Schisandra Berries as a Natural Remedy — Herbal Wisdom Institute

by Kris Vaughan, CHThe Chinese name for schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is wu wei zi, which means “five-flavors fruit” because this berry has all five flavors (sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and salty). Each taste in an herb is related to a particular function for a certain organ. Having all five flavors tells us that the schisandra berry is beneficial for the five yin organs: liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and spleen. The five flavors give us clues to the health benefits of schisandra berry as a natural remedy.The first time I ate schisandra berry was an incredible experience. Do you remember the scene in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory where the kids ate the candy that tasted like a full meal and they could taste every food in the meal? That is what I got from schisandra. Not turkey, mashed potatoes and peas but clearly five distinct flavors of the schisandra berry.LiverSchisandra is hepatoprotective, which means that it protects the liver. Schisandra regenerates hepatocytes, the cells which make up 80% of the liver mass. It also increases glutathione, an essential liver antioxidant. In animal studies, it has been shown to provide protection against chemical and drug-induced liver damage and promotes healing of existing damage.KidneysIn modern Chinese medicine, schisandra is used to astringe excess fluid making it helpful for frequent urination and even diarrhea.Immune SystemSchisandra prevents immune depletion caused by stress. People with acute and chronic stress are more likely to catch colds or the flu and to develop immune deficiencies such as cancer or chronic fatigue syndrome.In Japan it is known as gomishi and in Korea it is called omija. In these medicine traditions schisandra is used for coughs and wheezing, people with excess phlegm, and lung weakness.Nervous SystemSchisandra is a mild central nervous system stimulant yet is also calming. Schisandra helps relieve anxiety, stress-induced asthma, and heart palpitations.Endocrine SystemSchisandra normalizes female and male glandular function. It can also be used with astragalus to help control night sweats and menopausal sweating. It is an adaptogen that supports the adrenal function and enhances reflexes, work performance, and mental activity. It helps the body to respond to stress and then recover from it in an effective manner.Dosage and SafetyDeciding on the best dosage and form of schisandra depends on each person’s unique personality and health conditions. As an herbalist, I spend time getting to know the individual and assessing the health goals they have before deciding on the best form of a natural remedy to use. If you want to try schisandra on your own, see the safe dosages below.Tincture: 40-80 drops, three times a dayCapsules: One to two capsules (400-500mg each), two to three times a day