Herb Class/Action: Adaptogen, Hepatoprotective, Nervine, Astringent, Antioxidant
Flavor: Sour, Sweet, Salty, Bitter, Pungent (known as "five-flavor berry")
Energetics: Warming, Drying
Schisandra berry is a revered adaptogen known for its ability to strengthen resilience to stress, enhance mental clarity, and support overall vitality. Often referred to as the "five-flavor berry" due to its unique balance of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent tastes, schisandra works on multiple organ systems, particularly the liver, lungs, and nervous system. Traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a powerful longevity tonic, schisandra is prized for its ability to protect the liver, improve endurance, and enhance cognitive function. It has astringent properties that help retain vital energy, making it useful for conditions involving excessive sweating, night sweats, or fluid loss. Schisandra is commonly taken as a tincture, tea, or powdered extract, offering deep, long-term support for stress adaptation, hormonal balance, and overall wellness. |
Uses:
- Supports liver function and detoxification
- Enhances stress resilience and nervous system balance
- Improves cognitive function, memory, and focus
- Aids lung health and helps regulate fluids in the body
- Promotes overall vitality and longevity
Safety Considerations:
- Generally safe for most people when used in moderate amounts
- May interact with medications affecting the liver or nervous system
- Can be stimulating for some; best avoided before bedtime if sensitive
Traditional Applications:
- Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a longevity tonic and liver protector
- Historically taken to increase endurance, mental clarity, and physical stamina
- Commonly consumed as a tea, tincture, or powdered extract for long-term support
You can find it in our Liver + Kidney Tea