Schisandra Chinensis Plant Benefits, Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Schisandra chinensis is a flowering vine which grows in Northern China and parts of Russia in the Far East. The berries of the deciduous plant, whose Chinese name literally translates into “five flavor berry,” are used as folk medicinals.

Whether dried and eaten or brewed into a tea, Schisandra has been prescribed for ailments involving lungs kidneys, body temperature, and full-body energy, also known as qi.

In recent years, holistic medicine communities have adopted the herb for its use an adaptogen, cognitive enhancer, and mood lifter. Sold commercially as Schizandrol-A, the herb is known to increase dopamine levels. It is often paired with nootropic supplements which heighten focus and memory, adding an energetic motivational component to those remedies.

Schisandra

Herbal Supplement

Stress

Attention

Energy

How It Works:

• Adaptogen used for mood & anxiety
• Promotes concentration, attention & cognitive function
• Supports energy, immunity & sleep

Dosage:

1.5 g per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Schisandra Chinensis Effects

The Schisandra Chinensis plant is thought to have powerful immunity boosting properties.

It contains the lignans schizandrin and gomisin A, which stimulate proteins and hormones relating to humoral immunity.

This is the component of the body’s immune system which is fueled by secreted proteins found in extracellular fluids.

Schisandra is also known to spur the release of dopamine and help the body maintain proper levels of the important neurotransmitter.

Dopamine is responsible for generating emotions such as drive, ambition, and the reward for action positive feedback circuit. It is largely what creates the perception of mental energy and motor coordination. When dopamine levels are low, motivation drops and mental lethargy, or brain fog, sets in.

Schisandra also restricts the amount of cortisol in the brain. This hormone is released in response to stress factors.

The body uses it to create heightened alert status in the central nervous system and circulatory system. Schisandra prevents an excess of cortisol, fighting high blood pressure and rapid heartbeat.

Schisandra chinensis Benefits

Taken as a cognitive enhancement supplement, Schisandra chinensis can immediately increase mental focus and heighten the sense of concentration. It adds to a perception of mental acuity and sharp thoughts.

In fact, many people take some form of Schisandra instead of caffeine beverages to provide energy throughout a day’s activities.

Schisandra fights both depression and anxiety. It can ease the intensity of panic attacks, while providing the stability of a strong attention span.

It can treat ADD and ADHD by helping users make sense of chaotic thoughts.

The herb does provide metabolism boosts, but without associated blood pressure increases. For this reason, it’s often used in exercise programs as an aid for weight loss and mental coordination. Furthermore, by reducing cortisol spikes it can prevent the body from storing excess fat.

Finally, Schisandra supplements are often suggested to increase libido and enhance sexual performance. It has been used as a folk aphrodisiac for thousands of years.

Schisandra Chinensis Extract Dosages

For countless centuries, the Schisandra chinensis plant was prescribed as a part of combo herbal therapies by traditional Chinese doctors.

In these cases, the exact dosages of the herb were not known. Today, Schizandrol-A pills are generally offered with suggested dosages in the 100 mg – 400 mg range per day.

The herb is considered a stimulant, and should be taken earlier in the day if possible to avoid sleep interruption. While larger doses are not recommended, many people amplify the effects of the herb by combining it in nootropic stacks.

The dopaminergic effects of the herb are thought to complement supplements which boost cognition via other neurotransmitters.

For example, cholinergic supplements increase the brain’s amount of and sensitivity to acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter increases focus and concentration while prompting healthy synaptogenesis.

A Schisandra dosage will build upon these effects by adding a highly energetic feeling of motivation and drive. The combined result is a pleasant blend of heightened cognition and increased mental energy.

Schisandra Chinensis Side Effects

The herb Schisandra Chinensis has been largely free of serious side effects for most users throughout its history. However, it is a stimulant, and should be treated as such when considering dosage and timing.

The herb is potentially harmful to pregnant women, as it may cause premature contractions. It is also inappropriate for people with epilepsy, or any condition which generates high sensitivity to stimulants.

It should not be combined with prescription amphetamines such as Adderall, as the combo may cause rapid heart rate and other circulatory issues. It is also inappropriate for people with existing liver conditions. Other than these restrictions, the herb is widely considered safe and is sold without a prescription.

Schisandra Chinensis Review

Schisandra Chinensis is a plant remedy that has factored heavily in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In fact, it is considered one of the 50 essential herbs in that tradition.

By boosting dopamine and limiting cortisol, the herb creates a feeling of natural mental energy and heightened focus. It is a good therapy for anxiety, depression, or ADHD. It also combines harmoniously with nootropic supplements which increase cognition.

The herb has been used safely for thousands of years, and can provide excellent benefits within the context of modern mental health boosters.

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