Schizandra is completely magical and unique because it is the only thing I know of that actually contains all five flavors. Now this is important to note because in Chinese Medicine each flavor corresponds to an element, which corresponds to an organ system. Five flavors, five elements, and five major organ systems. So we can say that since Schizandra contains all five flavors, it affects all five organs. This also means that Schizandra directly affects all twelve meridians and why we can say that Schizandra does it all.
Now that we understand what makes this herb so unique and special, let’s take a look at each of the five elements and see how Schizandra influences that element and that organ system.
Cordyceps sinensis is considered a medicinal mushroom that increases energy, stimulates the immune system, and acts as an overall tonic to the body. It is one of the more famous Chinese herbs, but has only gained attention in the West over the last few decades.
Organ: Spleen
Element: Earth
Connection: The spleen is responsible for the intake, processing and shipping out of food and fluids of the body. It is the organ that is responsible for taking food qi, which is the highest revered qi by Traditional Chinese Medicine, and making it useful to our bodies. The spleen is also responsible for the manufacturing of blood and its retention its vessels. In a similar light, the Earth element is associated with nourishment, as well as staying grounded and connected.
Schizandra and its sweet element tucked away so seductively in its skin provides to “astringe jing.” As the spleen also governs gastro-intestinal fluids, and it is the epicenter of generating qi, blood and other bodily fluids, schizandra is often used in many blood building and moving formulas. The spleen and schizandra are a perfect pilot and co-pilot in sending nutrients through your heart, out to the four limbs and to the rest of your body.
Flavor: Pungent (found in seed)
Organ: Lung
Element: Metal
Connection: The lungs, otherwise known as the canopy of the organs, are the control tower of qi. The ability to effectively translate air qi helps to disperse it throughout your whole body. Metal is the element of retreat and withdrawal, inducing the reputation of refinement and self-esteem. The lungs are directly connected to the skin and hair, as they are outward indicators of the flow of oxygen throughout your system. Nourishing one affects the other and vice versa. Schizandra has been used for centuries as a skin and beauty tonic, helping oxygen and moisture circulate through your cells. This lung astringent quality can not only be witnessed through a deeper inhale, but also in the movement of oxygen through your cells, making its way out to more radiant hair and skin overtime.
Flavor: Salty (throughout whole fruit)
Organ: Kidney
Element: Water
Connection: The kidneys are the root and reservoir of all the body’s energy and qi. Strong and healthy kidney function lead to a healthy and long life. All fluids pass through the kidneys, and as schizandra is both an astringent and a demulcent, it helps to balance these fluids, taking stress off of the kidneys. The kidneys are the treasure chests of jing, and are responsible for dispersion of jing. Water is the element of collective intelligence and DNA, as it is associated with the will to sustain our bodies, sexual vigor and tenacity of the mind. This all easily connects with the kidneys and jing. Jing, being the essence of life, is known to be lost through ejaculation for men. Schizandra helps to build water qi in the kidneys, helping to sustain sexual endurance in men, build fluids and sensitivity in women and create abundantly more sexual energy for both parties. This is also supplemental to schizandra being a powerful herbal aphrodisiac.
Flavor: Sour (found in skin)
Organ: Liver
Element: Wood
Connection: The liver is responsible for preventing the stagnation of qi throughout your internal organs and meridians. Wood is the element of growth, change and expansion, initiating movement with the will to create and procreate. The liver governs creative energy, as harboring anger and stress will counteract and desecrate the liver. Schizandra helps to protect you from stress on both the internal systems and emotional forefront. Schizandra is also known for its liver cleansing properties, containing various lignans that help to prevent liver damage, stimulate liver repair and enact normal liver function. Liver energy is stored in the genital organs, and schizandra is not only a powerful liver antioxidant, but also used avidly as a sexual tonic.
