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Schisandra Chinensis benefits

  • Writer: Dave
    Dave
  • Jul 16
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 17




Schisandra Chinensis


Botanical Name

Schisandra chinensis

Family

Schisandraceae

Common Names

Schisandra, Five-Flavor Berry, Wu Wei Zi (Chinese name)

Parts Used

Berries (fruit)

Native To

Northeast Asia, including China, Russia, Korea, and Japan

Harvesting Guidelines

Schisandra berries are best harvested in late summer to early autumn when fully ripe, turning bright red. Berries should be dried carefully in a well-ventilated, shaded area to preserve their flavor and medicinal properties. Sustainable wildcrafting and cultivation are important due to increasing demand.

Introduction

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), also known as the Five-Flavor Berry, is a woody vine valued in traditional Chinese medicine and other Asian herbal systems. The name “Five-Flavor” refers to its unique taste, combining sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent flavors. Schisandra berries are revered as a potent adaptogen, supporting vitality, endurance, and mental clarity.


Traditional and Indigenous Use

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Schisandra has been used for centuries to nourish the kidneys, calm the spirit, and protect the liver. It is believed to enhance qi (vital energy), improve concentration, and promote longevity.

The berries have also been used in Russian herbal medicine for their tonic and restorative effects, helping reduce fatigue and improve physical performance.


Modern Uses

Today, Schisandra is widely used as an adaptogen to help the body resist stress, improve stamina, and support cognitive function. It is consumed as dried berries, powders, tinctures, or extracts.

Schisandra is also studied for its liver-protective properties, antioxidant activity, and ability to enhance mental focus and mood.

Shop our Schisandra:

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Scientific Studies - Schisandra benefits

Phytochemical research has identified lignans as the key active compounds in Schisandra, contributing to its antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and adaptogenic effects.

Clinical studies indicate Schisandra may improve liver function, reduce fatigue, and support immune health by modulating stress responses.

Adult Dose

  • Dried Berries: 3–6 grams daily, often brewed as tea or infused in water.

  • Powder: 500–1000 mg 1–3 times daily.

  • Tincture: 2–4 mL 2–3 times daily.


Safety and Contraindications

Schisandra is generally safe when used appropriately:

  • Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless supervised by a healthcare provider.

  • May cause heartburn or indigestion in sensitive individuals.

  • Use cautiously with medications metabolized by the liver.

Actions

  • Adaptogen

  • Hepatoprotective

  • Antioxidant

  • Tonic

  • Cognitive Enhancer

  • Anti-fatigue

Energy

Warming, Slightly Bitter, Sweet

References

  • Panossian, A. & Wikman, G. (2008). “Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis.” Phytomedicine.

  • van Wyk, B.E., & Wink, M. (2004). Medicinal Plants of the World. Briza Publications.

  • Zhu, M. et al. (2011). “Lignans from Schisandra and Their Bioactivities.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology.



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