Many plants have centuries-long relationships with humanity, providing food, strength, pleasure and medicine. Schisandra spp., a member of the Schisandraceae (Magnolia vine) family, is one such plant. There are more than 19 species of Schisandra, all deciduous climbing plants, which can grow to 23 to 29 feet, in their native homes in cool mountain slopes of northern China, Korea, Japan and the Far East of Russia. There is one rare species, Schisandra coccineafound in the streambeds of the southern Appalachians in America.
Botanical description of Schisandra
Schisandra chinensis; Schisandra sphenanthera; Family Schisandraceae (Magnolia vine).
Used parts: Fruits (berries)
Phytochemicals: Lignans (more than 40 have been studied from this fruit); phytosterols; organic acids; pectin; volatile oil; and vitamins A, C and E
Taste: Over the centuries, this fruit-bearing vine with supple berries has been fondly referred to through the experience of what happens when you taste it. In fact, both the Chinese name “W! Wèi Zi” and the Korean name “Omija” translate to “berry with five flavors.” The simultaneous sensations of sharp, spicy, sweet, salty and bitter are unique to Schisandra. I highly recommend tasting a Schisandra berry! I regularly test my taste buds to see which flavor is most prominent. Do that for fun together with others; Not only will you create a rich experience for all the foodies in your life, you will also provide your body with profound nourishment.
Contraindications: Schisandra berries are generally safe for tonic use and have low toxicity. However, they can potentiate the effects of barbiturates and are therefore contraindicated for anyone taking phenobarbital or barbital. Due to the possible stimulation of uterine contractions, they are not recommended for women during pregnancy; No safety concerns have been reported in breastfeeding women.
Harvest: Autumn
To grow: In USDA zones 4 through 7, sow seeds ¼ inch deep directly into prepared seedbeds under a wall, fence, arbor or trellis in the fall (or indoors in March). Make sure you plant both female and male plants as both are needed to produce the berries!
Plant walk with Schisandra
You may remember in July the wonderful trip to Avena Botanicals on the rocky coast of Maine, where we took a plant walk to meet Eleuthero with a cheerful herbalist, gardener, teacher and author. Deb Soule. Today let’s go back to her magical garden to meet our new adaptogenic friend Schisandra. In this short videowe learn some tips for growing and working with Schisandra for resilience.
Schisandra: Nourishes and soothes
Our connection to Schisandra is through and indebted to villagers who tend and harvest this sacred plant. Their embodied wisdom has long told of the ability to “soothe the heart and quiet the mind.” When we think of calming the heart and quieting the mind in terms of the reciprocal relationship between the central nervous system (CNS), the endocrine signals, and the liver (where hormones from this relationship are processed), we start in see how this fruit is food for emotional processing and behavior. Schisandra contributes to our liver’s ability to regenerate itself and thus helps us process our life experiences.
Dried Schisandra berries
Modern science is only now beginning to understand what that means, as researchers are working to detail the activity of Schisandra’s lignans. Lignans are naturally occurring phenolics in plants that act as bioactive compounds with various pharmacological properties. Their studies have confirmed that Schisandra is a true adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress. Additionally, they have been shown to gently stimulate the central nervous system, improve mental and physical performance, alleviate mood imbalances, and promote a sense of calm.
That’s not all; Schisandra shows promising potential as a neuroprotective agent, meaning it protects the central nervous system from damage to neuronal cells. It does this by supporting healthy inflammatory responses, reducing oxidative stress, increasing glutathione, and inhibiting the progressive loss of neurons. What does that mean in a world where more and more neurodegenerative diseases are common? It means conceivable memory recovery, cognitive improvement, and potential for help for those struggling with central nervous system decline.
Schisandra: Resilience in action
As Westerners catch up on the wisdom of indigenous stewards, we have the opportunity and responsibility to support these communities in economic sovereignty, benefits and regeneration of their environment.
Schisandra’s role as a nourishing fruit that provides resilience in the human body is also reflected in the native landscape. In the Upper Yangtze of China, it grows in crucial habitat for the endangered giant panda. And in the Ussurisky taiga of Russia it grows in the protected area of the Amur (Siberian) tigers. Conservation-oriented non-governmental organizations (NGOs) work with villagers to implement sustainable harvesting methods that protect their landscapes (flora and fauna) while allowing them to sell their products at higher prices.
Farmers at the Schisandra farm in China, where we source Schisandra for our formulas.
The Schisandra Farm in China.
Here at WishGarden, we recently expanded our formulas to include Schisandra, which can be found in our Rise & Energize and Hot Flash Tamer Daily Regulator formulas and our Schisandra Single. We’ve done this by working with these custodians of ancient botanical knowledge, so that we too can help ensure the resilience of plants and people.
Do you want to join? Check out one of these NGO projects: Fair Wild Foundation; Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS); TRAFFIC
References
- Johnson, K. (2017, April 26). How a wild berry helps protect China’s giant pandas and its countryside. NPR.
- Zhang M, Xu L, Yang H. Schisandra chinensis Fructus and its active ingredients as promising agents for the treatment of neurological diseases. Int J Mol Sci. July 6, 2018; 19 (7): 1970. doi: 10.3390/ijms19071970. PMID: 29986408; PMCID: PMC6073455.
- Sowndhararajan K, Deepa P, Kim M, Park SJ, Kim S. A review of neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement properties of lignans from Schisandra chinensis. Biomed pharmacologist. 2018 Jan;97:958-968. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.10.145. Epub 2017 Nov 7. PMID: 29136774.
- Tea, R. (2020, November 19). Schisandra berry a traditional adaptogen with a modern twist. Rishi tea and botanical products.
Dawn Amber Miller has apprenticed and studied in the United States of America and has received certificates in traditional and medical herbalism from the Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism, the Commonwealth Center for Holistic Herbalism, and the Hawthorn Institute. She is a passionate steward of the sacred realm of nature and moves with the wildflowers, providing the rituals of wild crafting with heart and hand. She is currently a customer journey representative and researcher at WishGarden Herbs.
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 to sell any product.
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