Schizandra – Regenerate
Schizandra – Regenerate
Referred to as “The Five Flavor Berry” (Wu Wei Zi), this unique longevity Chinese herb has the ability to activate all the 5 flavors of the tongue (sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and salty). It is a beauty-enhancing herb that promotes vigor and alertness, purifies the blood, rejuvenates kidneys, develops spiritual awareness, premier mind tonic for memory and improved focus, protects, detoxifies and regenerates the liver. Schizandra berry also helps reproductive health, has strong antioxidants, suppresses cough, regulates intestinal flora, helps restore proper water balance to cells, strengthens adrenal glands, tonifies the lungs and heart, is a premier adaptogen (increases the body and minds’ ability to cope with stress), regulates and balances the central nervous system, improves vision, hearing and breathing. It has been used with success in China to fight hepatitis. It has been used for increasing attention, concentration, coordination, endurance, and strength in Russia.
Considered a “go-to” herb for conditions of nervous exhaustion or chronic fatigue syndrome and can be used as a neuroprotective to restabilize and stimulate the nervous system without being excitatory in its effects like caffeine. Coffee enema’s have been known to increase the liver’s production of the master antioxidant glutathione peroxidase, but Schizandra has the same powerful capability if taken orally, as well as increasing digestive enzymes, and enzymatic metabolism of liver toxins such as Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase, providing powerful free-radical scavenging capabilities.
Research has shown that its adaptogenic properties have the ability to help stabilize nitric oxide and cortisol levels for increased athletic performance efficiency. It has been compared to milk thistle as a competitor in its ability to be hepatoprotective (protect and repair the liver). Contains Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, C, Calcium, Selenium, Silicon, Zinc and Saponins. Schizandra berry is the best known source of tin, which works synergistically with iodine, and supports the function of the adrenal glands.
Animal studies has shown it’s effectiveness to protect against cerebral stroke when combined with ginseng root and another herb. It can help adjust the HPA axis response to stress, and has long been used for “tranquilizing the mind” as a natural coping mechanism for anxiety. It’s varied lignans show promise to aid with neurodegenerative diseases, as its polysaccharides have been shown to reduce beta-amyloid deposition in the brain (a key biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease). The berry can improve both the quality and quantity of sleep and upregulates the expression of GABA (calming neurotransmitter) in the brain. Its pigmentation is based upon a 5-chain xylitol sugar in addition to the very rare red cyanidin. One of the most balanced single foods in the plant kingdom; and will last for days at room temperature in a bottle without spoiling. As is if couldn’t get any better…. Schizandra is a potent source of Shikimic acid or Shikimate which possesses cancer fighting, antiviral, antimicrobial, anticoagulant and antithrombotic properties. It is known now that this same Shikimic acid is a vital part of the Shikamic pathway which is comprised of a seven-step metabolic route used by bacteria (in our gut microbiome) fungi, algae, parasites, and plants for the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan) that then help produce our sense of color, taste and smell.