When you run down the list of schisandra berry benefits, it can feel too good to be true, which is probably why schisandra has been one of the staple herbs of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. This herb offers a panacea of benefits. Similar to the central role that ashwagandha plays in Ayurvedic medicine, schisandra is widely recommended for just about anything that ails us. In a bigger perspective, it is one of those herbs that is so good for our vitality: it supports energy, hormone balance, beauty and longevity.
Let’s start with what it is. Schisandra (Shisandra chinensis) is a woody vine mainly found in China and Russia. The part used in herbal medicine is the bright red berry. Schisandra is also called the ‘berry of five flavors’ because of a unique characteristic: it contains all the flavors detectable by the human tongue: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and tart. While this is an interesting and striking feature, it goes much further into functionality: TCM practitioners believe that Schisandra affects every meridian in the body, which is why it is such an excellent choice for overall health and vitality.
Schisandra is a tonic herb, meaning it is safe and beneficial to use long term. Regular use is recommended for the most impactful benefits of this plant. Nourishing the body over time is key to improving health conditions and supporting increased vitality.
Let’s take a look at some impressive benefits of schisandra berries:
- Adaptogenic superhero: Schisandra is considered an adaptogen – a class of plants that help our bodies cope better with stress. Better stress management often leads to better sleep, vitality, energy and overall balance. Stress happens to us all and supporting our bodies is crucial in today’s world. Schisandra is a particularly valuable ally for anyone who feels chronically exhausted or lacks usual strength.
- Liver support and detoxification: Schisandra has long played a role as a liver tonic in TCM. It contains active substances that support liver detoxification. The liver is one of our hardest working organs and providing it with loving care can mean better digestion, hormone health, improved energy AND healthier skin…
- Skin health and beauty: Did I mention that schisandra is also called ‘the beauty berry’? Thanks to its antioxidant content, schisandra supports the aging process and helps create healthier skin and a more youthful appearance. No one says no to that!
- Brain health: Schisandra has been shown to support mental clarity, focus and memory. It is believed to have a neuroprotective effect and help nourish the brain for better functioning, healthy aging.
- Resistance support: The immune system is not really one system, but a collaboration of organs, cells and proteins that work together to protect our body. Because Schisandra affects so many of our body systems, it plays an important role in supporting overall stronger immune health.
- Hormone Support: In TCM, Schisandra is considered a tonic for the reproductive system. It has been used to balance the menstrual cycle, support PMS symptoms, promote fertility, and boost hormone health in both men and women. It is an excellent choice for perimenopausal/menopausal women whose bodies have difficulty adapting to changing hormone levels.
Okay, have you seen enough?! Ready to embrace the power of this incredible berry? You can find schisandra as a single schisandra tincture and in these formulas: Rise & Energize and Hot Flash Tamer.
Jamie McKeown has a BA in Film & Communications from the University of Michigan. She has studied holistic nutrition and natural healing for over 15 years. She is a certified health coach and herbalist and director of education for WishGarden.
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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