Schisandra, pronounced shiz’-an-dra, holds a top spot in traditional Chinese medicine because of its superior benefits. It has been used for over 2,000 years, and despite this long history, schisandra is still relatively unknown in the United States.
The “Five Flavored Fruit”
The bright red berries grow in clusters on vines, similar to grapes. Schisandra berry is known as the “Five Flavored Fruit” because its taste offers the full spectrum of flavor possibilities: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and pungent (or spicy), with sour being the predominant flavor.
In Chinese herbal medicine, it’s believed these five flavors are indicative of the five organ systems within the body—the liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, and heart. So the berry is great for balancing and harmonizing how the systems work together.
Numerous Incredible Benefits
Stress: Schisandra berry is a powerful adaptogen, meaning it helps us deal with all kinds of stress (physical, mental, emotional, environmental, and social). It helps us respond to stress, remain calm and grounded in any anxious situation, and allows us to be less affected by stress. It helps balance the activity of the central nervous system by stimulating or suppressing it to bring the body into a state of equilibrium.
Liver Cleansing: Schisandra is one of the best herbs for the liver due to its powerful cleansing qualities. Not only does it cleanse the liver of all types of toxins, but once those toxins enter our bloodstream, schisandra also assists in excreting the toxins from our body. Because of schisandra’s liver cleansing ability and antioxidant content, it’s often used to support skin health.
Skin Health: Schisandra berry was once cherished by Chinese royalty for longevity, beauty, and healthy aging. Schisandra’s thought to have amazing powers to radiate the skin, and the theory says, with 100 days of use, your skin will glow and your energy will greatly increase. Schisandra works to deactivate free radicals that attack liver cells. Free radicals damage cells throughout your entire body and therefore supporting healthy aging.
Brain Activity: Schisandra offers special benefits for the mind by promoting normal focus and concentration, along with short and long-term memory. Schisandra also gives you a boost of energy because it stimulates the central nervous system, giving your brain a renewed sense of focus.
Well-Being and Resiliency: It’s used to increase resistance to physical and mental stress, increase energy, and give a feeling of well-being. When used over several months for medicinal purposes, it’s good for building deep strength and resiliency—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It builds a sense of clarity.
Sexual Health: Schisandra strengthens the entire body and supports a healthy libido. It works to increase sexual endurance and produce more fluids.
Athletic Performance: Schisandra enhances exercise tolerance by increasing lung capacity and oxygen absorption. It also supports stamina and endurance and our ability to recover after a workout.
It’s pretty clear why this dynamic little berry would make a great addition to your everyday routine. Who wouldn’t want less stress, beautiful skin, more endurance, and a clean liver?!
In Health and Happiness,
Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods
References:
Panossian AG et al. Effects of heavy physical exercise and adaptogens on nitric oxide content in human saliva. Phytomedicine. 1999 Mar;6(1):17-26.
Willis-Knighton Health System. Cardiovascular Health Library. Schisandra.
Schisandra strengthens your liver and increases glutathione production. Smart Publications.
Jang HI et al. Schisandra Chinensis Biallon regulates the gene expression of phase II antioxidant/detoxifying enzymes in hepatic damage induced rats. Nutr Res Pract. Jun 2014; 8(3):272-277.
