1. Description:
Schisandra chinensis (scientific name: Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., also known as magnolia-vine, Chinese magnolia-vine, schisandra, Chinese Pinyin: Wu Wei Zi, Simplified Chinese: 五味子, 玄及, 会及, 五梅子, 山花椒, 壮味, 五味, 吊榴), is a species of perennial deciduous woody vine in genus Schisandra (Schisandraceae family). Its seed is known as magnolia berry or five-flavor-fruit (the five flavor are: salty, sweet, sour, pungent and bitter). Found in the forest, hillside, valley and bush (usually from between 1,200 to 1,700 meters in elevation) and native to northern and northeastern China, the fruit of Schisandra chinensis is used as antidiarrheal, tonic, antiperspirant and sedative in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as impotence.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The fruit of Schisandra chinensis is considered to have sour, sweet and warm properties and to be associated with the lung, heart and kidney meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Schisandra Chinensis & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Cold, Flu, Fever And Coughing
Pills made with aster tataricus root, Schisandra chinensis and honey is taken to heal coughing with hematemesis.
3.2 Deficiency And Cold of Lung
Medicated soup with Schisandra chinensis fruit and honey can be taken to treat deficiency and cold of lung.
3.3 Skin Health
Schisandra chinensis fruit is fried and pounded for external usage to treat swelling and ulcer on the body.
3.4 The Digestive System
Cistanche, corns officinalis, schisandra chinensis and honey can be processed into pills which can be used in treatment for inability to gain weight (but always hungry).
Pills made with epimedium, aspberry, schisandra chinensis and ripe honey can be used in treatment for coughing with loss of appetite.
3.5 Improve Kidney Function, Promote Vitality And Sexual Energy
Pills made with cnidium monnieri seeds, Schisandra chinensis, Semen Cuscutae and honey is taken orally with warm wine to treat impotence.
A decoction of Schisandra chinensis fruit and honey can be taken to treat nocturnal emission and tiredness.
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.