Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), also called schizandra, magnolia berry, or Wǔ Wèi Zi, or five-flavor fruit, is a powerful botanical ally to add to your personal Materia medica. In this monograph, we will uncover the botany, history, and uses of this plant, along with a recipe to help you work with this plant.
Schisandra Taxonomy
Schisandra is part of the Schisandraceae plant family. Its name comes from the Greek words “schisis ” which means “a splitting” and andros, which translates to “man”. “Splitting man” refers to the separated anther cells on the plant’s stamens (the male reproductive organ).
The Schisandraceae family contains 92 known species from 3 different genera: Illicium* (star anise), Schisandra, and Kadsura. Within the Schisandra genus, there are about 25 species of schisandra, with Schisandra chinensis being the most commonly used in the US. Schisandra sphenanthera is another species that is used interchangeably in Chinese Medicine traditions, but isn’t as commonly found here. While most all Schisandra is native to Asia, there is one species, Schisandra glabra, that is native to the southeastern United States. However, it is a rare and threatened species and therefore not recommended to harvest. For the sake of clarity, we will be talking about Schisandra chinensis for the rest of this article, as it is the most common and the one that I have the most experience with.
Fun fact: Illicium used to be in its own family, Illiciaceae. In 2009, that family name was officially discontinued and reclassified under the Schisandraceae family. As a result, some folks, especially those who have been in the field of botany before that change was made, may not count it as being in this family. For the sake of this article, we do include it.
Schisandra Growing Conditions
Schisandra berries generally grow in wild, lush, and mountainous regions. It prefers cool climates and high latitudes, and can survive very cold winters. As a forest-dwelling plant, it thrives best in partial shade and requires fertile, humus-rich soil that drains well.
It is deciduous and grows from woody vines that grow up to 30 feet tall. They twist and climb their way up trees towards the suncan , which can make it a challenging berry to collect!
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Benefits of Schisandra
Stress Support: As an adaptogenic herb, schisandra can help regulate the nervous system without sedating affects. In Chinese folklore, schisandra is knowns to calm the heart and quiet the spirit.
Energy and Stamina: Can help increase energy, focus, and stamina, without over-stimulation. I like to think that it shaves off the
Cleansing liver support:
Astringent:
Antioxidant:
Deb Soule of Avena Botanicals explains this plant really beautifully: “Schisandra holds the heart steady so one’s inner light can truly shine.”
Energetics of Schisandra
I find the energetics of this specific plant to be a bit difficult to explain. To me, I feel slightly more on the drying and warming side. However, some other herbalists have different opinions on that. It could be that depending on how it’s working in your unique body, its effects can feel different.
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What Parts of Schisandra Can Be Used?
In the United States, we mostly work with the berries for their wellness-supporting qualities, though in places where it grows, the young leaves are often eaten or made into teas.
Tips for Sourcing Schisandra
Mountain Rose Herbs sources organic certified Schisandra berries from its native lands in China. Each lot is carefully tested to ensure quality and purity, and if it does not meet our quality standards, we reject the material and it never makes it to your wellness cabinet or store shelves. Over the years, we have rejected several lots that contained pesticide residue, which is to say that this is one that you want to source certified organic and from a company you trust.
How to Use Schisandra Berries
Schisandra is taken internally and most commonly made into teas, tinctures, syrups, glycerites, vinegars.
Five Flavor Mocktail with Schisandra
Schisandra berries are known for having sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami falvors all in one berry. This makes it an exceptional ingredient to use in mocktails. The tricky part of getting mocktails to taste complex and not just like natural sodas is adding ingredients with complexity and bite.
Makes about 8 ounces of infused oil. *Measurements are by weight
Schisandra Berry Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup organic schidandra berries
- 1 cup filtered water
- 3/4 cup organic sugar
Directions
- Using a blender or coffee grinder, grind herb into coarse powder.
- Transfer ground herbs into air tight jar with lid.
- Pour alcohol into jar with ground herbs.
- Put lid on and shake to disperse the alcohol through herb material—it should look and feel like damp sand.
- Set aside for at least 24 hours to allow the herbs to macerate in alcohol.
- Put damp herb material into a standing blender.
- Add approximately 8 oz. of carrier oil. Add more as necessary to cover well and ensure herbs are moving around in blender.
- Blend until blender jar is warm to the touch, about 5 minutes.
- Strain using fine muslin of cheesecloth to remove small particulates.
- Oil should keep a year or more when stored in cool, dark, dry place.
Five Flavor Mocktail
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup organic schidandra berries
- 1 cup filtered water
- 3/4 cup organic sugar
Directions
- Using a blender or coffee grinder, grind herb into coarse powder.
- Transfer ground herbs into air tight jar with lid.
- Pour alcohol into jar with ground herbs.
- Put lid on and shake to disperse the alcohol through herb material—it should look and feel like damp sand.
- Set aside for at least 24 hours to allow the herbs to macerate in alcohol.
- Put damp herb material into a standing blender.
- Add approximately 8 oz. of carrier oil. Add more as necessary to cover well and ensure herbs are moving around in blender.
- Blend until blender jar is warm to the touch, about 5 minutes.
- Strain using fine muslin of cheesecloth to remove small particulates.
- Oil should keep a year or more when stored in cool, dark, dry place.
Pro tip: You can also make this herbal oil into a salve! Learn how here!
Precautions for Schisandra Berries
Do not use when nursing or if you have stomach ulcers or high stomach acid. As with all herbal products, we recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
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Check Out This Herbal Preparations Guide
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*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. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. For educational purposes only.