The Health Benefits of Schizandra Berries

Schizandra is a woody vine with clusters of red berries that is found in northern and north-eastern China and adjacent regions in Russia and Korea. Schizandra berry (schizandra chinensis) is also called ‘five flavor fruit’ and is sour in taste, astringent, and warming.

This herb provides more oxygen for the cells increases the body’s immune system and protects against stress. It also acts as an aphrodisiac, by increasing men’s staying power and stimulating sensitivity in the female’s genitals.

Schizandra has also been shown to help stimulate semen production in men and cervical fluid in women. It has been used as a sexual tonic, but not in a “Viagra” type of way.

Schizandra  contains volatile oils, organic acids (citric, malic and tartaric), and vitamins A, C, and E, and fixed oils containing linoleic, oleic, linolenic, lauric and plamitic fatty acids. 

Schizandra

All these substances give schizandra benefits on the nervous, glandular, respiratory, reproductive and urinary systems, in addition to its benefits for the liver. The cardiovascular system also benefits from schizandra. 

It has antioxidant effects on the heart and reduces stress-induced heart palpitations.  It has also been shown to improve athletic performance and as such is commonly used by athletes.

This herb can also increase your energy levels by stimulating the central nervous system without making you nervous like caffeine would. But since it’s an adaptogen, it can also calm the nervous system when facing stress.

An adaptogen is used as an overall wellness tonic. It is beneficial to the whole body. It will take you from any extreme back to a balanced state. In China, it is said to be the most protective of all herbs and plants.

Schizandra Berries
Schizandra Berries

This herb is popular with people who suffer from mental disorders such as anxiety, depression and mood swings.

Though it is unknown how it works for these symptoms, schizandra has been used for these ailments for hundreds of years with much success. It is often been used as a beauty supplement to keep the skin smooth and young for both men and women.

This herb offers many more health benefits but should not be taken by people who have high blood pressure, gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD), epilepsy, peptic ulcers or high brain (intracranial) pressure. Do not take Schizandra if you are pregnant or nursing at it acts as a uterine stimulant.