TONIC IN FOCUS: Schisandra
SCHISANDRA
Schisandra chinensis
We’ve been brewing up iced schisandra berry tea for the last two summers now and there isn’t a person who tries it who isn’t astounded by the exceptional flavour of this fruit. Known as Wu Wei Zi in China, meaning “five-flavor fruit,” this berry’s complex taste encompasses salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and pungent notes. It is exciting to have discovered and be sharing this berry in a modern context with folks in rural Australia as a brief look at the history and use of this plant illuminates why it is so highly revered in Eastern herbal medicine. From its origins in ancient China to its growing modern-day global appeal, this berry has a lot to offer and we’re keen to give you the low-down on why we love it so much.
Schisandra is native to the forests of China, Russia, and Korea, where it thrives in temperate climates. In China, it grows wild in the mountainous regions, prized for its medicinal qualities. Over centuries, its cultivation has spread globally, finding new homes in North America and parts of Europe, thanks to its resilience and versatility. Today, schisandra is gaining popularity in Australia in health and wellness circles for it’s potent health benefits and for it’s fascinating herbal history.
Dried schisandra berries
Schisandra berries are a powerhouse of nutrients and bioactive compounds, making them a sought-after herbal remedy and dietary adaptogen to counter our fast-faced lifestyles in the West. Adaptogens are plants which help the body adapt to stress, support the immune system, and promote overall well-being.
Some key health benefits of schisandra include:
Boosts Energy and Stamina: Traditionally used by Chinese labourers to increase endurance during long hours of work.
Improves Mental Clarity: Known to enhance focus and reduce mental fatigue.
Supports Liver Health: Rich in lignans, schisandra helps detoxify and protect the liver.
Balances Hormones: Used in traditional medicine to regulate mood and alleviate stress.
Promotes Healthy Skin: Its antioxidants help combat aging and improve skin tone.
For thousands of years, schisandra has held a central place in Chinese medicine. Ancient texts describe it as a tonic for longevity and vitality. It’s particularly famous for its role in:
Supporting the Lungs and Kidneys: Used to treat respiratory issues and enhance kidney function.
Improving Sexual Health: Revered for its ability to enhance libido and reproductive health.
Boosting Immunity: Incorporated into herbal formulations to ward off illnesses.
The berry is a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulations, often steeped into teas, brewed in decoctions, or powdered for capsules. In Korea, it’s made into omija tea, a tangy and refreshing tonic popular in both medicine and cuisine.
From an ancient Taoist standpoint, schisandra is more than just a berry—it’s a symbol of harmony. Its “five-flavor” profile represents the balance of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), which govern health and vitality in Taoist philosophy. Taoist monks have long consumed schisandra to enhance meditation, believing it strengthens the mind-body connection. The five flavours of the schisandra berry are said to correspond to the five organ systems in TCM making schisandra highly prized for it’s ability in balancing all three “treasures” within the body: jing, shen and qi.
Schisandra’s history dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), where it was listed in herbal classics as a remedy for a wide range of ailments. Fast forward to today, and schisandra has become a global sensation. It’s a key ingredient in wellness tonics, herbal teas, and natural beauty products. Interestingly, the global schisandra industry is booming, particularly in health-conscious markets like the US and Europe.
So come down and try one of our iced Omija teas made by decocting dried organic schisandra berries in filtered water for 30 mins before leaving them to steep overnight, then straining and chilling. I’ve been drinkting tons of it over summer and I feel amazing - I’m yet to find a tonic which can rival schisandra in both taste and refreshment.
We source our organic schisandra berries from a supplier who has been working with the same family farm in China for almost 30 years and we’re keen to share a bit of Eastern herbal wisdom with the beautiful people in our community on the South Coast.
Andy @ the Nourished Sovereign
