Schizandra has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its Chinese name, Wu Wei Zi, means five-flavored fruit and it is said to be a perfect balance of the five flavours: sour, bitter, sweet, salty, and pungent. The berries, whether in tea or eaten raw or dried are refreshingly tart and fruity.

In TCM, Schisandra is said to have warming properties and to act on the heart, lung, and kidney channels. The berry has been used to treat liver conditions, and stomach disorders, and as a tonic to improve vitality. It can be found in a number of formulas for fatigue and longevity.

Today, Schisandra is used as an adaptogen, a tonic for the liver and the nervous system, and a longevity tonic. It promotes overall energy, vitality, physical performance, and endurance. As an adaptogen, it supports the body’s resilience to stress. Stress triggers the release of cortisol and studies suggest Schisandra may help regulate cortisol levels, promoting a calmer state of mind and overall better stress resistance.

Schisandra berry is high in phytochemicals called lignans and contains at least 30 different kinds. Lignans have liver-protective action and may support proper liver detoxification. As the body's largest detoxification organ, a healthy liver is essential for overall health.

Schisandra has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is use to promote healthy aging of the skin. Research suggests it may help retain moisture and elasticity, potentially reducing the appearance of fine lines.

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