Schisandra is a traditional Chinese medicine. It’s now used throughout the world as an anxiety remedy.
A red berry that grows on a vine, in northern China, as well as in Russia, it’s considered an adaptogen.
This means that it helps mitigate the effects of physical and emotional stress. It also has wide-ranging health benefits. If you take it to alleviate one condition, it will likely help something else.
For instance, this fruit contains strong natural anti-inflammatory compounds. So, someone with arthritis might take schisandra berry powder to relieve pain. In addition, they may notice this supplement gives them more energy. One of its traditional uses is to increase vitality.
Because this berry has a calming and soothing effect on the nervous system, they may also see an improvement in their sleep quality.
Schisandra has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. Scientifically it is known as Schisandra chinensis. The Chinese call it wu-wei-zi.
This herbal remedy is a good overall health tonic. Adaptogens such as schisandra, by their very nature, support the immune system. Most adaptogens are known to contain potent cancer-fighting compounds.
If you’re dealing with excess stress, some holistic health experts believe it’s a good idea to take various adaptogens to protect your health. Chronic low-level anxiety depresses the immune response.
Like many other superfoods, this one received a boost by celebrity health expert Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD. Schisandra was featured on one segment of his televised show, and touted as a good anti-aging and memory-boosting supplement.
Schisandra for Anxiety
Herbalists have long recommended schisandra to mitigate the effects of stress. I’m not someone who needs to see a scientific study, if I know something has a long track record of use for a specific reason.
I tend to trust the collective wisdom of holistic healers, when it comes to herbal remedies.
But I realize many of my readers do want to see studies. I totally understand. Plus, if I cite them it gives my article more credibility.
Most modern studies are drug-oriented. Only a little research has been done on the specific effects of schisandra and anxiety. But what we do have shows a positive correlation between this sour-tasting berry and stress reduction.
One study that ran in the October 2011 journal of Phytomedicine noted that schisandra historically been used as a natural sedative. It found that schisandra extract reduced certain stress markers in mice.
Since schisandra is native to China, much of the worldwide stocks of this berry are harvested in Asia. However, due to safety concerns over some Chinese supplements, it’s now possible to obtain American-grown berry powder.
A couple of companies now sell USDA-certified organic schisandra powder, including Lucidera. This company describes itself as the “world leader” in 100 percent organic schisandra products.
The pure schisandra powder shown here can be added to smoothies to make a delicious healthy drink. Scientists who’ve studied schisandra believe some of its health benefits derive from a group of compounds known as “lignans.” This red berry has a number of different types of lignans, which protect the liver and can even help regenerate disease tissue, according to the online health resource Alt.MD.
Organic Schisandra Berry Powder
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Adaptogenic Herbs for Stress
Part of the reason adaptogens are so helpful when you’re stressed is because they contain nutrients you need to stay healthy.
Because I’ve suffered from stress-related adrenal fatigue, I’m well acquainted with various adaptogens. I am so thankful that God has given us these healing remedies, and has also made it so easy to access medicinal plants from all over the world.
Even though we’re living in extremely stressful times, this is balanced by all of the amazing superfoods, such as schisandra.
As an anti-anxiety remedy, it doesn’t have the same side effects associated with pharmaceuticals. One popular sleep aid known as Ambien is often prescribed for insomnia However, some of the side effects of this drug are unpleasant. They can include daytime fatigue, coordination problems, nausea, diarrhea and headache.
More serious conditions can also result, including chest pain and an irregular heartbeat.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils, unless under the direction of a healthcare professional.
I’m not a healthcare professional, so all of the above statements are my personal opinion, and are not intended as medical advice.
For Additional Reading
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Schisandra Extract and Anxiety
