Schisandra, the one pill that could cure all your ills.
Exotic berry from China
Schisandra is an exotic berry used in Chinese Medicine for over 5,000 years. It is "the herb that does it all." Schisandra is a climbing vine that grows in China, Korea and Russia. The Chinese name is, Wu Wei Zi which means 'five flavors fruit.' The fruit has all five tastes, sour, bitter, sweet, spicy and salty.
Chris Kilham, a researcher and author also known as the “Medicine Hunter.” "Schisandra is one of the greatest herbs in the world,” Kilham says. “It’s easy to cultivate, abundant, cheap and extensively studied.”
Schisanadra is the most protected herb and plant in China. Supplementing your daily regiment with schisandra leads to balance of the whole body. The berry is an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a plant extract that helps the body resist damaging effects from stress and helps restore normal physiological functions. Schizandra is known as one of the world's most powerful herbal tonics.
“To qualify as an adaptogen, an herb must be completely safe and non-toxic, it must have broad uses for health, and it must specifically reduce stress, both mental and physical,” Chris Kilham.
Boost your energy
The study of Taoist connects the five tastes with the five elemental energies, wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The five nurturing elements along with the 12 meridians which are the energy channels that flow within ours body, and the three treasures, make up the Chinese and Taoist health system. The three treasures are; essence, vitality and spirit. Schisandra is the rare herb that can helps all the organs in the body. You can study this concept by researching acupuncture and the Taoist Health System. We are going to focus on the wonder herb, schisandra and sometimes spelt schizandra.
“You can feel more energized, boost your energy, sharpen memory and look and feel younger-all with one berry! “Dr. Oz.
Schisandra is a potent protector of the liver. The herb helps stimulate enzymes in the liver and promotes liver cell growth. The Health Sciences Institute says schisandra increases the enzyme, glutathione. Glutathione is produced naturally in the liver. This enzyme detoxifies the body. Glutathione helps maintain the immune system and fights metal and drug diseases. Because of its liver protecting qualities, it is used as a treatment of hepatitis C.
Ways it can Help You
The ladies in the court of Chinese emperors used the schisandra berry on their skin. The extract helps the skin by supporting functions It protects the skin from wind and is used as an astringent to hold in moisture. It has a preserving and rejuvenating effect making skin look younger. The skin glows and becomes clearer and fine after any damage.
Schisandra has a calming effect on your nerves. The extracts help you handle the everyday stress that can be mental or physical. The berry works by stimulating the central nervous system but does not make you nervous like caffeine might. The herb was used on patients with mental disorders including, anxiety, depression and mood swings.
The followers of herbalism use schisandra to increase concentration, increase memory and alertness. Many tests have been completed to increase work efficiency. Tests include routine tasks to running marathons, and showed great improvement against a placebo group.
Schisandra helps build energy by increasing the cell functions. The mitochondria in the center of all cells provides energy for all activities in the body. The herb is used to increase energy by increasing the nitric oxide levels in the cells. This helps the body to fight fatigue.
The herb works in blood vessels by dilating which cause blood pressure to be lower. It improves circulation and is therefore good for the heart
Too Good To Be True
Let’s check the list and see if schisandra can help you:
Increase strength and stamina Increases energy
Help mine/brain functions an adaptogen
Treatment for asthma Treatment for influenza
Treatment for PMS Treatment for liver disease
Combats fatigue Treatment in indigestion
Increase immune system Powerful antioxidant
Treatment for respiratory disease Antiaging herb
Protects liver and lungs Treats insomnia
Treatment for stress Treatment for depression
Helps circulation Treats high blood pressure
Protects vision Enhances hearing
The berries can be eaten raw or dried, or cooked in soup. They are also available as a supplement in powder form. They are very tart when eaten from the vine, better to make a tea and enjoy.
“It is said to prolong life, retard aging, fight fatigue, enhance sexual health and sharpen concentration and focus. You may be thinking, I don’t know of any drug that does all these things, and you’re right,” Kilham states. “Schisandra is not a household staple in the United States because there’s no profit in it- it can’t be patented. There’s just no interest even though this could radically enhance everyone’s quality of life. It could actually prevent kids from being put on Ritalin and other drugs.”
It does seem too good to be true, but if you can improve your health and life style with just a slight change, I think we should try. Do not take Schisandra if you are pregnant or nursing. Do not take Schisandra if you have gastroesophageal reflex disease, epilepsy, or peptic ulcers. Always check you’re your doctor first.
