Schisandra berries, aka Wu Wei Zi - 五味子, translated as "five flavor berry" due to its five flavors - sweet, sour, acrid, bitter, and salty. This vine-grown berry is every organ's friend - as it basically enters all the meridians. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners have used Wu Wei Zi for centuries to generate fluids, treat coughs, insomnia, night sweats and exhaustion due to lung and kidney deficiency. It also treats emotional distress by calming the heart and quietening the spirit. But that's not all this herbal treasure can do for you.
Schisandra Benefits for Our Health
Considering that schisandra works in all meridians of the body, it is not surprising that its healing properties are very multifaceted. Although its study is still ongoing, scientists can already share valuable conclusions about the effect of schisandra on our body.
Liver Care
Many studies have proven schisandra berry benefits for the liver. In particular, schisandra extract improves liver function and alleviates fatty liver disease. A study published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics found the herb useful in liver transplantation, as it helps produce a compound that prevents the new liver from being rejected. In addition, the schisandra plant has shown good results in the treatment of chronic hepatitis.
Mental Performance Boost
Schisandra berry has an effect similar to caffeine in the fight against fatigue. But unlike caffeine, it does not cause nervousness and anxiety, but rather makes you feel calmer. This plant also has a beneficial effect on Alzheimer's disease, as it blocks the components that contribute to its development.
Menopause Relief
This miracle plant is an indispensable tool for women with menopausal symptoms. A study with 36 women found that schisandra berries can relieve hot flashes, sweating, and heart palpitations, which are common but uncomfortable symptoms of menopause.
Sexual Function Improving
Schisandra can safely be called a love herb due to its positive properties for men's health. Studies show that taking schisandra supplement increases libido and prevents sexual dysfunctions such as impotence.
Schisandra Tonic
Today, schisandra is mostly attributed to patients in supplement form. But historically this herb was taken as a tonic. Even now, you can make it at home and appreciate the positive changes in your health:
Take a tablespoonful of schisandra berries, soak for several hours or overnight, rinse, and steep in 1 cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. For additional benefits, you may want to add a small number of goji berries or licorice. Strain and enjoy. Sweeten to taste with honey. You can also make a cold infusion by steeping the schisandra berries in room temperature water overnight.
Schisandra Skin Care Benefits
The first reference to the schisandra use is in the ancient medical text Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, the Divine Husbandman's Classic Materia Medica. There it is described as a drug that "prolongs life without aging". This tells us one of the benefits of the herb for the skin. Over time, more of these benefits have been identified, which explains the extensive use of schisandra in skin care products.
Skin Rejuvenation
The anti-aging properties of this herb were appreciated by the Chinese royalty and today are confirmed by science. So schisandra contains vitamins C and E, which perfectly retain moisture in the skin. In addition, it protects skin cells from DNA damage, thereby fighting wrinkles and age-related pigmentation.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect
The high concentration of antioxidant compounds in schisandra fights the inflammatory processes that are associated with the development of dermatitis and allergic reactions. Schisandra chinensis fruit extract is also effective in treating redness and swelling of the skin as a reaction to toxins or environmental stressors.
External Damage Protection
Schisandra berries extract is used in cosmetics to improve the skin barrier. As a result, the skin becomes more resistant to external factors such as ultraviolet rays, wind, and pollution. This has a positive effect on complexion and skin condition in general.
Schisandra berries have conquered the hearts of TCM practitioners since ancient times. Today, the love for this herb has gone beyond China and spread among Western health care providers and cosmetologists. Yina's team was no exception, and therefore we can confidently recommend this plant as an effective beauty ingredient.
