Schizandra, also known as schisandra and wu-wei-zu, is native to parts of China and Eastern Russia and is a tree with red globular berries. According to Drugs.com, schisandra has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years and has been studied thoroughly in Chinese and Japanese literature. Schisandra is harvested in fall when the berries are fully ripe.
Please note this article is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment. Please consult your physician before taking herbal supplements.
For Depression
The adrenals are two glands located above the kidneys that secrete hormones like adrenaline and help control blood pressure, sweating and other nervous system functions. Some signs of adrenal fatigue can include anxiety, depression and insomnia. Drugs.com claims that in China the schisandra berries are "used to treat mental illnesses such as depression. It also is used for irritability and memory loss." The website also claims schisandra is used to help with insomnia. WebMD furthers these claims, noting that the herb may help with depression and irritability as well as memory loss. Further studies are needed to confirm these claims.
For Stress
According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, schisandra is an adaptogen, which means it facilitates the body's ability to cope with stress. Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic reports that adrenal fatigue or adrenal insufficiency is caused by chronic stress. He lists that signs of adrenal insufficiency include "fatigue, body aches, unexplained weight loss, low blood pressure, lightheadedness and loss of body hair." The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that schisandra may help with strength and stamina, and "increases cardiac contractility without affecting blood pressure." The website WebMD also reports that schisandra helps with regulating blood pressure. It goes on to list that among it purported benefits, it increases energy, endurance, and resistance to stress or illness.
For Hormones
Schisandra also supports the adrenals and by supporting hormonal balance within the body. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center claims that the berries help with premenstrual syndrome. The website Phytochemicals reports that schisandra contains phytoestrogens, and is said to help women going through menopause to treat cardiovascular disease. WebMD also states that schisandra supports the adrenal glands and helps ease premenstrual syndrome.
Dosage and Warning
Drugs.com suggests taking schisandra at a dosage of 1.5 to 6 grams a day. Pregnant and nursing women should exercise caution when taking herbs and always consult their health care provider before doing so. No side effects have been reported as a result of schisandra use, however studies have shown that schisandra can cause severe central nervous system depression. As previously mentioned, please consult your primary health care provider before taking any herbal medicine.