Flavor: Bitter (found in seed)
Organ: Heart
Element: Fire
Connection: The heart is the residence of Shen, which is one of the three treasures, and the spiritual aspect of a human being. In other words, it harbors the mind within your heart, as it does your heart within your mind. The yin within the yang. The yang within the yin. Finding fluid and full control of your heart creates compassion and patience. The heart is viewed as the organizing principle of your being, as Shen helps to direct qi throughout our physical, mental and emotional states of being. Shen can be seen through the quality of our thoughts and the function of our minds. Just as schizandra has been seen to have a normalizing effect on the cardiovascular system and blood pressure, mental function has been seen to achieve similar attributes. Schizandra has been taken for mental clarity and agility, shown to improve concentration and induce a wakeful focus without the stimulant effects. As the element of fire helps to bring your being into full-expansion through love and compassion, schizandra has the same effects on Shen.
Prolongevity
Balancing adaptogen
Optimizes beauty and skin
Sharpens mind and improves coordination and memory
Improves sexual function, endurance and performance
Tonifies the kidney and liver
Rejuvenates and restores respiratory functionality, power and circulation
Purifies blood
Powerful cleansing and detoxification properties
Contains all 5 tastes, 5 elements, 12 meridians and 3 treasures
Historically renowned and exalted as a youth tonic
Schizandra Berry is hands down one of the most exciting herbs I have had the honor of introducing. As I mull over where to start, the answer is anywhere- there is not much this herb does not do or offer. Named by the Chinese, “Wu Wei Zi”, directly translated as “Five Taste Fruit,” Schizandra not only embodies all five tastes, sour, bitter, sweet, pungent and salty, but in the same respect, resonates with all five elements, while infiltrating all twelve meridians and offering its gifts from all three treasures, Jing, Qi and Shen. Staying true to its form, Schizandra integrates with the human body in the same light, scoring ten’s across the board. You name it, Schizandra helps it, and ranking as one of the most renowned adaptogens on the planet, its primary focus is balance, as there is no limit to the amount or frequency of intake. In fact, the best way to get the most out of your Schizandra, or any adaptogen for that matter, is maintaining intake for prolonged time periods, as “homeostasis” is Schizandra’s ultimate long-term goal for you.
Revered since as early as 2000 B.C. in ancient Chinese history as a quintessential herbal substance, Schizandra Berry has not only been used regularly by Chinese royalty, but has ranked highly in many herbal honors. Throughout history, its primary uses have been focused around beauty and sex, pictured in ancient art as a symbol of longevity and immortality.
Benefits!
Exalted as one of the most powerful “youth tonics” of all time, Schizandra has held true to its reputation, rejuvenating skin, helping to maintain its moisture while also protecting it from outside stressors. With usage overtime, it has also been proven to reduce and protect from wrinkles. The powerful astringent properties of Schizandra Berry places it right on top of the line, ahead of all natural or expensive beauty care products- and its pretty much the most delicious and dynamic tasting herb known to existence. To address the sex end of the herb lightly (and I mean very lightly), Schizandra enhances drive in both men and women, for men improving sexual function and endurance, and in woman, increasing water qi from the kidney (and other areas) while counter-acting vaginal discharge. As Schizandra also has been said to be a powerful aphrodisiac, this herb may optimize your love life beyond explored territory.
Inside and Out Reaching beyond the surface, Schizandra berry dives deep into your system, circulating its goodness throughout your entire body and working systems (literally). It strengthens your respiratory system and purifies your blood, as it increases circulation. Schizandra opens up the airways, allowing all this purified blood and oxygen travel throughout each of your organs, even reaching those dark and dusty corners that got sore after your neglected them for so many years. Naturally, this increased oxygen flow runs straight into your brain, making Schizandra an extremely effective mind tonic. this herb increases alertness without a stimulant effect- a wakeful focus. While also known to have a calming effect, you can have the best of both worlds. As though it wasn’t working hard enough, Schizandra is also a tenacious anti-oxidant, with cleansing properties ranking with Reishi. Your liver will thank you. Among its other unmentioned amazing qualities are balancing your nervous system, refining coordination, improving memory, enhancing vision, increasing sensitivity and strengthening endurance.
Supplement Facts:
Ingredients: Certified USDA Organic Schizandra Extract
Concentration: 20:1
Other Ingredients: None
Container Size: 1.8 oz. 50 grams
Directions: Add 1/4 – 1 teaspoon to 8 oz of hot water.
The information on this website is not intended to replace the advice of your health practitioner. If you believe you are experiencing a medical or health problem please seek the assistance of a qualified health professional.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.