Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) - Botanical Medicines

Schisandra ( Schisandra chinensis )

Schisandra has been widely used in folk medicine in China and Tibet to increase immune resistance. It contains various lignans, mainly schisandrins, which have been found to prevent liver damage and stimulate liver repair and normal liver functioning. Schisandra further helps in digestion, regulating gastric acid release. Weiner's Herbal states that schisandra also stimlates the central nervous system. M. Weiner also reports that schisandra has been shown to quicken reflexes, control anger, and relieve headaches, insomnia, dizziness, and palpitations. Other reports have mentioned increased cognitive function and increased memory. Schisandra may also be useful in reversing depression, particularly that due to exhaustion. In Oriental medicine, schisandra is prescribed to help tonify the lungs, liver, and kidneys, and as an aphrodisiac. Schisandra is also a registered medicine in Russia for vision problems since it appears to prevent eye fatigue and increase visual acuity.