Schisandra

(Schisandra chinensis)

Other Names:
Magnolia-vine, five-flavor-fruit, Chinese: Wu Wei Xi, Japanese: Gomishi, Korean: Omija, Russian: Limonnik

Range:

Family:
Family - name Family

Habitat:
Found in healthoofd stores or online

Parts Used:
Fruit, Stems

The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.

Energetics
Taste: All Tastes
Thermal: Warming
Humidity: Neutral

Medicinal Indications:
To restore vitality. To counter Lung weakness, repair Liver damage, and modulate the Immune system. Also works to tone and dry leaky mucus membranes.

Medicinal Conditions Treated:
Diarrhea, Epiphora, Incontinence, Leukorrhea, Rhinorrhea, Spermatorrhea.

Contra-Indications:
As there is a chance of uterine contractions, do not use Schisandra during pregnancy.¹

Possible Side Effects:
When taken by mouth: Schisandra is possibly safe when taken appropriately. It's been used safely for up to 12 weeks. It can cause heartburn, upset stomach, decreased appetite, and itching.¹

Possible Interactions:
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Schisandra might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.¹

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Schisandra might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications. ¹

Tacrolimus (Prograf) interacts with SCHISANDRA Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down tacrolimus. Taking schisandra with tacrolimus might increase the effects and side effects of tacrolimus. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this combination.¹

Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with SCHISANDRA Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Schisandra might increase the breakdown and decrease the effects of warfarin. Decreasing the effects of warfarin might increase the risk of clotting. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.¹

Midazolam interacts with SCHISANDRA Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down midazolam. Taking schisandra along with midazolam might increase the effects and side effects of midazolam.¹

Talinolol interacts with SCHISANDRA Schisandra might increase the amount of talinolol in the body. Taking schisandra while taking talinolol might increase the effects and side effects of talinolol.¹

Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-Glycoprotein Substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Schisandra might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.¹

Voriconazole (Vfend) interacts with SCHISANDRA Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down voriconazole. Taking schisandra with voriconazole might increase the effects and side effects of voriconazole.¹

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Schisandra might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.¹

Sirolimus (Rapamune) interacts with SCHISANDRA Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down sirolimus. Taking schisandra along with sirolimus might increase the effects and side effects of sirolimus. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are taking sirolimus.¹

Cyclophosphamide interacts with SCHISANDRA Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down cyclophosphamide. Taking schisandra with cyclophosphamide might increase the effects and side effects of cyclophosphamide.¹

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with SCHISANDRA Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down cyclosporine. Taking schisandra with cyclosporine might increase the effects and side effects of cyclosporine.¹

Medicinal Actions:
Adaptogen, Anticancer, Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent, Hepatic

Herbal Preparations For Plant

00 Capsules

Part Used: Fruit
Plant State: Dried
Capsules made from dried powdered fruit are used in the treatment of Diarrhea, Epiphora, Incontinence, Leukorrhea, Rhinorrhea, Spermatorrhea.
Dosage: 2 capsules three times daily.

Decoction

Part Used: Fruit
Plant State: Fresh or Dried
Place 2 ounces of fresh chopped, or 1 ounce of dried chopped, fruit into a pan. Add 1 quart of water, and bring to a boil. Continue to boil over medium heat, stirring periodically, until reduced by half. Cool the mixture, strain and drink.
Dosage: 2-4 oz up to three times daily

Tincture

Part Used: Fruit
Plant State: Dried
Alcohol Percentage: 50%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:5
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.

Place 150 grams of dried fruit into a quart mason jar. Now pour in 750 ml of 100 proof vodka, or 500 ml of 150 proof evercler and 250 ml of water. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 3ml three times daily

Referenes:
1. WebMD: Schisandra - Uses, Side Effects, and More. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-376/schisandra