Schisandra is also known as magnolia-vine, Chinese magnolia-vine, Schisandra, or its scientific name Schisandra chinensis. Schisandra plants are vigorously climbing perennials that can reach 30 feet with odoriferous pink or white flowers with clusters of bright red fruit that droop from the vine.

You might need Schisandra berries if . . . 

•  You’re fatigued
•  You are stressed
• You want to support your liver

Benefits of Schisandra 

• Helps promote a healthy stress response
• Improves mood
• Supports sexual health
• Supports healthy brain function

Common Ways to Use Schisandra

You can find schisandra in dried bulk, capsules, powders, extracts, oils, or tinctures.

🌿Try making herbal extractions like this calming fudge pops recipe! ← 🟩 DIYs, recipes, and more!

Growing and Foraging Information 

Schisandra is a hardy, deciduous vine native to Northeast Asia, thriving in well-drained slightly acidic soil. It will typically grow in woodland areas or along forest edges in regions where it’s native. The vine produces small bright red berries.

Safety Concerns 

Drug Interaction: If you have any health concerns or are taking any prescription medication, please consult with your healthcare provider before adding new herbs to your diet. On page 133 of the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, the only cautions they mention are that large doses can cause heartburn, interact with some medicines, and take only with professional advice if taking prescription medication.

Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: There is a theoretical risk that schisandra berries, when taken in large quantities, could cause uterine contractions.

Select Studies About Schisandra

Potential of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. in Human Health and Nutrition: A Review of Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Perspectives

S. chinensis, a plant from China, contains a variety of compounds with health benefits, including potential anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity effects. These compounds, such as lignans, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, have been shown to block cancer cell growth and help regulate blood sugar and fat metabolism. While promising in lab studies, more research is needed to fully understand its effects in the body and its potential as a natural treatment for various health issues.

Antidepressant-like effects and cognitive enhancement of Schisandra chinensis in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice and its related mechanism

The results are shown as averages with some variation. To compare the groups, a statistical test was used to see if there were any significant differences. If differences were found, another test helped figure out exactly where they were. For the Morris water maze trials, a different test was used. A result was considered important if it had a less than 5% chance of happening randomly. The analysis was done using SPSS software.