Schisandra Berry

Schisandra, or the Five Flavor Berry is a potent adaptogen that is used widely in TMC.

Schisandra grows predominantly in Northern China, and it is a deciduous woody vine, with berries like seen on the photo below.

So what is an adaptogen, you would ask?

Here's the answer:

“An adaptogen is a botanical that greatly improves your body's ability to adapt to stress, whether it's a hectic schedule, heat or cold, noise, high altitudes or any number of other stressors. This elite class of herbs impart strength, energy, stamina, endurance, and improve mental clarity.” – Chris Kilham, Oprah & Friends

And also:

"To qualify as an adaptogen, an herb must be completely safe and non-toxic, it must have broad uses for health" (see here)

In a wonderful article available online, The Medicine Hunter writes:

"Schisandra chinensis enjoys millennia of traditional use for prolong life, retarding the aging process, increasing energy, as a fatigue-fighter, and as a sexual tonic. Schisandra also possesses significant protective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Thus it helps to maintain healthy cells throughout the body. It is considered one of the most highly protective of all medicinal plants, and the berry is included in many traditional herbal formulas for improving energy and mental health."

And also this:

"Schisandra also offers special benefits for the mind. Several human studies show that Schisandra extract improves concentration, coordination and endurance. Schisandra helps to prevent mental fatigue and increases accuracy and quality of work."

Plus this:

"As if all these benefits were insufficient, Schisandra also offers first-rate liver-protective benefits. Schisandra helps in the treatment of hepatitis, as noted in over 500 cases. In fact, an antihepatitis drug was developed from Schizadrin C."

Dr. Axe offers this infographic in an article about Schisandra.

We use Schisandra berries to make our Schisandra Kombucha.

Disclaimer: All medical information in this post is merely information & not advise. If you need medical advice, please consult your doctor or other appropriate medical professional.