Schizandra Berry

Botanical Name: Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus

Latin: Schisandra sinensis

PinYin: Wu Wei Zi

Dried Schizandra Berries

Schizandra Berries

Schizandra is one of the most popular herbs used in Asia, where it is consumed by millions of people. Schizandra berries are called the “quintessence of tonic herbs” by Taoist masters. It is the only herb known to be perfectly Yin-Yang balanced, to contain all three Treasures (Jing, Qi and Shen), to nurture all five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water) and to enter all twelve energy channels (meridians) of the human body. Beyond that, Schizandra also circulates in the “extraordinary channels” and facilitates the three main “dan tian” (energy centers of the body). Schizandra promotes the beauty and functionality of the skin, benefits the mind (especially memory), benefits sexual functions in men and women, and detoxifies the liver without causing re-toxification when the toxins are eliminated from the body. It is a profound adaptogen and Shen tonic.

When you are using Schizandra, you want to be sure you are using the real herb. Many products sold in America are made with “Southern Schizandra” which comes from China, but is the wrong species of Schizandra and has very weak action. The Latin name of “Southern” Schizandra is Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils. You can see it looks similar so is easy to substitute on the market, especially to American companies that are not experienced in Di Tao herb selection.

Ron Collecting Schizandra Yanlin Wearing Schizandra Yanlin Feeding Ron Schizandra

Left: Ron in forest collecting Schizandra. Middle: Yanlin wears Schizandra diadem. Right: Yanlin feeds Schizandra berries to Ron

“Northern Schizandra” comes from Manchuria and is the only real Di Tao Schizandra. Unfortunately, many American companies don’t know the difference. Changbai Mountain is Di Tao for Schizandra. Wild Schizandra is the best. Dragon Herbs uses only wild Schizandra from Changbai Mountain in it products.

In Taoism, there is a period of practice known as the “foundation period.” This is the first 100 days of practice, which includes qi gong exercises, meditation, mind power exercises and the consumption tonic herbs. During the 100 day foundation period, it is traditional to consume Schizandra every day. You cannot miss a day or you have to start over. The results should include greater clarity, a stronger body, overt changes to your skin and hair, brightening of the eyes, and the laying of the permanent foundation of the Three Treasures, Jing, Qi and Shen.

Cleaning Schizandra Berries