WHAT IT DOES:
Schisandra Berry is one of the few adaptogens that is a berry fruit, not a mushroom or a root. This powerful berry aka Wu Wei Zi or “five flavors” contains all five tastes according to Chinese medicine: sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and salty. Like all adaptogens, Schisandra enhances the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Because it contains all five tastes, it benefits the five Yin organs: the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and spleen.
TASTES LIKE:
Known to have all ""five tastes"" - sweet, salty, bitter, pungent, and sour.
PAIRS WELL WITH:
Citrus fruits, berries, and honey.
DOSE WITH:
You Dew You, Glow Getter or Maca.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Schisandra is considered an "adaptogen," meaning a plant or herb that balances the body's functions and maintains homeostasis.
The berry itself is often called "five-flavor berry" because it possesses all five of the basic flavors of Chinese herbal medicine: salty, sweet, sour, spicy, and bitter. Having these flavors means that it can benefit all five yin organs: the liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, and spleen.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Schisandra is revered for its anti-aging properties and is used to promote physical, emotional, and even sexual stamina. The berries or seeds may be used to treat cough, asthma, indigestion, diarrhea, flu, insomnia, skin allergy, heart palpitations, insulin resistance, and premenstrual syndrome, among other conditions.
A 2009 review of studies from Sweden reported that Schisandra is able to stimulate the adrenal gland and the production of hormones like epinephrine, increasing heart rate, muscle strength, blood pressure, and sugar metabolism.
These physiological changes translate to increased mental alertness, energy, stamina, and feelings of well-being.
