Schisandra sinensis
Common name: Schisandra, wu wei zi (five flavour berry)
Family: Schisandraceae
Part used: Berries
Habitat and Description: Schisandra is only one of three genera in the schisandraceae family with star anise as one of these close relatives. Schisandra is known as a culinary spice in it's native China, giving sweet, sour, salty, pungent and bitter flavours in one incredible fruit. The plant is a woody, deicduous climber with aromatic leaves (also used in cooking) and bright red berries about 6mm accross.
Folklore and History:
Constituents: Lignans (including schizandrin and gomisin), schisandrol, phytosterols (including beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol), antioxidants (including vitamin C and E), tannins, volatile oils
Actions: Nervine tonic, sedative nervine, adaptogenic, hepatoprotective (liver protective), choleretic, hepatorestorative (liver restorative), antidepressant, improve cognitive function, anti-inflammatory, strong antioxidant, expectorant, antitussive, resorative tonic, anti-fatigue, immune system modulator, aphrodisiac, cholagogue, stimulant
Traditional and current uses:
- PMS
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Low mood and depression
- Physical exhaustion
- To improve athletic and physical performance
- Brain fog, impaired cognitive function
- Sleep problems, indsomnia especially if associated with low mood or anxiety
- Liver tonic for various liver complaints and to support detoxification pathways
- Weak digestion
- Poor circulation or circulatory complaints
- Anti-oxidant following chemotherapy
- Topically: allergic skin reactions
- Chronic coughs and colds
- Chronic or hard to shift infections (particulary in the respiratory tract) and associated fatigue
- To return inner fire and strength
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Urban Fringe Dispensary disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.
