Plant Description: Schizandra is a climbing vine with small red berries. It is a member of the Magnolia family with many variants growing in North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and other areas of the United States. It is found also in many regions of China, Korea, Japan and parts of Russia.
Schizandra (or schisandra) is a major tonic herb in Chinese medicine, long prized by everyone from emperors to family herbalists for its ability to prolong youth, increase stamina, and prevent fatigue. Schizandra was mentioned in early medical texts of China as one of the "superior herbs," capable of promoting overall well-being and enhancing bodily vitality. Some hunting tribes of Northern China would take supplies of the dried berries whenever they went on long hunting trips during cold weather. Eating the schizandra berries helped them to stoke their internal fires and renew flagging strength. The Chinese have long considered schizandra ideal for lack of energy and for nervous exhaustion from stress.
As an adaptogen, Schizandra's long term benefits are the ability to resist stress, heightened resistance to disease, and an overall strengthened constitution. Schizandra has been shown to protect the liver through regeneration and detoxification. Metabolic activity is increased due to an increase of hepatic glycogen content. Research has proven Schizandra's ability to stimulate gastro-intestinal tract, central nervous system, liver, kidneys and adrenals, lungs, and immune system. In the days of the Dynasties in China, these berries were valued for their ability to maintain a youthful appearance and increase sexual stamina.
This herb has antioxidant properties which prove to be an effective treatment against chronic coughs, excessive sweating, irritability, and vaginal discharge. It has also been used in respiratory, genito-urinary, and digestive system disorders. Clinical studies show Schizandra to have positive effects on emotional stability by stimulating portions of the central nervous sytem. It has been shown, also, to strengthen and quicken reflexes and increase efficiency in stress-related tests. Conditions such as insomnia, mental fatigue, and memory problems have improved with the use of Schizandra, as well as improvements with concentration. Additionally, schizandra has no known adverse side effects and actually has a positive cumulative effect.
Disclaimer: This information has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, prevent or treat any disease or illness. It is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by a competent health care professional. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem. No claim or opinion on this website is intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, medical advice. If you are now taking any drugs or have a medical condition, please consult a competent physician who is aware of herb/drug interactions before taking any herbal supplements.
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