schisandra

Botanical name: Schisandra chinensis

Parts used: Berries and seeds

Energetics/Taste: Sour, sweet, salty, pungent, bitter and warm

Botany: Schisandra chinensis is a climbing vine native to the forests of China and parts of Russia. It is a member of the Magnolia family and produces small red berries that are used for their medicinal properties.

HISTORY

Schisandra has been used for over 2,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a tonic herb to promote vitality and longevity. It is also known as "five flavor berry" because it has all five flavors (sour, sweet, salty, pungent, bitter) which makes it unique in TCM. Schisandra has been used to support liver health, respiratory function, and as an adaptogen to help the body cope with stress.

Schisandra, also known as Wu Wei Zi in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a berry-bearing vine that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Its use can be traced back to ancient China, where it was considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Chinese medicine. According to legend, the Empress Wu Ze Tian, the only female empress in Chinese history, used schisandra to maintain her youthful appearance and increase her vitality.

Schisandra has also been used by Russian athletes and cosmonauts for its adaptogenic properties. In the 1960s, Soviet researchers discovered that schisandra could enhance physical performance and endurance, and it was used by Soviet athletes to improve their performance.

ACTIONS

Adaptogenic, hepatoprotective, immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer.

USES

Stress Support: Schisandra is an adaptogen that helps the body cope with stress by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) which controls our stress response. It has been shown to help improve mental clarity, focus, and reduce fatigue.

Liver Health: Schisandra is hepatoprotective, meaning it supports liver health and function. It has been shown to help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and inflammation.

Respiratory Health: Schisandra has been used in TCM to support respiratory function and reduce symptoms of asthma and bronchitis.

Immune Support: Schisandra has immune-modulating effects and has been shown to improve immune function in both animal and human studies.

Anti-inflammatory: Schisandra contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Anti-cancer: Schisandra has been shown to have anti-cancer effects in animal and cell studies. It contains lignans and schisandrin, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties.

Constitutional Herbalism - In TCM, schisandra is considered to be a Qi tonic that nourishes the lungs, kidneys, and liver. It is also believed to have astringent properties that help to "hold in" and conserve energy. Schisandra is often used to support those who are fatigued, have poor digestion, or suffer from respiratory problems. It is considered to be a "warming" herb that helps to tonify and strengthen the body. In Ayurveda, schisandra is also used as a tonic herb for overall health and well-being. It is believed to have a balancing effect on all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and is used to support the immune system and promote longevity.

GROWING CONDITIONS

Schisandra is a hardy vine that grows well in temperate climates. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Schisandra can be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings. It can take several years for the plant to mature and produce berries, but once established it can produce a large crop. It is difficult to grow in New Zealand but may grow well in the South.

HARVESTING

Schisandra berries are harvested when they are ripe, which is usually in the fall autumn. The berries can be eaten fresh or dried for later use. The seeds can also be used for their medicinal properties. Schisandra berries can be dried in a dehydrator or in the sun. Once dried, they can be stored in an airtight container for later use.