Shizandra (Schizandra) - Information and

FREE Sample request

(Send your request at the end of this page)

Name

Schizandra, Chinese Magnolia Vine, Schizandrae Fructus, Shizandra, Wu Wei Tzu, Wu Wei Zi (Five-Flavor Seed)

Latin Name
Schizandra chinensis (Northern Schizandra), Schizandra sphenanthera (Southern Schizandra)

Origin
Found in Northeastern China and adjacent regions of Russia, Korea, Manchuria and Japan. 

Shizandra (Schizandra) is a creeping, woody vine cultivated for its sour bright red berries.

Cultivated/Parts Used
Berries

History of Use
In ancient China, Shizandra (Schizandra) was used as a staple food for hunting and gathering tribes. As a traditional medicinal herb, Shizandra, called Wu-wei-tsu in China, has been used as an astringent for a treatment for dry and chronic coughs, asthma, night/menopausal sweats, nocturnal seminal emissions and chronic diarrhoea. Shizandra (Schizandra) has been used for centuries as a restorative and tonic herb in the Far East and in Scandinavia, much like Ginseng.

During the early 1980's Chinese doctors began researching Shizandra (Schizandra) as a treatment for hepatitis, based on its potential for protecting the liver.

Properties
Adaptogenic, restorative & tonic;  Shizandra (Schizandra) helps the body adapt to stress and nourishes the nervous system. It increases the supply of energy to the cells in the brain, muscles, liver, kidneys and glands. Shizandra (Schizandra) is cherished among woman as a sexual enhancer and youth invigorator.

Nutritional Breakdown
Calcium, Carbohydrates (71%), Cobalt, Fats, Fiber (7%), Iron, Lignin, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein (13%), Sodium, Vitamin C.

How it works
Confirming much of what the classical text on Chinese herbal medicine, the Shen Nung Pen Tsao Ching, says, modern Chinese research suggests that lignans, found in the seeds of Shizandra (Schizandra) berries, regenerate liver tissue damaged by harmful influences such as viral hepatitis and alcohol. Lignans lower blood levels of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), a marker for infective hepatitis and other liver disorders. Shizandra (Schizandra) fruit may also have an adaptogenic action, much like the herb ginseng, but with weaker effects. Laboratory work suggests that Shizandra (Schizandra) may improve work performance, build strength, and help to reduce fatigue.

Studies conducted on the effect of Shizandra (Schizandra) have noted that the drug has a stimulating effect in low doses, but that this effect disappeared with larger

doses.

Contraindications/Interactions
Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

May potentiate anti-diabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs, and due to the cardio active chemicals in this herb, the following drug interactions are possible: interference and/or antagonism with anti-arrhythmics; antagonism of beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs; potentiation of cardiac glycosides and increased risk of hypokalemia; when combined with depolarizing muscle relaxants there is a risk of arrhythmia; interference with nitrates and calcium-channel blockers; may increase the potential terfenadine has to cause arrhythmias.

Due to the antihypertensive (hypotensive) action of this herb the following interactions are possible: when taken with anesthetics an increased hypotensive effect; potentiation of anti-hypertensives; when taken with diuretics difficulty with urination and hypertension may result; antagonism of sympathomimetics.

Possible adverse effects and/or overdose effects are rare but would include stomach upset, decreased appetite, urticaria (skin rash).

Instructions For Use/Dosages
Use 1- 2 Teaspoon or so of the berries brewed as a herbal tea, allowing to steep for at least 10 minutes before drinking.  The berries can also be made as a decoction, simmering gently for 10 – 20 minutes using two cups of water per serving (half of the water will evaporate off), strain and allow to cool before drinking.

Alternatively soak the berries overnight and blend into a smoothie, fruit juice or muesli mix.

About Nutri-Info

Our services include a Naturopathic Nutrition Clinic based in West Sussex, and a Nutrition Shop, offering a selected range of natural nutrition products

to the UK and Ireland; including the Peruvian superfoods: maca, raw cacao, cacao butter, andean salt (sal andina) and much more.

We are the sole UK and Ireland distributors of Maca Vitae™, a Trademark that guarantees the best quality of Peruvian Maca,

directly imported from the Andean zone of Junin, Peru. Available as powder, capsules or as the delicious

MACAMIX™ nutrition drink mix, with Maca and the Super Cereals Quinoa and Amaranth (Kiwicha).

Our products are also available at selected Health Food Stores.

| Nutri-Info | Superfoods UK | Site Map | Contact Us | Disclaimer |