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Schisandra
Schisandra chinensis is a deciduous woody vine native to northern China and Siberia. The Chinese name is wu wei zi, which means “five-flavor berry”, which is appropriate considering that its fruit has all five basic flavors – salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and pungent.
Schisandra grows best in moderate sun and humidity, and in soil that is moist but well drained. In North America it will grow in USDA zone 4, which means if you live in the northern areas of the continent, you can consider it for your garden.
The bulk of the benefits are found in the berries, so let’s just assume that when I say “schisandra,” I’m referring to the fruit.
Schisandra is extremely popular in Russia, and can be found in juice, wine, sweets, and extracts. In 1998, Russia even commemorated these bright red berries by putting them on a postage stamp.
Russian scientists have been studying schisandra for years, after discovering that the Nanai people in Siberia used it to improve night vision for hunting, and to reduce hunger, thirst, and exhaustion.
Animal testing has confirmed that schisandra has powerful adaptogenic properties, as it builds resiliency against all types of physical stress.
Schisandra has also been a valued herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2000 years, and is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in TCM. It is said to support healthy lungs, kidneys, and the heart, while also helping to calm the spirit.
Schisandra Benefits
Schisandra’s greatest benefit lies in its adaptogenic properties. As you now know, an adaptogen is any food or herb that reduces the effects of all kinds of stress placed on the body, including not only physical, but also mental and emotional.
Adaptogens pretty much do everything, as they support the body in whatever way the body needs, including improved concentration, energy, stamina, and endurance. Adaptogens improve immune function, liver health, and the cardiovascular system.
Schisandra is considered one of the most powerful adaptogenic herbs on the planet, as it contributes to a healthier and longer life. The natural health industry often uses words like longevity and anti-aging, but when using them to describe this super berry, it appears justified.
Schisandra increases energy and stamina by stimulating the central nervous system, and by boosting nitric oxide levels in the body, which improves the flow of blood and oxygen. This in turn decreases exercise-induced lactic acid buildup, which reduces fatigue during exercise, and recovery time after.
And though it seems contradictory, schisandra can also calm the nervous systems in times of stress, which is what an adaptogen does, making this herb a powerful weapon for stress reduction.
Schisandra benefits the body in numerous ways, including …
- Improved mental function
- Stress reduction
- Increased energy and stamina
- Skin beautification
- Improved liver health
- Treatment for ADHD
- Improved concentration and memory
- Lower blood pressure
- Anti-cancer properties
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