Schizandra / Liver Functioning / Stress

Herb Of The Week / Schizandra / Liver Functioning / Stress

Herb Of The Week / Schizandra (Schizandra frutus, chinensis),


Schizandra is a woody vine with numerous clusters of tiny, bright red
berries. It is found throughout northern and northeast China and the
adjacent regions of Russia and Korea. The fully ripe, sun-dried fruit
is used medicinally. The common name Schizandra includes the species
Schisandra fructus, which is used interchangeably with Schisandra
chinensis.


In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Schizandra is listed among
China's most important herbs. Chinese herbal medicine described
Schizandra as a high-grade herbal drug useful for a wide variety of
medical conditions including coughs, night sweats, insomnia, thirst,
and physical exhaustion. Schizandra Berry helps the body adapt to
stress and nourishes the nervous system. Until recently, this herb
was highly coveted by the wealthy, and a favorite among the Chinese
emperors, as it was rare and relatively expensive.


Schizandra fruits or berries contain various lignans, mainly
schizandrins, these lignans have been found to prevent liver damage,
stimulate liver repair, and stimulate normal liver functioning. These
properties appear to be related to the various antioxidant abilities
of the various schizandrins. Schizandra also helps in digestion,
regulating gastric acid release. Other studies have shown that
extracts of schizandra are stimulating to the central nervous system
and are cholinergic (Good for the brain synapses). There have been
numerous reports on schizandra's ability to quicken reflexes, increase
work efficiency, control anger and combat neurasthenias (headaches,
insomnia, dizziness, palpitations). Other reports have mentioned
increased cognitive function and increased memory. A recent study
concluded that schizandra might be a useful herb to reverse
depression, particularly that due to adrenergic exhaustion. Recent
research studies have indicated that schizandra has numerous
biological activities, including: anti-bacterial, mild stimulant,
liver protective, anti-depressant, antioxidant, adaptogen and cardiac
tonic.


Because of its properties associated with liver repair, restoration
and stimulation, schizandra works best when combined with other herbs
useful to liver functioning, such as MILK THISTLE, ARTICHOKE and
DANDELION ROOT.


Schizandra is also a registered medicine in Russia for vision problems
since the herb has been found to prevent eye fatigue and increase
acuity.


But..... Why take my word for it? IT'S YOUR HEALTH.


You can research anything mentioned on this site yourself. Some good
search engines are www.mamma.com or www.google.com. or www.dogpile.com
or www.askjeeves.com ...etc. Enter one or more keywords and do your
own research.


Until next time remember .... most illness (upwards of 80% according
to experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that can
weaken your immune system and your ability to fight off disease:

1. Anxiety, depression, anger, guilt and other STRESS factors
2. Improper and/or inadequate NUTRITION habits
3. A sedentary lifestyle that does not include enough EXERCISE
4. Not enough rest and quality SLEEP time

The United States Surgeon General warned Americans in a landmark 1988
report on Nutrition and Health that "diet related diseases account for
68% of U.S. deaths"

Remember, we ALWAYS recommend that you ALWAYS consult a professional
herbalist, naturopathologist or physician. We are just passing along
what we hope to be useful information.

Until next time,
Quinnten, Editor