The Best Schisandra: Shopping Guide and Recommendations (03/23)

Nature’s Answer Alcohol-Free Schisandra Berry, 1-Fluid Ounce

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18.03 GBP

Schisandra – Bulk Pack for 3 Months – Vegan – 90 Capsules – Wu Wei Zi

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16.68 GBP

Stress Aid Complex – Together Health – 5 Essential B Vitamins – Schisandra, Ashwagandha & Rhodiola – Ocean-Sourced Magnesium – Vegan Friendly – Made in The UK – 30 Vegecaps

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10.99 GBP

Simply Pure Organic Schisandra Capsules x 90, 500mg, 100% Natural Soil Association Certified, Gluten Free, GM Free and Vegan.

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21.00 GBP

Max Adaptogen 10 | Ayurvedic Herbs | Ashwagandha, Bacopa, Holy Basil, RhodioIa Rosea, Schisandra, Cordyceps, Gotu Kola, Siberian & Panax Ginseng, Astragalus (60 Capsule Pouch)

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15.99 GBP

Nature’s Root Organic Schisandra Powder 250g – Schisandra Berry | Daily Tonic | Gluten Free | Traditional Chinese Medicine | Certified Organic

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19.99 GBP

Buying and evaluation criteria for Schisandra

When buying Schisandra products, you can look at various aspects, such as:

Dosage form
Application
Concentration
Ingredients

By making the right choice for you, you can save money and also ensure that you don’t give your body anything it doesn’t need. Therefore, always look for high quality and, if necessary, ask to see the manufacturer’s certificates.

Dosage form

Schisandra is available in all kinds of different varieties. They can basically be distinguished by the form in which they are administered.

The most popular products are in capsule form.

Schisandra capsules contain a high concentration of the effective berry and are easy to use.

Dried berries are also very popular. They are the manufacturing basis for other products such as tea or powder. Fresh Schisandra berries, on the other hand, are only available seasonally and are therefore only sold at certain times of the year.

Application

Schisandra products can be consumed in many different ways. Depending on the type of product, the respective application may differ.

In principle, Schisandra can be eaten as a fresh berry. The freeze-dried variety can also be eaten pure or mixed with fruit or yoghurt. The dried berries can also be used to brew tea, which can then be drunk regularly.

Only the Schisandra capsules have to be swallowed daily with a little water. Those who have problems with this can switch to one of the other product variants without hesitation.

Concentration

Different product versions can have different effects. These are mainly dependent on the respective concentration of the Schisandra product.

The higher the concentration, the greater the desired effect.

Often the products have a concentration ratio of 10:1. 10 kilograms of fresh Schisandra berries are processed to produce 1 kilogram of the respective Schisandra product.

Ingredients

In order to obtain a product that is as pure and natural as possible, only the pure Schisandra berries should be processed. Due to a gentle manufacturing process, the vitamins contained are not destroyed and remain in the final product.

Unnecessary substances that do not have an improving influence on the effect of the Schisandra berries should therefore be avoided. Dyes and preservatives should therefore not necessarily be on the list of ingredients.

Guide: Frequently asked questions about Schisandra answered in detail

In order to inform you comprehensively about the effectiveness of Schisandra and to give you an understanding of the current state of science, we have summarised all the important information in the following sections.

What is Schisandra and how does it work?

Schisandra is a Chinese berry with an extraordinary taste, which has its origins in traditional Chinese medicine. () It combines the 5 basic flavours sour, sweet, salty, spicy and mild, which is why it is also known in China as “WuWeiZi” (i.e. “berry of the 5 tastes”).

Schisandra-1 — Schisandra berries look very similar to currants. However, their taste is very different from each other.
(Image source: allyj / pixabay)

The inexperienced gourmet will probably not be able to taste the flavours individually. Instead, one flavour becomes apparent, which is particularly often described as exotic. The berries look similar to currants and are harvested from September to October.

