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Schisandra Berry, (Schisandra chinensis (syn. Kadsura chinensis) Whole Bulk
Schisandraceae (Magnolia Vine Family)
The genus name Schisandra derives from the Greek schisis, "crevice," and andros, "man," in reference to the cleft on the stamen of some varieties.
Range of Appearance
Schizandra is a deciduous, climbing, woody, aromatic vine native to eastern Asia. It grows in woods in rich, loose soil, preferring a cool climate. The leaves are oblong, alternate, and smooth on top. The pale yellow flowers grow in axillary clusters. The fruits, which are reddish in color, occur in drooping bunches, each containing two kidney-shaped seeds.
Berry (primarily), root bark (rarely), leaf (rarely)
Adaptogen, antibacterial, antidepressant, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antitussive, aphrodisiac, astringent, brain tonic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, expectorant, hepatoprotective, immune tonic, kidney tonic, nervous system tonic, rejuvenative, reproductive tonic, restorative, sedative (mild), yang tonic, yin tonic
and sensory perception. It also protects the heart, lungs, and liver, nourishes kidney chi, and purifies the blood. Chinese medicine calls for eating a few berries one hundred days in a row as a tonic to improve coordination and concentration. According to Chinese theory, schizandra also helps build a person's defensive energy, known as wei chi, so he or she is better able to resist infection. Indeed, schizandra has been shown to stimulate the production of lymphocytes and interferon. Schizandra is both astringent and demulcent, having the ability to both dry and moisten as needed. It is used to nourish the "water of the genitals," or the fluids that help sensitize and moisturize the genitals. Long-term use helps beautify the skin. Schizandra berries are used in the treatment of allergy, altitude sickness, anxiety, asthma, cerebral ataxia, chemotherapy and radiation side effects, cirrhosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, cough (chronic), depression, diabetes, diarrhea (chronic), dizziness, eczema, exhaustion, headache, hearing loss, heart palpitations, hepatitis, HIV, hives, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), infertility (male and female), insomnia, irritability, low libido, low sperm count, lung weakness (shortness of breath, hypoxia, wheezing, susceptibility to respiratory infection), memory loss, Meniere's disease, nephritis, neuralgia, neurastenia, neuroses, night sweats, nocturnal emissions, Parkinson's disease, polyuria, premature aging, premature ejaculation, post-traumatic stress disorder, spermatorrhea, stress, tuberculosis, ulcers, vision problems (astigmatism, short-sightedness), and wasting diseases. It also can facilitate athletic recovery and improve sexual stamina. In Asia powdered schizandra is used topically as a warm poultice to treat skin ulcers.
Schizandra berries can be eaten. They are also sometimes added to wine.
Vitamin C, vitamin E, manganese, phosphorous, silicon, sesquicarene, lignans (schizandrin, gomisin), schizoandrol, essential oils (citral, bisabolene, ylangene), phytosterols (stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol), mucilage, citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid
Avoid schizandra in cases of excess heat (such as fever), overly acidic conditions, cough, epilepsy, intracranial pressure, or in the early stages of rash. Schizandra is not recommended during pregnancy. Do not give to children under the age of two, except under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.
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