8 Powerful Ways Schizandra Benefits Your Body
There’s a whole lot more to Schizandra berries than your average beauty or health drink. Here are 8 diverse schizandra benefits for your body!
For years, men and women in China have relied on the Schizandra berries to preserve their youth and beauty. Native to China and Japan, this fruit is also called wu wei zi, which means the fruit of the five flavors. Indeed, bite into a Schizandra berry and you will be assailed by flavors such as sweet, salty, bitter, hot and sour! All rolled into one marvelous little berry!
Since the old ages, Chinese medical practitioners have recognized the diverse health benefits of Schizandra berries that put it on par with ginseng when it comes to offering vitality and numerous anti-aging benefits. These luscious-looking red berries are part of a rather attractive plant with very beautiful flowers. The Schizandra plant is a woody vine, a creeper that is very comfortable to climb walls and arbors. The vine can reach a length of 25 feet and grows best in moist but well-drained soil in partial shade.
The Schizandra berries have been put to numerous uses, be it as part of teas, juices or other health drinks. However, below the surface there’s a whole lot more to the Schizandra berries than your average beauty or health drink. Here’s a look at some of the diverse benefits it offers.
8 Powerful Schizandra Health Benefits
Schizandra berries are considered to be adaptogens, which means that they can help the body to come back to its normal state even during a stressful period. By doing this, it helps in increasing the body’s resistance to disease. It’s also believed that these berries stimulate the RNA and DNA molecules into rebuilding cells.
1. Protecting the liver
One of the primary uses of Schizandra berries in traditional Chinese medicine, has been to protect the liver and cure liver diseases. Schizandra berries increase the production of bile in the liver and also prevent liver cirrhosis into deteriorating into liver cancer. This marvelous berry is also believed to undo the damage caused by chronic hepatitis and it can also protect the liver from chemicals as well. Also interesting to note is that Schizandra berries contain lignin compounds that can lower the levels of GPT in the blood, high levels of which indicate hepatitis. This liver friendly berry also contains gomisin A, a constituent that prevents liver inflammation and supports the formation of healthy liver tissue after surgery.
2. Improved mental function
Schizandra berry stimulates the central nervous system giving your brain a renewed sense of focus. It has been used to help adults suffering from ADHD. Studies have shown that schizandra increases concentration and memory. It has the ability to promote mental functioning and increase work productivity. This berry is also believed to reverse the effects of depression.
3. Reducing fatigue
Schizandra berries have been used over the ages to help fight tiredness and fatigue. This natural pick me up works better than caffeine and helps improve your stamina and strength. It can demolish physical exhaustion and improve your general health.
4. Cosmetic uses
The Schizandra berry is well known for its cosmetic purposes because it helps people maintain youthful skin. With 100 days of use, your skin will be glowing and your energy will be greatly increased. Known as an anti-aging herb, it actually works to deactivate free radicals that attack liver cells. Free radicals damage cells throughout your entire body and therefore promote aging. It can be used as a tonic to enhance skin tone and elasticity.
5. As an aphrodisiac
Both men and women use the Schizandra berry as an aphrodisiac, to improve sexual experiences. In men particularly, it is believed to increase sexual stamina and endurance.
6. Mild sedative
For people suffering from insomnia, stress, dizziness and motion sickness, the Schizandra berry can soothe and induce sleep. Most anxiety related problems such as headaches, palpitations, and sweating can also be resolved with the help of these berries.
7. Better digestion
One of the good effects of increased flow of bile is that it ensures there is better digestion of fatty foods. Usage of Schizandra berries also ensures that most gastric problems are laid to rest.
8. Treating cardiovascular diseases
Schizandra berries contain phytoestrogens which is why they have been used to fight cardiovascular diseases successfully in women who have attained menopause.
Side effects
Schizandra berries are a uterine stimulant and therefore, should not be used by pregnant or nursing women. Also, those who suffer from stones in their kidneys or gall bladder, people suffering from peptic ulcer and high BP should avoid this berry as it can exacerbate their symptoms greatly.
Best Uses
Today, many different types of supplements offer the benefits of the Schizandra berry. However, you can also opt for the natural goodness of these berries directly. Dried Schizandra berries are available at most health food stores or online, and these can be steeped in hot water to make a very healthy tea, which can be flavored with lemon, honey or sugar. Schizandra berries are also made into nutritious and tasty juices.
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References:
http://www.naturalnews.com/009229.html
http://www.herbalist.com/wiki.details/159/category/8/
