(780) 705-0450
Dr. Michelle Mackay Patel, ND
  • Home
  • About
    • Dr. Mackay Patel
    • Naturopathic Medicine
    • Services >
      • Naturopathic Treatments
      • IV Therapy
      • Injection Therapy
      • Prolotherapy
  • New Patients
  • FAQ
  • Contact

A Potent Berry for Liver Health: Schisandra chinensis

12/5/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
With its sweet, sour, salty, pungent, and bitter flavor profile, it's no surprise the Chinese call Schisandra chinensis "the five flavored fruit," or wu wei zi. Regarded as the most important herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the schisandra berry might more aptly be called the "fruit of life."

Schisandra belongs to a unique class of herbs known as adaptogens, which enhance the body's ability to adapt to, and recover from, stress. The source of the stress could be emotional, mental, environmental, or physical, such as when you become sick. In addition to supporting the body across physiological systems, it provides protective benefits for the liver, the body's engine for detoxification. Studies show schisandra reduces inflammation, keeps hormones in balance, helps regenerate liver tissue, and lowers levels of an enzyme associated with liver damage.
Traditional Chinese physicians have long used schisandra to:
  1. stimulate the immune system and support adrenal gland function
  2. enhance recovery from illness or surgery
  3. reduce inflammation and fatigue
  4. improve blood circulation and enhance detoxification
Dried schisandra berries can be made into powder, capsule, tincture, tonic, tea and even wine. Schisandra is safe for most people, but precautions must be used if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have epilepsy, or reflux disease. Your holistic practitioner can identify the type of schisandra supplement that is best for you.

References:
​Mars, Bridgitte & Fiedler, Chrystle. Home Reference Guide to Holistic Health & Healing. (Beverly, MA: Fair Winds Press. 2015.).
PinnacleHealth Patient Portal. "Schisandra chinensis; Schisandra spenanthera." Accessed on 28 Sep. 2017. http://www.pinnaclehealth.org/wellness-library/blog-and-staywell/health-resources/article/39879
Johnson, R.L., S. Foster, Low Dog, T. and Kiefer, D. "Milk Thistle" in National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs: The World's Most Effective Healing Plants. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic, 2012. p. 167-169.
Examine.com "Schisandra chinensis" Accessed 28 Sep 2017: https://examine.com/supplements/schisandra-chinensis/
Link to Clinical Citations for the above monograph: https://examine.com/supplements/schisandra-chinensis/#citations
MedicineHunter.com "Schisandra: Ultimate Superberry." http://www.medicinehunter.com/schisandra
Chang, J. and Xie, J. [Total synthesis of schizandrin, the main active ingredient isolated from the Chinese herbal medicine fructus schizandrae]. Yao Xue.Xue.Bao. 1998;33(6):424-428. View abstract.
Photo Credit: Geshas/bigstockphoto.com

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture


    I am an Edmonton, Alberta Naturopathic Doctor with a desire to help others, a passion for life, a heart for nature, and a curiosity to try new things!

    This blog is not intended to give specific medical advice. Always seek the recommendations of a qualified healthcare professional for your specific health needs.

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    September 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015

    Categories

    All
    Allergies
    Anxiety
    Botanical Medicine
    Brain
    Cold And Flu
    Dairy Free
    Detox
    Diabetes
    Digestion
    DIY
    Environmental Health
    Exercise
    Food Sensitivities
    Gluten Free
    Heart Health
    Immune System
    Lifestyle
    Mindfulness
    Naturopathic Medicine
    Nutrition
    Organic
    Pain
    Recipe
    Sleep
    Stress
    Vegan
    Vitamin
    Water
    Weight Loss
    Wellness
    Women's Health

Contact:

SMRT Health
14256 23 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T6R 3B9
P: (780) 705-0450

www.smrthealth.com
Tweets by @michellempnd
Photos used under Creative Commons from juliana swenson, Cabruta08, genphyslab, frankieleon, aqua.mech