SCHISANDRA BERRY Elixir | Schisandra chinensis

Schisandra Berry holds a special place in history since it was used along with other ancient herbs, like Ginseng, Goji Berry and Reishi, by Taoist Masters, Chinese Emperors and elitists. In Russia, Schisandra first gained recognition as an ‘adaptogen agent’ in the 1960s when it was published in the official medicine of the USSR handbook, following the discovery that it helps fight adrenal fatigue, heart problems and the negative effects of stress.

Beyond just how it tastes, its flavor components are important for understanding the way it works. The secret to Schisandra Berry power is that it’s said to have properties pertaining to all five elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which means it works in multiple ‘meridians’ within the body to restore internal balance and health.

Because it impacts nearly every organ system within the human body, it has dozens of uses and benefits. Traditional Chinese Medicine views Schisandra Berry as an herb that helps balance all three ‘treasures’ within the body - Jing, Shen and Chi.

It’s most well known for boosting liver function and helping with adrenal functions but other benefits also include acting like a powerful brain tonic by improving focus, concentration, memory and mental energy. It also helps improving digestion, supporting hormonal balance and nourishing the skin.

Studies have found that, in healthy subjects, Schisandra generates alterations in the levels of Nitric Oxide and Cortisol present in blood and saliva.

Schisandra Berry has historically been taken as a tonic tea or tincture. Unlike many other herbs or supplements, it can be taken long term without any negative side effects or risks. In fact, it’s believed to work better and better the longer you take it, just like many other natural adaptogens.

Some herbs that are beneficial for improving liver function can start to become problematic if used for too long but Schisandra is safe for day-to-day use even in people with sensitive digestive systems and low tolerance to supplements.

Historically in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Schisandra was used to promote a balance between Yin and Yang. It’s said to help ‘calm the heart and quiet the spirit’ by positively affecting the brain, kidneys, liver and lungs. It’s powerful at improving liver function, lowering fatty liver disease and fighting chronic Hepatitis C virus.

It’s a natural stress reliever, improves performance of cognitive tasks and reduces digestive symptoms associated with liver transplants.

Schisandra Berry is a complex herb and there are multiple mechanisms by which these constituents might act like Phytoadaptogens, affecting the central nervous, sympathetic, endocrine, immune, respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Research has shown that Schisandra Berry helps stall the process of oxidative stress, which contributes to nearly every disease  and results in damage to healthy cells, tissues and organs.

It also exhibits strong anti-oxidant activities that positively affect blood vessels, smooth muscles, the release of fatty acids into the bloodstream and the biosynthesis of inflammatory compounds. This results in healthier blood cells, arteries, blood vessels and improved circulation.

This is one reason why Schisandra Berry helps increase endurance, accuracy of movement, mental performance, fertility and working capacity even when someone is under stress.

Schisandra increases physical working capacity and has strong stress protective effects against a broad spectrum of harmful factors. Among its many uses,  it helps prevent inflammation, reverses heavy metal toxification, improves loss of mobility plus treats heat shock, skin burns, frostbite, hormonal disorders and heart disease.

Schisandra  positively modulates gut microbiota in a way that helps prevent various metabolic syndrome risk factors along with potentially weight gain.

The most important active constituents of Schisandra include Schizandrin, Deoxyschizandrin, Schisanheno, Schizandrol, Sesquicarene, Citral, Stigmasterol and anti-oxidants including Vitamins C and E.

No major side effects have been reported by generally healthy adults using Schisandra Berry however during pregnancy it’s not advised to take it since there’s a lack of data investigating its effects in pregnant women.

It’s also possible that Schisandra Berry can affect the way other medications or supplements are absorbed by the body so if you currently take prescriptions to treat any existing conditions, it’s best to talk to your Doctor before beginning use.

Because it impacts how drugs are processed by the liver, it might increase the risk of toxicity or reduce the effects of medicines that are potentially life saving.