Schizandra chinensis
Wu Wei Zi
by Robert Bidleman
Also Known As: Magnolia Vine, Wu Wei Zi, O Mi Cha
Meridians - Lung, kidney, liver Taste - Sour, sweet, bitter, pungent and salty
In China in the days of the Dynasties these berries were highly valued for their ability to preserve a youthful appearance. It was said to have caused a regular user to become radiant. Schizandra is well known as a sexual tonic and for these reasons alone they were used by the royalty especially the females who prized them for their ability to moisturize and sensitize the genitalia. Historically, Schizandra was also used in conditions of the respiratory, genitourinary and digestive systems. Schizandra is a climbing vine of the Magnolia family with many variants growing in the Carolina's, Georgia, Florida and many other states. It is found as Schizandra Chinensis in many regions of China, Korea, Japan and is found in adjacent areas in Russia. Modern investigation, research and use has proven Schizandra to have value in many areas but none so interesting as it's use as an adaptogen. Recent popularization of Schizandra has led to it's inclusion in herbal preparations designed to be used as stimulants. Most of these contain Ma Huang, Guarana and/or caffeine. But Schizandra as an adaptogen works on a much deeper and profound level. By bringing a balance or a "homeostatis" to the organs the use of Schizandra is responsible for a harmonious condition to spread in the body. Recent research has proven Schizandra to stimulate the gastro-intestinal tract, immune system, central nervous system, lungs, liver, kidneys/adrenals, general metabolism and is known to improve short term and long term memory as well as other mental functions. They aid the body's ability to utilize oxygen and therefore help anyone with respiratory problems or just in need of extra energy. This also is essential in chronic viral conditions. Clinical studies show Schizandra to have a wide range of positive effects on mood and emotional stability. By stimulating portions of the Central Nervous System as well as other effects, Schizandra strengthens and quickens reflexes and increase efficiency in stress related tests. Schizandra is seen by the traditional Chinese herbalist as being a very balanced tonic is represented as both tonic to yin and yang instead of one or the other. In the traditional view herbs are also considered to have a unique 'signature' in appearance as well as taste and other attributes. In this case, Schizandra being called 'Wu Wei Zu' or 'five tastes herb' is very much considered a balanced herb due to this quality of having every flavor. This characteristic of containing all five flavors also relates to it's inherent quality of imparting the energy of the five elements, in a balanced and profound manner. Perhaps we perceive this balance in a different manner yet the results cannot be denied as these tart little red berries have an unusual ability to tone and balance not only physiological but emotional states as well. This balancing act is evident in results with users who show improved concentration and positive results in other areas such as insomnia, mental fatigue, memory problems yet these effects from Schizandra do not cause the unwanted side effects that always accompany Central Nervous System stimulants. Instead, Schizandra has been shown effective as a sedative, especially in tincture form. Schizandra's action on the liver and kidney's contribute to it's renown as a longevity herb. It has a nourishing action on the liver and also increases the Jing, the energy of the kidney's and adrenals. It is a great builder of Wei Ch'i, the defensive, outer layer of Ch'i and is therefore of immense help in protecting the body in many areas. Thus it can be said Schizandra is truly a developer of the basic life energies. It is a known clinical fact that Schizandra has been used in Japan to modulate blood sugar in diabetics and has been combined with great success with Bilberry (Vaccinium) in Russia for diabetes. Apart from it's use in increasing sexual stamina, preserving a radiant youthfulness and it's reputation as a smart drug in recent times, this herb is not only without adverse side effects but actually has a positive cumulative effect. In China it is said with 100 days of use that Schizandra will "purify the blood, make one radiant and restore the liver" (the liver is associated with aging in China). The long term benefits are, as with any adaptogen, a strengthened constitution, the ability to resist stress whether chemical, or emotional and the heighthened resistance to disease. Specifically, Schizandra has been shown to strengthen and protect the liver through regeneration and detoxification, it increases metabolic activity due to the increase of hepatic glycogen content and relieving fatty degeneration of the liver and it has also been shown to improve eyesight and is currently being researched to determine through what mechanism and to what extent. So, it may be said that Schizandra being a mood elevator through health and increased mental clarity is capable of helping one experience a happier as well as a healthier lifestyle. The recommended dosage of Schizandra depends upon what effects are desired and what form is being used. The ripe, dried berries are used to make a most delicious tea. Take 2 to 4 tablespoons of berries and immerse in 2 cups water. Bring water to boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue simmering 12 minutes or untill the liquid is reduced to one cup. Strain and cover with 3 cups water so that the process may be repeated when desired. The berries may be reboiled untill they lose their color and taste, perhaps as much as three times. Honey may be added but sugar is not recommended. Some people also like the taste of the raw berries and find it convenient to carry a small portion of them to be sucked on as if they were a lozenge. Two to three cups of tea per day should be enough for the desired results. As with any adaptogen, there is an immediate and a long term effect. Use patience and common sense in your experience with herbs and with adaptogens and nutritives also. Any common food can be considered dangerous if used without awareness. The tincture of Schizandra is a bit more sedative than the tea. It is used when more immediate effects are desired. Five milliliters of tincture in a glassof wine has been known to produce pleasant results as an aphrodisiac for both men and women. While the mechanics of most aphrodisiacs is a gentle irritation of the genito-urinary region, Schizandra has a more neural and therefore sensational effect during intercourse. It seems to make the female genitalia more pleasurably excited while increasing the stamina of the male. It also increases the fluids of the genitals which in each case translates to an added performance. The cumulative effect is more dramatic if use is long term. Several users of Schizandra have reported an anecdotal benefit of the berries which seem to coincide with their nootropic uses. While driving late at night, several berries were kept in the mouth. Large amounts of theberries were not consumed nor was any other stimulant or drug taken yet while the berries were held in the mouth the drivers reported no further drowsiness. While one wouldn't recommend this type of experimentation, it would seem ideal for late-night studying or other activities when a little wide-eyed wakefulness is needed. The recommended herbs for combination are determined by many factors. For males ginseng is most helpful as is Ho Shou Wu. Both increase the longevity and sexual benefits of Schizandra. For females Dong Quai is recommended as well as Peony root (red).Dong Quai should be eaten in small quantities over long periods of time. For immune purposes ginseng and astragalus (Huang Ch'i) are excellent as well as Reishi mushroom can be used with Schizandra. For energy, Ginseng, Astragalus and/or Codonopsis (Dang Shen) mix well with Schizandra. Also Ho Shou Wu and Lycii berries. To calm one's spirit or for insomnia use red dates and ginseng with Poria Cocos (Fu Ling) and Schizandra in a tea along with a large portion of cordyceps. Prepare as you would for Schizandra using all equal portions. For a female tonic which prevents PMS and cramps use this daily: Schizandra, Dong Quai, Lycci berries and Peony root.
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