Schisandra Tincture

Traditional Uses: Nootropic | Adaptogen | Tonifiy all Body Systems | Restores Vitality where Stress and Fatigue is Involved | Supports Endurance,  Clarity and Emotional Stability | 

Schisandra Tincture (Schisandra chinensis)

This remedy contains certified organic Schisandra chinensis berries in a base of purified water and sugarcane alcohol.  Dosage instructions are on the label.

Overview

Schisandra is revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Five-Flavour Berry, believed to tonify all major organ systems and restore vitality where stress, fatigue, and depletion have taken hold. Both stimulating and deeply nourishing, Schisandra supports endurance, clarity, liver resilience, and emotional stability. It is often used as an adaptogenic tonic for people who “run on reserve,” helping restore core vitality while sharpening the senses and steadying the nervous system.

Active Constituents

• Lignans (schisandrin, schisandrol, gomisin), hepatoprotective, adaptogenic, neuroprotective.
• Volatile oils - contribute to nervine and digestive actions.
• Organic acids - citric, malic, tartaric (support liver detoxification pathways).
• Triterpenes - associated with adrenal and immune-modulating actions.
• Flavonoids and polyphenols - antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
• Polysaccharides - immune-modulating and spleen-supportive.

Medicinal Properties (as described in herbal literature)

• Adaptogen (improves resilience to stress and fatigue)
• Hepatoprotective & liver regenerative
• Nootropic (supports focus, memory, and cognitive endurance)
• Nervine tonic and thymoleptic (uplifting without overstimulating)
• Astringent and tonifying to mucous membranes
• Adrenal restorative and endocrine modulating
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
• Mild expectorant and lung tonic in weakness or chronic deficiency

Traditional Uses

• Used in TCM to “calm the Shen”, enhancing emotional stability and clarity of mind.
• To strengthen liver function, especially in those exposed to chronic stress or environmental toxins.
• Taken by scholars and monks to improve concentration and meditation stamina.
• Used to increase endurance and stamina, traditionally given to people after exhaustion or prolonged illness.
• For night-time sweating, depletion, irritability, or scattered spirit due to qi and yin deficiency.
• As a beauty and longevity tonic, believed to “preserve the essence” and slow depletion associated with aging.

Scientific Insights

• Modern research confirms Schisandra lignans enhance hepatic glutathione and protect liver cells from damage caused by stress, alcohol, and pharmaceutical toxins.
• Clinical trials suggest Schisandra may improve mental performance, reaction time, and accuracy under fatigue.
• Studies indicate Schisandra supports HPA-axis balance, smoothing cortisol rhythms and improving adaptive stress response.
• Extracts demonstrate neuroprotective effects, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in neural tissues.
• Evidence also supports immunomodulating properties, enhancing both innate and adaptive immune function without overstimulation.

Energetic / Spiritual Qualities

Schisandra is bright and focused in energy, like a clear spark through the fog. Considered a Jing-preserving tonic, it helps seal leaks in energy - whether emotional, hormonal, or nervous depletion. Spiritually, it is used to gather scattered energy, helping one feel contained, present, and steady within themselves.

Contraindications

• Not recommended in acute infections with excess heat.
• Use caution in pregnancy unless under guidance - traditionally used late-term but avoided early-term.
• May interact with medications metabolised by the liver - consult a practitioner if using pharmaceuticals.

Disclaimer

Provided for educational purposes, reflecting traditional use and contemporary research. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified practitioner, especially if you take medications or manage a health condition.