Schizandra Berries

Schizandra is used in Western herbal medicine as a tonic for the liver.

Chinese Medicine Indications:

Contains the leakage of lung Qi, stops coughing.  For chronic cough and wheezing due to lung deficiency or patterns of lung and kidney deficiency.  It inhibits the leakage of lung Qi above, enriching the kidney yin below.  Important and effective for chronic coughs.

Tonifies the kidneys, binds up essence, stops diarrhea.  For nocturnal emission, spermatorrhea, urinary frequency due to kidney deficiency.  Also for daybreak diarrhea due to spleen and kidney deficiency.

Inhibits sweating, generates fluids.  For excessive sweating especially when thirst and dry throat present.

Quiets the spirit, calms the heart.  For irritability, palpitations, dream disturbed sleep, insomnia due to injury to the blood and yin of the heart and kidneys.

Recently used for allergic skin disorders and to improve liver function in patients with hepatitis.