Schizandra is a popular herbal supplement originally popularized by the Chinese. It is a native shrub of Northern China, Russia and Korea. There are some reports that it is also found in some parts of the US. The herb is known to be a superior body tonic which balances the state of health of a person. If your country of residence is devoid of the plant, there is no use to travel to the aforementioned countries. The manufacturing industry found a way to mass produce the wonder plant. It is now available in almost all parts of the world. If you still have not tried it, you may want to learn more about the product.
Biological Description
Schizandra belongs to the family of shrub, shizandraceae. It grows well in gardens and prefers a humid environment. Moist and shady soil is very conducive for its growth. If the plant is well sheltered, it can grow as high as twenty-five feet. The flowers are pink and oval while the fruits are bright red. Schizandra is known by its other names like schizandra chinensis, Wu Wei Zi, Magnolia vine, Mei Gee, Bac Ngu Vi Tu and Chinese Mongolavine.
History
The health benefits of schizandra have long been used for centuries. The Chinese people call it as their most prized possession because of its effects in the body and mind. According to Chinese herbalists, the name Wu Wei Zi, comes from its innate characteristic of having the five different tastes. It encompasses the sour, salty, bitter, sweet and spicy taste. Traditionally, the fruit is allowed to dry and turned into a tea to enjoy its benefits. Women use it to preserve their youthfulness and beauty. Because it is very expensive, only few people can afford it during the earlier times. It is a concoction especially made only for Chinese royalty and emperors. But with the advancement of technology, anyone can now enjoy the wonders of the schizandra fruit. You simply have to get it from your local health store or order it from online sites and you can reap the magical works of nature.
Traditional Benefits
There are several traditional benefits of schizandra. Previously, it is only used to improve the look of women. With constant use of the dried fruit, it can bring out the natural radiance of the skin. The active antioxidant components of the fruit fight the free radicals inside the body. This is probably the reason why many Chinese women have supple and beautiful skin. The fruit is also beneficial among couples. The plant restores the Qi in the body including the free flow of fluids. According to reports, constant use of schizandra products improves the sexual functions and endurance of both male and female. There is sustained penile erection, increased production of seminal fluid and prevention of premature ejaculation. For women, the herb can stimulate more vaginal fluid for better lubrication and increased genital sensation for heightened sexual arousal.
The wonder plant is also known to relax the mind and the spirit. Its calming properties allow you to experience a well rested night. Because of its mild sedation effect, it is also popular as an anti-depressant. It works well with tranquilizers. You do not have to increase your dosage for these addictive drugs just to calm down. If you are feeling too restless at night, a cup of schizandra tea can also help you to fall asleep. It is very effective to patients who have frequent attacks of insomnia.
Modern-Day Use
Science has never been satisfied in proving only the traditional benefits of schizandra. More researches are being undertaken to discover more of the health advantages of the fruit. According to recent studies, the product is powerful in boosting the mind power and alertness. It improves the brain’s activity and mental performance of regular consumers. It is also known to help prevent heart problems and cancer, two of the most deadly diseases nowadays. The rich antioxidant present helps protect the body against debilitating diseases. The lignan present in each fruit is a potent protector of the liver and kidney. It protects them from damage. Today, there are also studies conducted about its ability to treat diabetes mellitus. If the work is found to be positive, the schizandra can help millions of diabetics worldwide in controlling their blood sugar level.
Formulation
The most common formulations of the schizandra include capsules, tea and juice. You can buy any of these from your nearest wellness store and from the internet. The price varies depending on the product you choose.
Safety and Precautions
Schizandra is generally safe to use. As long as you follow the prescription, there is nothing to worry about it. In cases of overdose, gastric upsets are noted. Dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn and skin rashes are some of the common adverse reaction of improper use. Pregnant women should never take schizandra because of its uterine activity. The fruit is known to cause increased uterine activity which may lead to premature labor. Because there are limited studies about its effect on the unborn child, the possibility of malformations in the fetus should not be discounted. Patients with severe medical condition should also seek professional medical help prior to its use. Because it shows both positive and negative interaction with certain drugs, it is important to talk to your doctor about it. If you see changes in your bodily functions or experience unexpected reactions, stop taking the schizandra.
Dosage and Use
The product should be taken orally according to the directions of your doctor. Follow the instructions found in the package to avoid adverse reactions. If you have serious medical problems, feel free to ask your doctor about its safety before taking the schizandra. Patients who suffer from liver problems should take about 1.5 grams of crude schizandra or equivalent to 20 mg of lignan. For those who simply want to enjoy the health benefits of the product, two capsules per day are sufficient. It should be taken with meal to prevent gastric upsets.