But it is not only their extraordinary taste that makes them special. Their therapeutic effect is also impressive. (6)

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

The Chinese berry can also have an anti-inflammatory effect. It can therefore be used, for example, for throat or pharyngitis, but also for inflammation of the intestines. (9)

Inflammations are caused by oxidative stress. This can be alleviated with the help of antioxidants, which are contained in the berry of the Schisandra plant. The lignans contained also have a positive influence on the course of inflammations. (4)

Increased performance

Taking Schisandra can improve mental performance. If the berry is ingested, this leads to improved attention and a faster comprehension.

Schisandra can influence memory and concentration.

It can also strengthen the memory, improve concentration and increase thinking ability. (1)

Unlike other performance-enhancing products, schisandra can also have a calming effect. But unlike many other products that achieve this effect, the effect is not accompanied by fatigue. Instead, the body appears more alert and further states of exhaustion are prevented. (2)

Protection against neurological and mental diseases

Schisandra can also have a positive influence on the course of mental and neurological diseases such as depression, schizophrenia, alcoholism and Alzheimer’s disease. Here, it has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system.

It can also help with sleep disorders, nightmares, stress-related heart palpitations and anxiety. Some studies have also concluded that schisandra can be used as a remedy for symptoms of burn-out. (3, 7)

Anti-cancer

Schisandra can also have a positive influence on the course of cancer. Various studies have already confirmed the tumour-inhibiting properties of Schisandra products. (8)

Schisandra can alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and also counteract the occurrence of cancer.

For this, medication containing 500-2000 milligrams of schizandra must be taken daily over a longer period of time. In some cases, the effect of Schisandra already appears after a few weeks. In other cases, it can take up to several months. This also depends on the respective state of health of the patient.

Against diabetes

A diet rich in schisandra can also improve the function of the pancreas. The berry stimulates insulin production, which is otherwise the main problem of diabetics.

In the course of a study, Schisandra was shown to reduce complications in diabetic animals. Whether the berry can have the same effect on the human body is still being researched. (8)

Against skin ageing

Schisandra is also considered an anti-ageing agent. By taking the products, the skin can retain moisture better. The skin texture improves permanently and looks firmer and softer.

The berry can also strengthen the lungs and purify the blood. These processes ensure better blood circulation to the skin, making it look healthy and clean.

Procreative ability

Schisandra can also influence fertility. One study showed an increase in testicular weight, sperm count and testosterone levels when the berry was taken.

Schisandra can have a desire-enhancing effect.

Schisandra also increased the motility of sperm in human semen. A man’s ability to conceive can thus be promoted by taking schisandra. (10) Schisandra can also increase the feeling of pleasure in women. Sensitivity and blood flow to the genitals are increased.

When and for whom is it useful to take Schisandra?

Schisandra is often used as a herbal remedy in homeopathic medicine. These alternative treatments are already supported by some studies. However, their exact effect is still being discussed and researched.

Not every doctor will therefore recommend taking Schisandra.

However, since the products have very few side effects and are based on predominantly natural ingredients, taking them for improved healing of the body is an additional treatment option.

Due to the active ingredients it contains, Schisandra can therefore be used to treat inflammation, neurological diseases or even menopausal symptoms.

Which parts of the plant are processed by Schisandra?

Depending on the product, different parts of the plant are processed. Most products are based on the processed berries of the plant. The berries are either eaten directly or dried and then sold as capsules or tea.

Some teas, however, do not process the berries but the leaves of the plant. These are also thoroughly washed and dried before being sold as tea.

What do Schisandra products cost?

The cost of Schisandra products varies according to the type of product. However, all available products are in a price range of 5 to 25 euros.

Type of product	Price range in euros	Quantity
berries	5 to 15	100 grams
dried berries	5 to 10	100 grams
tea	5 to 10	100 grams
powder	10 to 25 euros	100 grams
capsules	15 to 25	120 capsules

What types of Schisandra products are there?

Schisandra is an extraordinary plant that can be processed in different ways. The 5 most common types are presented below.

