When you rattle off the list of benefits for schisandra berries it can feel too good to be true, and that is probably why schisandra has been one of the staple herbs of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. This herb offers a panacea of benefits. Similar to the central role ashwagandha plays in Ayurvedic medicine, schisandra is widely recommended for just about everything that ails us. In a bigger picture perspective, it's one of those herbs that is just so good for our vitality – supporting energy, hormone balance, beauty and longevity.
Let's start with what it is. Schisandra (Shisandra chinensis) is a woody vine mostly found in China and Russia. The part used in herbalism is the bright red berry. Schisandra has been dubbed the "five-flavor berry” due to a unique characteristic – it contains all flavors detectable by the human tongue: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and pungent. While this is an interesting and notable feature, it goes much further into functionality: TCM practitioners believe that Schisandra impacts every meridian in the body which is why it is such an excellent choice for overall health and vitality.
Schisandra is a tonic herb, meaning it's safe and beneficial to use on a long-term basis, and regular use is recommended for the most impactful benefits of this plant. Nourishing the body over time is key to improving health issues and for supporting increased vitality.
Let’s dive into some impressive schisandra berry benefits:
- Adaptogen Superhero: Schisandra is considered an adaptogen – a class of plants notable for helping our bodies better deal with stress. Better stress management often leads to improved sleep, vitality, energy and overall balance. Stress is happening to all of us and supporting our bodies is crucial in today’s world. Schisandra is an especially valuable ally to anyone who feels chronically run down or is lacking their usual vigor.
- Liver Support and Detoxification: Schisandra has a long-standing role as a liver tonic in TCM. It contains active compounds that support liver detoxification. The liver is one of our hardest working organs and giving it some loving care can mean better digestive health, hormone health, improved energy AND healthier skin...
- Skin Health and Beauty: Did I mention that schisandra is also dubbed 'the beauty berry?' Thanks to its antioxidant content, schisandra supports the aging process helping to create healthier skin and a more youthful appearance. No one's saying no to that!
- Brain Health: Schisandra has been shown to support mental clarity, focus, and memory. It is believed to have a neuroprotective effect, helping to nourish the brain for higher functioning, healthy aging.
- Immune Support: The immune system is not really one system but a collaboration of organs, cells and proteins that work together to protect our bodies. Because Schisandra impacts so many of our body systems, it plays an important role in supporting overall stronger immune health.
- Hormone Support: In TCM, Schisandra is regarded as a tonic for the reproductive system. It has been used to balance menstrual cycles, support PMS symptoms, promote fertility and encourage hormone health in both men and women. It’s an excellent choice for women in perimenopause/menopause whose bodies are struggling to adapt to changing hormone levels.
Ok, have you seen enough?! Ready to embrace the power of these incredible berry? You can find schisandra as a single schisandra tincture and in these formulas: Rise & Energize and Hot Flash Tamer.
Jamie McKeown has a BA in Film & Communications from the University of Michigan. She has studied holistic nutrition and natural healing for over 15 years. She is a Certified Health Coach and Herbalist and Head of Education for WishGarden.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or sell any product.
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