Name
Schizandra, Chinese Magnolia Vine, Schizandrae Fructus, Shizandra, Wu Wei Tzu, Wu Wei Zi (Five-Flavor Seed)

Latin Name
Schizandra chinensis (Northern Schizandra), Schizandra sphenanthera (Southern Schizandra)

Origin
Found in Northeastern China and adjacent regions of Russia, Korea, Manchuria and Japan. Shizandra is a creeping, woody vine cultivated for its sour bright red berries.

Cultivated/Parts Used
Berries

History of Use
In ancient China, Shizandra was used as a staple food for hunting and gathering tribes. As a traditional medicinal herb, Shizandra, called Wu-wei-tsu in China, has been used as a restorative and tonic herb in the Far East and in Scandinavia, much like Ginseng.



Nutritional Breakdown
Calcium, Carbohydrates (71%), Cobalt, Fats, Fiber (7%), Iron, Lignin, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein (13%), Sodium, Vitamin C.

How it works
Confirming much of what the classical text on Chinese herbal medicine, the Shen Nung Pen Tsao Ching, says, modern Chinese research suggests that lignans, found in the seeds of Shizandra berries may help to regenerate liver tissue damaged by harmful influences like alcohol.

Contraindications/Interactions
Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

May potentiate anti-diabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs, and due to the cardio active chemicals in this herb, the following drug interactions are possible: interference and/or antagonism with anti-arrhythmics; antagonism of beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs; potentiation of cardiac glycosides and increased risk of hypokalemia; when combined with depolarizing muscle relaxants there is a risk of arrhythmia; interference with nitrates and calcium-channel blockers; may increase the potential terfenadine has to cause arrhythmias.
Due to the antihypertensive (hypotensive) action of this herb the following interactions are possible: when taken with anesthetics an increased hypotensive effect; potentiation of anti-hypertensives; when taken with diuretics difficulty with urination and hypertension may result; antagonism of sympathomimetics.

Possible adverse effects and/or overdose effects are rare but would include stomach upset, decreased appetite, urticaria (skin rash).

Instructions For Use/Dosages
Use 1- 2 Teaspoon or so of the berries brewed as a herbal tea, allowing to steep for at least 10 minutes before drinking. The berries can also be made as a decoction, simmering gently for 10 – 20 minutes using two cups of water per serving (half of the water will evaporate off), strain and allow to cool before drinking.

Alternatively soak the berries overnight and blend into a smoothie, fruit juice or muesli mix.