Type of product	Description
Berries	Schisandra berries are the fruits of the Schisandra plant and the starting product of the following products.
Dried berries	Dried berries are the berries of the Schisandra plant dried by a long process. The following products are processed from them.
Tea	To make Schisandra tea, the dried berries are brewed with hot water and the tea is left to steep for several hours. The leaves of the plant can also be processed into tea.
Powder	dried berries are ground into a powder and sold as highly concentrated schisandra powder.
Capsules	Highly concentrated schisandra is also found in the capsules. The substance is coated with a cellulose shell and can thus be swallowed easily.

What the different types of Schisandra products are all about is explained below.

Berries

The natural derivatives of the Schisandra chinensis plant are its berries. These can be harvested between September and October. They can be eaten straight from the bush without any problems.

However, since the fresh berries are only available seasonally, there are alternatives available all year round. For example, the berries can be processed into jelly, juice, syrup or powder.

Dried berries

Dried schisandra berries are particularly popular. 5 grams of the berries per day can easily be incorporated into various meals. However, the unusual flavour remains even when the berries are dried. To taste every nuance of the WuWeiZi, they should be chewed extensively.

In order to optimally develop the effect of the berries, the dried Schisandra fruit should be taken over a period of 3 to 6 months.

Tea

Tea from Schisandra can be made in 2 different ways.

The dried berries are the most commonly used. Fresh Schisandra berries are first dried sufficiently after harvesting. Then 1 to 2 teaspoons of the berries can be boiled with hot water. The resulting tea should be steeped for at least 12 hours to fully develop its taste and effect. Up to 3 cups of the tea can be drunk daily.

Schisandra-2 — The Schisandra berry is particularly popular as a tea. The taste of sweet, salty, sour, pungent and mild aroma is also retained here.
(Image source: K8 / unsplash)

But the leaves of the popular Chinese berry can also be made into a tea. To do this, the leaves are dried and then infused with hot water. For the tea to develop its full effect, it should steep for a few hours.

Powder

Schisandra powder is also made from the dried berries. About 3 grams of the powder should be taken daily, which corresponds to about one teaspoon. It can be mixed with juice or yoghurt, or added to fresh fruit.

Capsules

Schisandra berries are also available in capsule form. Each capsule contains about 400 mg of schisandra. Due to the relatively low concentration, a dose of 3 capsules daily should be observed for optimal effect.

The capsules can be swallowed with water. However, if you have problems swallowing tablets, you should rather choose the powder version.

How should Schisandra be dosed?

The dosage depends on the type of product. Depending on the product type, there is a different Schisandra concentration and should therefore also be dosed differently.

In the following table, we have shown you which daily consumption recommendation you should follow for the products.

Type of product	daily dose
berries	up to 15 grams
dried berries	5 grams
tea	up to 3 cups
powder	3 grams
capsules	3 capsules

What side effects can occur when taking Schisandra?

There are usually no side effects when taking Schisandra. The respective products usually consist mainly of the natural berry, which the human body can process without any problems.

However, side effects can occur in the following groups:

Pregnant women should refrain from taking it, as it can be associated with abortions.
Epileptics should also only take schisandra with the consent of a doctor.

Possible interactions with other medicines should also be discussed with a doctor in order to avoid consequential damage.

What alternatives are there to taking Schisandra?

Schisandra is a unique plant that stands out not only for its taste, but also for its therapeutic effects. However, there is no alternative that covers all the effects of Schisandra berries.

Various symptoms that can be alleviated with Schisandra can also be treated with other remedies.

Performance: Melissa, rosemary and camomile can have a memory-enhancing effect.
Anti-inflammatory: Fennel, garlic or quince can counteract inflammation. If you have a sore throat or pharyngitis, you can also gargle with chamomile or marshmallow.
Calming: Plants such as rosemary, peppermint, valerian or lemon balm can have a calming effect and also strengthen the nerves. Garlic, St. John’s wort or hawthorn can also have this effect.