Schisandra Powder | Organic (Schisandra Chinensis)
Common names include magnolia-vine, magnolia berry, gomishi, hoku-gomishi, kita-gomishi, wu-wei-zu, ji-chu, hoy tsi, omiza, Maximowich's red grape, and Limonnik.
Schisandra is a family of woody, twining shrub species that sprout vines from the central stem. The entire plant is used in herbal medicine, but the fruit contains numerous bioactive compounds that may provide medicinal support to the liver and the immune system, and may help promote a healthy inflammation response, cellular health, brain health, athletic performance, cardiovascular health, and healthy-looking skin.
The plant most common in China is found in many supplements. The fruit from this variety of plants is sought after because it is said to hold all five flavors (salty, sweet, sour, spicy, and bitter), and it is believed to provide desirable medicinal effects when eaten.
According to texts in Ancient Chinese medicine, the Chinensis species is “respected as a health-providing tonic in the same class with ginseng and Ganoderma.”
The plant has uses for the “gastrointestinal tract, respiratory failure, cardiovascular diseases, in the states of body fatigue and weakness, excessive sweating and insomnia.” In Russian medicine, the plant was given to Siberian hunters who were expected to survive in the wilderness during extreme variations of hot and cold, hunger, and fatigue. Since its adoption into medicine, the Schisandra fruit has been used for numerous purposes. Royalty and Daoists are said to have used the herb because it contains “all three treasures.” Each treasure is made into a tonic that includes support for skin that is soft, moist, and radiant; support for the brain and improved memory; and increased sexual endurance and strength. Schisandra was also used throughout Asia and Russia to support respiratory problems, gastrointestinal challenges, poor sleep, sexual health, and kidney health. Athletes have also been known to use the herb to support endurance and recovery after physical stress.
Schisandra Benefits
Schisandra contains a unique chemical structure and compounds that studies have shown may support several areas of the body, including:
Liver health, inflammatory response, cellular health, brain health, athletic performance, blood pressure, and healthy-looking skin.
A study found that Schisandra Chinensis helps to regulate inflammation factors in the immune system. Schisandra Chinensis inhibits the expression of certain proteins and the transmission of signals that can result in the activation of inflammation in cells.
Schisandra can improve mental performance (concentration, attention, and speed of thinking). A study has also shown that it can have similar effects to antidepressants.
According to the study, a compound found in Schisandra is linked to antihypertensive effects in the cardiovascular system and can support the structure and flexibility of cardiovascular tissue.
Several studies indicate that extracts of Schisandra may be beneficial to skin health, including acne and dermatitis. These studies suggest that the potential benefits of the plant come from the extracts that help to mediate the inflammatory response and the immune system.
The extract of Schisandra exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which might help in respiratory diseases such as asthma.
Use
Schisandra powder form is very easy to incorporate into your diet in several different ways. Mix into drinks, hot beverages such as lattes and hot chocolate, smoothies, hot or cold cereals, granola, overnight oats, bars, chia seed pudding, or even baked products (although cooking it at high temperatures may destroy some of the phytonutrients).
Notes
◉ Should be stored in airtight glass containers -in a cool, dark, and dry area- to preserve its flavor and properties.
◉ Before adding a new herbal remedy or supplement to your daily routine, you should consult with a medical doctor or holistic health practitioner.