Schizandra

Schisandra is one of the top herbs in Daoist Tonic Herbalism.  

It’s Chinese name Wu Wei Zhu translates to 5 flavour fruit, as Schisandra berries contain all 5 flavours (sweet, salty, bitter, spicy and sour).  In Chinese Medicine, the flavours correspond to different organ systems, meaning Schisandra has a wide range of benefits

A revered herb in Traditional Chinese Tonic Herbalism (TCM) and more recently used in Western herbalism.  

Western herbalists mainly use it for it’s liver protective effects whereas Chinese practitioners had a wide variety of uses for it.  It is said to act as an adaptogen, support all 3 treasures (Jing, Qi and Shen) while also nourishing all 12 TCM meridians.  

Adaptogens are substances that modulate our stress response, calming us down when we’re too elevated and perking us up when we’re too low.  Each adaptogenic herb has its own nuances.

It was notably used in Chinese Medicine to support those with liver issues, those recovering from chronic illness as well as to support beauty and sexual health.

Schisandra was also said to have the interesting property of helping to prevent the loss of excess energy by locking in Jing.