Fight Asthma, Cough, And Insomnia With Schizandra Berries
Schizandra (or schisandra) is 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 fruit products are derived from the small, bright red, berry-like fruit of a hardy vine of the magnolia family. Schizandra is native to China as well as parts of Japan, Korea, and Russia. Two dozen additional species of schizandra also exist, all indigenous to Asia with the exception of a relatively rare schizandra vine native to woody areas of North Carolina and neighboring states. The Chinese refer to dried schizandra berries as wu wei zi.
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 fruit ideal for lack of energy and for nervous exhaustion from stress. Schizandra has also traditionally been taken to beautify the skin, strengthen the organs, and promote mental function. Among the ailments it was used to treat are night sweats, asthma, cough, and insomnia. Schizandra was used topically for skin sores. It is a traditional Russian folk remedy for diabetes.
Schizandra fruits or berries contain various lignans, mainly schizandrins, these lignans have been found to prevent liver damage, stimulate liver repair, and stimulate normal liver functioning. These properties appear to be related to the various antioxidant abilities of the various schizandrins. Schizandra also helps in digestion, regulating gastric acid release. Other studies have shown that extracts of schizandra are stimulating to the central nervous system and are cholinergic. There have been numerous reports on schizandra’s ability to quicken reflexes, increase work efficiency, control anger and combat neurasthenias (headaches, insomnia, dizziness, palpitations).
Other reports have mentioned increased cognitive function and increased memory. Recent research studies have indicated that schizandra has numerous biological activities, including: anti-bacterial, mild stimulant, liver protective, anti-depressant, antioxidant, adaptogen and cardiac tonic. In Oriental Medicine, schizandra is recommended for the lungs, liver and kidneys, including as an aphrodisiac. Schizandra is also a registered medicine in Russia for vision problems since the herb has been found to prevent eye fatigue and increase acuity.
Schizandra berries are available in capsule or tablet forms at your local or internet health food store. Look for name brands like Solaray and Planetary Herbals to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Schizandra is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.