Organic Schisandra Berry - Whole (Schisandra chinesis)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

Schisandra Berries (Schisandra chinensis)

Family:

Schisandraceae

Common Names:

Five-Flavor Fruit, Wu Wei Zi (in Traditional Chinese Medicine), Magnolia Vine

Origin:

Native to China, Russia, and Korea, and now cultivated in various parts of Asia and occasionally in North America.

Parts Used:

Berries (fruit)

Habitat:

Schisandra grows in forests and shaded areas, preferring moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in cool, temperate climates and is often grown in USDA zones 4-8.

History and Folklore:

Schisandra berries have been used for over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where they are known as “five-flavor fruit” for their unique combination of salty, sweet, sour, pungent, and bitter tastes. In TCM, schisandra is prized as a powerful adaptogen, helping to balance and support the body's systems under stress. Russian folk medicine also values schisandra for enhancing stamina, physical endurance, and mental clarity.

Metaphysical Properties:

Schisandra is associated with vitality, resilience, and balance. It is often used in rituals to promote energy, focus, and emotional stability. Schisandra is considered a balancing herb, supporting harmony between body and mind.

Botany:

Schisandra is a deciduous, woody vine that produces bright red berries in clusters. Each berry contains two seeds and has a unique flavor profile with five distinct tastes. The plant has glossy, dark green leaves and small, fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring, followed by the berries in late summer.

Growing and Harvesting:

Schisandra is typically grown from seeds or cuttings. It prefers partial shade and well-drained, loamy soil. The berries are harvested in the late summer to early fall when they are fully ripe, then dried or processed for use in teas, tinctures, and other herbal preparations.

Constituents:

• Schisandrins: A group of lignans known for their liver-protective, adaptogenic, and antioxidant properties.
• Polysaccharides: Compounds that support immune function and have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and various essential minerals.
• Flavonoids: Antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
• Essential Oils: Provide adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits.

Energetics:

• Temperature: Warming
• Taste: Sour, Sweet, Salty, Bitter, Pungent

Medicinal Actions:

• Adaptogen: Helps the body adapt to stress, supporting energy, resilience, and mental clarity.
• Hepatoprotective: Protects and supports liver health, helping to detoxify the body.
• Antioxidant: Protects cells from oxidative stress and supports overall health.
• Immune Modulator: Balances immune function, helping to fight infections and reduce inflammation.
• Nervine: Calms the nervous system, helping to alleviate stress and improve focus.
• Antimicrobial: Fights bacteria, viruses, and fungi, providing immune support.

System Affinities:

• Nervous System: Enhances mental clarity, focus, and resilience to stress, making it useful for cognitive health.
• Liver: Supports liver function, protects against toxins, and aids in the detoxification process.
• Immune System: Modulates the immune response, helping to protect against infections and reduce inflammation.
• Endocrine System: Balances hormone levels, particularly stress hormones, and supports adrenal health.
• Respiratory System: Used to treat coughs and asthma in traditional medicine, helping to soothe and clear the respiratory tract.

Uses:

• Tea: Schisandra tea is commonly used as an energy booster, immune tonic, and adaptogenic support. Its flavor is unique, combining all five tastes.
• Tincture: Used for its adaptogenic, liver-supporting, and immune-enhancing properties. It is often taken during times of stress or fatigue.
• Capsules/Tablets: Available as a supplement for systemic use, particularly for supporting energy, liver health, and resilience to stress.
• Extract: Schisandra extract is used in skincare products for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties.
• Culinary: Occasionally used in jams or health drinks, though the strong flavor profile is not always suited to culinary applications.

Cautions:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Schisandra is generally considered safe in moderate amounts, but it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Schisandra can increase stomach acid production, which may worsen symptoms in individuals with acid reflux or peptic ulcers.
• Medication Interactions: Schisandra may interact with medications, particularly those affecting the liver, due to its effects on liver enzymes. Consult a healthcare provider if you are taking any medications.

Scientific Studies:

1. A study in Phytotherapy Research highlighted the adaptogenic and liver-protective effects of schisandrin, one of schisandra’s active compounds, supporting its use in treating liver disorders.
2. Research in Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrated schisandra’s ability to enhance cognitive function, showing potential benefits for focus and mental clarity.
3. A study in Molecules confirmed the antioxidant and immune-modulating effects of schisandra, supporting its traditional use as an adaptogenic and immune-supporting herb.