Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), also known as Wu Wei Zi and Five Flavour Berry (fun fact: it contains all flavours; sour, bitter, sweet, pungent and salty). It is a popular Asian herb that has a long history of use. It grows wild in the mountains of China and Russia and has recently become popular with Western herbalists due to its adaptogenic properties. It’s one of the reasons people are using schisandra to improve their memory, focus, concentration and energy levels, and even help contribute to healthy aging.
History of Schisandra Berry
Schisandra has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine and traditional herbalism. It is said that the ancient Chinese believed it could improve physical performance, mental acuity, vitality and longevity. In fact, some historians believe that schisandra was one of the herbs used by Chinese warriors to keep them alert during battle so they could react quickly without hesitation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), schisandra is believed to affect all 12 meridians of the body. In western medicine, we can translate this as acting on all of the organs of the body.
Using Schisandra For Stress Support and Balance
Schisandra helps provide support and balance to the body, especially during times of stress.
Many people feel overworked and overwhelmed, with stress being a major problem for people today. The solution to stress is not as simple as just relaxing more, it’s a complex problem that involves your entire body chemistry. Luckily, you can rely on a class of herbs called adaptogens. Adaptogens are non-toxic herbs that increase resistance to a variety of physical, chemical and biological stresses. They were defined by Russian botanist and pharmacologist Nicolai Lazarev in 1954. Interestingly, schisandra was first coined as an adaptogen and was referred to as an “adaptogen agent” in the 1950s in Russia.
Here are some of the health benefits you may find with schisandra:
• Stress support: Schizandra helps regulate the nervous system by supporting its natural balancing processes, which helps keep you calm and focused throughout the day. It’s also not a stimulant like caffeine; it won’t put you on edge or make you feel jittery like some energy-boosting formulas might do. Studies of Schizandra’s pharmacological effects have shown that the herb can increase physical working capacity while exerting protection against stress.
• Fatigue: Adaptogens are very adept at helping the body reverse fatigue without stimulating the body in the same way that caffeine does. One study showed that schisandra (and other adaptogens) improved energy, including mental and physical performance in participants with mild fatigue.
• Mood support: In one animal study, schisandra was shown to provide anti-depressive effects through effects on dopamine and GABA, two neurotransmitters known for their relaxing and “feel good” properties.
• Beauty benefits: Though we don’t often think of adaptogenic herbs as supplements that boost beauty, schisandra may make you believe otherwise. It’s sometimes referred to as the “beauty berry,” because it provides both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that can not only combat the effects of aging but also improve the clarity of the skin, revealing your natural beauty. In fact, schisandra has been used for centuries to keep skin soft, smooth and full of moisture. It can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, prevent acne and boost elasticity in aging skin. It’s even said to protect against sun damage due to its powerful antioxidants.
• Liver health: Schisandra can offer liver detoxifying properties by increasing the activity of liver enzymes while increasing healthy liver cell growth. A healthy liver can help you detoxify the skin from environmental pollutants (like the kind you find in your makeup).
Taking Schisandra as a Supplement
Schisandra supplements are available in both capsule and liquid formats. To support mental performance, doses of 500 milligrams and up to 2 grams can be used. Unlike some other adaptogenic herbs, schisandra can safely be taken long-term. Plus, some herbalists find that the longer you take schisandra, the greater the benefits. In other words, its health benefits only increase over time.
Finding The Right Schisandra Supplement For You
Schisandra by St. Francis Herb Farm is a tincture format that is pure, bioavailable and of the utmost quality. St Francis has formulated this supplement with certified organic schisandra in a base of grain alcohol and distilled water. This gluten-free formula supports respiratory health, liver health and energy and endurance.
To conclude, schisandra is a powerful adaptogen that has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. It can help provide much-needed stress support and balance. Schisandra can also be used to help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and more.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your practitioner prior to taking herbs or nutritional supplements.
It’s really a cool and useful piece of information.
I am happy that you shared this helpful info with us.
Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
xnxx