Schisandra is a vine native to eastern Asia, which tends to wind around trees. The berries are harvested and ground for potential medicinal use. Preliminary animal studies indicate that Schisandra has possible anti-cancer properties.

Schisandra berry is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. The berries of schisandra have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to increase the body's resistance to stress, for liver protection, immune system effects, and as a "harmonizing agent" in herbal formulas. In Russia it has been used for increasing attention, concentration, coordination, endurance, and strength.

Schisandra is used as an “adaptogen” for increasing resistance to disease and stress, increasing energy, and increasing physical performance and endurance.

Schisandra is also used for preventing early aging and increasing lifespan; normalizing blood sugar and blood pressure; and stimulating the immune system and speeding recovery after surgery.

It is also used for treating liver disease (hepatitis) and protecting the liver from poisons. The Chinese have developed a liver-protecting drug called DBD that is made from schisandrin, one of the chemicals in schisandra.

Other uses for schisandra include treatment of high cholesterol, coughs, asthma, sleep problems (insomnia), nerve pain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), chronic diarrhea, dysentery, night sweats, spontaneous sweating, involuntary discharge of semen, thirst, erectile dysfunction (ED), physical exhaustion, excessive urination, depression, irritability, and memory loss.

Some people use schisandra for improving vision, protecting against radiation, preventing motion sickness, preventing infection, boosting energy at the cellular level, counteracting the effects of sugar, and improving the health of the adrenal glands.(1)

You can feel more energized, sharpen your memory, and look and feel younger.(2)

How does it work?
The chemicals in schisandra improve liver function by stimulating enzymes (proteins that speed up biochemical reactions) in the liver and promoting liver cell growth.

Typical Usage
Asian users take 1 teaspoon a day and it makes a lovely infusion in fruit juice. Pour ½ cup to a 1-gallon pitcher of a dark fruit juice and allow it to soak for 1 day. Strain and drink as necessary. Schisandra can also be added to tea decoctions, herbal brews (soft simmer) and is effective as a liquid herbal extract and herbal capsule. One can also make an effective Schisandra syrup by allowing the berries to soak in Glycerin for 1 month. For convenience it may be taken as a capsule or extract.

Special Precautions & Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Schisandra may be unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. There is some evidence that it might cause the uterus to contract, and this might lead to miscarriage.

Interaction
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with schisandra.

Botanical Name: Schisandra chinensis
aka: Bac Ngu Vi Tu, Baie de Schisandra, Beiwuweizi, Bei Wu Wei Zi, Chinese Mongolavine, Chinese Schizandra, Chinesischer Limonenbaum, Chosen-Gomischi, Five-Flavor-Fruit, Five-Flavor-Seed, Fructus Schisandrae, Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis, Fruit aux Cinq Saveurs, Gomishi, Hoku-Gomishi, Kadsura chinensis, Kita-Gomishi, Limonnik Kitajskij, Mei Gee, Magnolia Vine, Matsbouza, Nanwuweizi, Ngu Mei Gee, Northern Schisandra, Omicha, Schisandra Berry, Schisandra chinensis, Schisandra chinensis var. rubriflora, Schisandra Sinensis, Schisandra sphaerandra, Schisandra sphenanthera, Schisandrae, Schizandra, Schizandra Chinensis, Schizandre Fructus, Schzandra, Southern Schisandra, Wuhzi, Wuweizi, Wu-Wei-Zi, Western Schisandra, Xiwuweizi.
Origin: China
Notes: Earth Kosher Certified. Non-irradiated. Non-GMO.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
* FDA Disclaimer

References
(1) webmd
(2) doctoroz.com
(3) naturalnews.com

Read More About It
Schisandra Berry Schisandra Chinensis: Analytical, Quality Control, and Therapeutic Monograph
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Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by David Winston, Steven Maimes
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