Schisandra is a vine that grows in northeast China, Russia and Korea. The vine contains tiny, red berries, which are sun-dried and used medicinally. The berries’ tastes range from sweet and sour to salty and bitter, which help give the vine its Chinese name (wu wei zi, meaning "five taste fruit").
The major active ingredients in schisandra are compounds called lignans, which have been shown to protect the liver and stimulate the immune system. Traditionally, schisandra was used to combat coughs, night sweats, insomnia and physical exhaustion. Controlled studies in China have found that schisandra can help people with hepatitis; smaller studies suggest that schisandra may improve physical performance, increase strength, and reduce fatigue.
Typical schisandra intake averages from 1.5 to 15 grams per day. For schisandra tinctures, many practitioners recommend 2-4 millileters three times per day.
Many specialty markets sell dried schisandra berries. Schisandra is also available in powder and tincture form.
While side-effects with schisandra are rare, they may include an upset stomach, decreased appetite, and skin rash. Schisandra may also impact the efficacy of acetaminophen. As with any other herbal product or supplement, make sure to consult with a health care practitioner before taking schisandra supplements.
References
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