Schisandra berries (wu wei zi) have a long history of use in Chinese medicine. Categorized as an astringent, their use goes far beyond just stopping diarrhea.
Here is a list of both ancient and modern uses for this unique herb:
- protection against brain damage – improves mental clarity, concentration, and coordination. It also reduces forgetfulness.
- antioxidant protection – helps the body create the universal anti-oxidant, glutathione. This substance helps stop and prevent free-radical damage in every cell in the body. It also supports the immune system.
- protection against liver toxins – can be used to help clear infectious hepatitis. When used this way it can bring liver enzyme levels back to normal in 25 days.
- stress reduction – schisandra is also a good adaptogen, meaning it helps the body respond more efficiently to stress. Relieves irritability, nervous exhaustion, stress, depression, and anxiety.
- improved breathing – unique among the astringent Chinese herbs, schisandra clears stuck phlegm from the lungs by transforming it into healthy fluids. It also helps regulate the breathing centers in the brain and stops coughing.
How much should someone take? The typical dose is 1.5 to 3 grams 3 times a day. Pregnant or lactating women should not take this herb.
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It is about time for this herb to get the recognitation it deserves. However finding a quality source for the product that has not been “watered down”. Do you have a source for this amazing gift from God. thank you
Hi Sharon,
Schisandra is a great, but often overlooked herb. I’m glad you found the article helpful.
As for sources, you are right. Either the herb is mixed in with other things, or the quality is not so good. If you want pure schisandra, try Herb Pharm brand. They have a liquid extract that is quite good. And the advantage of a liquid is that you can adjust your dose easily.
My favorite source for buying retail supplements is iHerb.com. They have Herb Pharm and a lot of other brands. They have good prices and an amazing variety of products. If you have never bought from them before, you can use this code – RUC704 – to get $5.00 off your first time order.
Hope that helps.
Dr. Bruce