Schisandra Berries

What are schisandra berries?

 Chinese Magnolia Vine and Five-Flavored Fruit are other names for the Schisandra plant. The five unique tastes of the berry—sour (wood), bitter (fire), sweet (earth), acidic (metal), and salty (water)—reflect the five phases or elements of traditional Chinese medicine. That is why Wu Wei Zi is its Chinese name. Because of its well-balanced energetic character, it is regarded in Chinese medicine as a harmonizing tonic or "king" cure. Other herbs that fall under this group include bupleurum, panax ginseng, licorice, dong quai, and jujube dates.

Every classic work on traditional Chinese medicine has references to the plant schisandra, which has been utilized to maintain proper liver function, a healthy digestive tract, and an endocrine system. Schisandra chinensis can also function as a convalescent tonic herb when it affects the kidneys.

How do I use schisandra berries?

Schisandra chinensis belongs to the Schisandraceae family and is also known as northern schisandra and schizandra. Some people take a teaspoon every day, and when they mix it with fruit juice, the result is a delicious infusion. Transfer ½ cup of dark fruit juice into a 1-gallon pitcher and let it sit for a day. Pour and sip as required.

Schisandra Berries benefits:

Schisandra seems to preserve the neurological system and liver and possesses antioxidant properties. According to other research on animals, it could enhance both mental and physical abilities.

◉ Helps Lower Inflammation: Schisandra's high concentration of antioxidant chemicals helps prevent damage from free radicals and reduce inflammatory reactions, which are the main causes of many contemporary illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Because they accelerate aging, destroy cells and tissues, and switch on and off certain genes, free radicals pose a hazard to human health.

Schisandra seems to help delay the onset of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), control blood sugar, prevent diabetes, and restore the body's ideal acid-base balance because of its capacity to strengthen the immune system and combat inflammation.

Active lignans with chemoprotective properties that have been identified from schisandra, particularly one known as schisandrin A, have been shown to prevent cancer. Research on the effects of schisandra on tissues, cells, organs, and enzymes has shown that it enhances tissue healing capacity and regulates leukocyte discharge, which causes inflammation. Additionally, it has a favorable effect on metabolism, bone formation, oxygen consumption, platelet-activating factors, and toxin exposure tolerance.

Animal studies from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center show that schisandra boosts inflammatory cytokines, activates the eNOS pathway, causes harmful cells to die, and helps cells grow. It also increases hepatic glutathione levels and glutathione reductase activities.

◉ Menopause: A 2016 study examined the responses of women experiencing menopausal symptoms to schisandra extract. For a year, the research tracked 36 menopausal women. Researchers found that schisandra works well to reduce a few menopausal symptoms. Heart palpitations, perspiration, and hot flushes were some of these symptoms.

◉ Protects the Skin: As a natural beauty tonic, schisandra may shield the skin from the elements, wind, sun exposure, allergies, dermatitis, stress from the environment, and buildup of toxins. Schisandra chinensis's anti-inflammatory properties have made it a popular choice for treating skin conditions.

A 2015 study with rats showed that schisandra extract reduced ear swelling by decreasing skin dermatitis, immune cell movement, and cytokine production, which are all signs of inflammatory skin problems in humans. However, we need more formal research to fully understand the effects of schisandra on skin health.

◉ Helps with Healthy Sexual Function: According to research, schisandra has great effects on the uterus and other reproductive organs, helps maintain a strong libido, and prevents sexual dysfunction like impotence. It also has a positive effect on fertility and hormonal health.

It may aid in bone formation and repair since it has a beneficial effect on the synthesis of hormones, particularly estrogen. This procedure is helpful in avoiding conditions such as osteoporosis, which is prevalent in elderly women due to hormonal fluctuations.

Where to buy schisandra berries?

Buy schisandra berries from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals. 

Schisandra Berries information (at a glance):