It was 2,000 years ago that the Chinese writer Shen Nong first referred to the herb schizandra as a valuable adaptogenic tonic. Since then, it has remained one of the most popular herbs in China.

It is classified as an adaptogen because it regulates the functions of the body and increases its resistance to stress.

What is an adaptogenic herb?

In 1958, Russian doctors I. Brekhman and I.V. Dardymov coined the term 'adaptogenic' to refer to any herb that "usually has a normalising action irrespective of the direction of the disease state". In other words, it doesn't matter whether you're too sleepy or too nervous; either way, schizandra will redirect you from an extreme to an ideal, balanced state.

Schizandra chinensis is a creeping vine that is native to China. The plant bears small red berries from which the herbal extract schizandra is produced.

According to Off the Shelf Natural Health by Mark Mayell, the herb is widely used there to promote mental function, strengthen the sex organs, balance the immune system and even beautify the skin.

In Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer, Donald R. Yance Jr. lists many of schizandra's uses, which include increasing mental and physical exercise capacities as well as improving adaptability to allergenic chemicals, and other environmental stressors. Yance points out that, unlike caffeine, schizandra stimulates the central nervous system and provides a mental boost without creating an excitatory effect.

Active Ingredients

The active ingredients in schizandra include substances called schizandrins, as well as vitamins C and E. Schizandrins act as a tonic for the liver, the lungs and the kidneys. It also balances the immunesystem, normalises the function of the nervous system and aids in digestion. Schizandra also has antioxidant, antibacterial and antidepressant properties.

Indication for Use

It has a very positive impact on respiratory tract disorders, allergies and infections, such as sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergies and recurrent coughs and colds.

In Oriental Medicine, schizandra is generally recommended for disorders of the liver, the lungs andthe kidneys, and as an aphrodisiac and tonic.

As deep immune system activator, this herb is very useful in conditions of immune system depletion, such as chronic infections, various cancers, and chronic fatigue and debilitation.

In Russia, schizandra is a registered medicine for vision problems since the herb has been found to prevent eye fatigue and increase visual activity.

As a potent herbal antioxidant, it protects the cells from environmental toxins and pollution, either on its own or in synergy with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene.

It appears to increase the reoxygenation of the blood in conditions of oxygen depletion or hypoxia and supports the body's ability to cope with both physical and mental stress.

It assists in the body's detoxification process after its exposure to alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs. It is a general tonic and support substance for the body's natural defence system in the healthy individual.

Administration and Dosage

Schizandra is available in tablet form. The formulation I have used myself and recommend to my patients is a tablet called Schizandra Plus. In addition to high-quality schizandra extract, it also contains additional vitamins A, C, E and selenium (the ACES) and the dosage for adults varies from three to nine tablets daily.

Infants and children with recurring colds, allergies, asthma and sinus problems respond well to one to three tablets daily dissolved in fresh fruit juice. This is particularly effective when combined with a diet free of dairy, sugar and junk foods.

Research has shown that schizandra is not toxic, and it has been safely used for thousands of years by millions of people around the world. It has worked wonders on many of my patients.