Schisandra chinensis berries powder uses and benefits

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a plant native to northern China. The fruit is eaten as food and also used to make medicine. Schisandra is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of natural substances that are believed to stimulate the body’s resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors.

Schisandra has long been used in the traditional medicines of China and Russia for a wide variety of ailments, including; respiratory disease, asthma, insomnia, kidney problems and diarrhoea. Also classed as a herbal adaptogen, hunters and athletes would use this bright red berry to combat fatigue under physical stress and to increase endurance.

Schisandra has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine to treat coughs , liver conditions , stomach disorders ,sweating , as an adaptogen , and as a tonic to improve vitality. It is also used in various formulas for fatigue and sleep

Chinese folklore says that Schisandra can “calm the heart and quiet the spirit”, and has been used since the dawn of Chinese civilisation as a tonic herb.

Also known as the “five flavour fruit”, Schisandra is documented in early Chinese medical texts as a superior herb, capable of promoting overall well-being and enhancing bodily vitality. As far back as 2697 BCE Schisandra was classified as superior by Pen-Tsao in the classic Yellow Emperor’s Study of Inner Medicine, an encyclopedia of healing plants. Hunting tribes of Northern China would take supplies of the dried berries whenever they went on long hunting trips during cold weather. Eating Schisandra berries helped them to stoke their internal fires and renew flagging strength.

The classical treatise on Chinese herbal medicine, the Shen Nung Pen Tsao Ching, describes Schisandra as a high-grade herbal drug useful for a wide variety of medical conditions, especially as a kidney tonic and lung astringent. In addition, other textbooks on traditional Chinese medicine note that Schisandra is useful for coughs, night sweats, insomnia, thirst, and physical exhaustion.

Schisandra Benefits

Stress & Anxiety

Research surrounding Schisandra is fairly conclusive in the fact that it is a powerful anti-anxiety herb, in addition to its ability to boost ones mood through lowering stress levels and enhancing mental performance. Its adaptogenic qualities mean that it specifically reduces both mental and physical stress, exerting a normalising effect on the whole body.

It has been found that Schisandra reduces cortisol levels in the body (the stress hormone) and is effective in controlling changes in serotonin and adrenaline caused by stress. This adaptogenic berry also fights the adrenal fatigue that is linked to stress.

Longevity

Often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine longevity formulas, the Schisandra Berry has long been known to maintain vitality and support healthy cellular function. It is a fantastic liver detoxifier – the liver is largest elimination organ in the body and keeping the liver in tip-top condition plays an important part in how well we age. Schisandra actually works to deactivate free radicals that attack liver cells.

Schisandra is also a natural beauty tonic, protecting the skin from environmental stress, toxins and over-exposure to extreme weather, thus reducing the appearance of fine lines. Its astringent quality helps the skin to retain moisture and builds the immune defence energy that flows beneath the surface of the skin. This adaptive quality helps to open and close the pores, promoting the healing of various skin issues and helps skin to retain its elasticity, hence why it has been used for millennia by Asian women to enhance and preserve a youthful appearance.

Anti-Inflammatory

Extremely high in powerful antioxidants, Schisandra helps to fight against free radical damage, thus lowering inflammatory responses. This in turn positively affects the immune system and can help to protect the arteries from hardening, regulate blood sugar, prevent diabetes and keep the body’s PH levels normal. Its anti-inflammatory properties have also been found to have chemo-protective qualities, meaning it will help to protect healthy tissues from the damaging effects of certain anti-cancer drugs.

Skin Health

The Schisandra berry was cherished by Chinese royalty for its beauty and anti-aging qualities. Packed with antioxidants, including key vitamins C and E, Schisandra’s strong astringent qualities enable the skin to hold in moisture for more fullness. Schisandra may also protect against UVB induced skin damage and is still used as an important botanical in many Eastern skin formulas.

Prevents Strokes:

The lignan in omija improves blood flow and lessens blood pressure. Omija extract suppresses nerve toxins, protecting brain and nerve cells. Accordingly, omija locks the neuro-toxins that cause brain disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease and protects brain cells from active oxygen, which is harmful to the body.

Prevents and Treats Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders:

The hexane extract in omija boost production of NO and promotes MLCP activity, relaxing the blood vessels. It is also highly effective in strengthening and promoting the reproduction of blood vessel cells and is a good anti-inflammatory and anti-oxygenate.

Protects the Liver:

 Schizandra A and B, when injected into animals, protected the liver and by blocking the elevation of GPT had a remedial effect on 85.2% of acute hepatitis patients.

Prevents Stress-related Ulcers and Block Secretion of Peptic Acid:

The Schizandrin and Gomisin A in omija prevents ulcers from stress and blocks the production of peptic acid.

Repairs the Uterus:

Remedies the uterus at period of delivery and boosts menstrual functions.