisandra has been researched for its abilities to aid performance, protect the liver, and stimulate the nervous system. One study showed that when prescribed schisandra, healthy adults had significant improvement in physical and mental stamina. In fact, Russian factory workers reported increased stamina and endurance with decreased sickness levels. Another clinical trial performed showed a 76% success rate treating hepatitis, while no negative side effects were reported. Finally, a clinical study in 1967 discovered schisandra is a nervous system stimulant effective for improving mental clarity, treating depression, nervousness, irritability and forgetfulness, relieving symptoms of schizophrenia and alcoholism, and promoting sociability.
Habitat & Cultivation
An aromatic, deciduous vine, schisandra can climb up to 8 meters high. It has pointed, green leaves, soft pink flowers, and clusters of bright red berries. Native to, and cultivated in, north-eastern China, schisandra prefers full or semi- shaded woodland areas. Typically, Shcisandra will flower from April to May, while the seeds ripen from August to October. The fruit will be harvested in autumn when completely ripened.
Uses
Tonic Used to tone and strengthen organs, it acts as a major tonic herb
Sexual stimulant increases secretion of sexual fluids, and improves sexual stamina
Liver treatment used to treat hepatitis and poor liver function; schisandra has been proven beneficial for such treatments
Sedative Used in Chinese medicine to treat insomnia and dream-disturbed sleep despite being a stimulant
Mental & Emotional disorders traditionally prescribed to treat neuroses; also given to improve concentration, coordination, forgetfulness, and irritability
respiratory infections The herb is used in the treatment of respiratory infections such as chronic coughs, shortness of breath and wheezing.
balancing fluid levels Schisandra is used to tone up and strengthen kidney function and to help the body balance levels of fluid, making it helpful for treating night sweats, thirst, and urinary frequency.
skin rashes Recently, Chinese herbalists have started to use schisandra to treat urticaria(hives) and other skin problems, including eczema. It is usually given for these conditionas in the form of medicinal wine.
additional uses schisandra is used for a wide variety of other physical disorders, including diarreha and dysentery, as well as to help improve failing sight and hearing.
Parts used
Fruit in China, berries are chewed daily for 100 days as a tonic; helps the body to cope with stress
Key Actions
Nerve tonic
Adaptogenic
Protects liver
Stimulant
Constituents
Lignans (schizandrin, deoxyshcizndrein gomisin)
Triterpeneso
Volatile oil
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 133.
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