​    Called wu wei tsu, or "the five-flavored plant, in Chinese medicine, schisandra has five distinct flavors: sweet, salty, sour, pungent and bitter. As you chew the berry . . it is said that each flavor activates and balances a different organ system; because of this, schisandra is known as a superior tonic herb. 

     --Rosemary Gladstar, Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality

 

Common Name:     schisandra

Botanical Name:     Schisandra chinensis 

Parts Used:              berries

 

This adaptogenic herb comes to us originally from Chinese medicine and has been gaining popularity among western herbalists due to its superior ability to support the entire body, to reduce stress of all kinds, improve immunity and boost sexual function (aphrodisiac). Schisandra counters stress by specifically reducing the levels of stress hormones in the blood.

       

In China, schisandra has long enjoyed a reputation as a youth preserver. It's often been linked to improved eyesight and enhanced skin health and appearance. This is because it has a particularly protective effect on the liver, helping the liver to more efficiently detoxify the body. Schisandra is also used to treat diseases of the liver, including hepatitis, and to improve liver function by activating enzymes that speed up liver cell growth.

       

It is a potent general tonic, decreasing fatigue, and enhancing physical performance and endurance. Often associated with the sexual organs, schisandra is known to revitalize women's sexual experience. Athletes and hikers take schisandra for improved stamina and endurance as well.

       

In China, and increasingly in the West, it has been used extensively to treat diabetes, asthma, diarrhea, insomnia, low energy and any wasting disease.

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Schisandra can be taken in many forms; however, as the quote above explains, eating the whole berry provides special benefits. The berries have a unique sour, lemonlike flavor. Here are two wonderful ways to enjoy the benefits of this beautiful fruit:

       

YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:

       

Schisandra Berry Jam + More

(from Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality)

       

You can soak schisandra berries in fruit juice or wine for a tonic drink, or cook them in honey until soft and jamlike. Adding the berries to any tea adds a pleasantly sour lemony flavor

       

Schizandra Tonic Tea (from www.superfoods-for-superhealth.com)

       

When making schisandra berry tea, you should simmer it for only 15 minutes as extended cooking times tend to release tannins, creating an overly tart and astringent tea. Unlike other tonics, such as ginseng, the berries should be discarded after use and not re-used.

       

1 quart water

3T schisandra berries (soaked overnight and drained)

1T goji berries

1T astragalus root (optional)

1t orange peel or a coup. of pieces

1 t fresh ginger root

 

Simmer ingredients in one quart of pure water for no longer than 15 minutes. Strain and drink alone with honey or other natural sweetener, or allow to cool and blend into a smoothie, or add to lemonade for a healthy refreshing summer drink. 

       

Contraindications, if any: None known.