6. SCHISANDRA
What is Schisandra?
Schisandra is a climbing vine plant native to Russia and China. It thrives in virtually any type of soil and its fruit is used for a wide variety of medical purposes. The berry of the plant is referred to as the “five flavor berry.”
This is because it contains all five flavors that are considered to be basic to Chinese herbal medicine. They include sour, salty, spicy, sweet, and bitter. A fruit that posses all of these flavors provides health benefits to all five of the body's yin organs: heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs.
These health benefits of Schisandra berries include:
Relief From Hypertension
A 2009 study found that a number of Schisandra extracts reduced pressure in the cardiac blood vessels of lab rats. They also resulted in lower blood pressure and improved circulation.
Increases Energy and Battles Fatigue
Schisandra is most popular for its abilities to naturally increase energy levels and reduce both mental and physical fatigue. This is thanks to the plant's ability to stimulate the adrenal gland to produce hormones that improve muscle strength, sugar metabolism, heart rate, and blood pressure. These changes result in an increase in energy, stamina, mental sharpness, and feelings of inner peace and well-being.
Reduces Damage from Hepatitis
The fruit extracts of Schisandra reduce levels of the enzyme glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT)in the blood of people with hepatitis. The enzyme SGPT indicates the level of liver damage in someone with hepatitis. Schisandra has been proven to decrease these levels by decreasing and preventing liver damage.
Fights Off Alzheimer's Disease
A 2017 study found that the herb contains an enzyme that blocks the creation of excessive amounts of amyloid peptides in the brain. Amyloid peptides are one of the principal components that cause the formation of amyloid plaque, which is found in the brains of individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's disease.
Protects Against Liver Disease
Pollen extracted from the Schisandra plant acts as a powerful antioxidant effect on the toxic properties that cause liver damage in individuals with hepatitis, both acute and chronic.
How is Schisandra Used?
Dried Schisandra berries can be purchased at many health food stores and online and eaten as they are. Schisandra is also available in powder, tablets, capsules, and extracts that are taken orally. The most commonly recommended dosage is 500 – 2,000mg daily. The powder, seeds, and dried berries can be brewed into tea.
