What on Earth is Schizandra?
Schizandra Berry, known in China as ‘Wu Wei Zi,’ translates as the ‘Five Taste Fruit’. It contains within its dynamic essence, all five flavours—bitter, sweet, salty, pungent, and sour. It is known in Chinese Tonic Herbalism to access the five Yin organs, all 12 meridians, and tonify the three treasures*.
For many herbalists, Chinese medicine practitioners, gastronauts, and those who have tried it, Schizandra is held in a place of great reverence and joy; many who try it report amazing benefits, sometimes only after the first day of use. It’s qualities and benefits are widespread, often being called, ‘the herb that does it all’. After 100 days of use, it is said that the true benefits and magic of schizandra will be shown. Often resulting in vibrant skin and hair, clear eyes, increased mental clarity and sexual stamina.
The Benefits of taking Schizandra daily
– cleanses and maintains clean blood
– promotes beautiful skin, eyes, and hair
– increases mental stamina and clarity
– improves sex drive and potency for men and women
– Increased blood flow for men and women
– Helps provide moisture to the female sexual organs
– Helps skin to hold its moisture and adapt to environmental stress
How does it work?
Schizandra cleanses and provides nutrients for the blood. Imagine every river and stream on our planet was crystal clear. Life would thrive and beauty would abound. The blood acts as the river within our bodies, carrying nutrients, cleansing toxins, and functioning as an information highway. If our rivers are clean, we experience more clarity, stamina, and life force than ever before.
A Stage 1 and 2 Liver Detoxifier Like other bitter and astringent herbs, schizandra serves as a stage 1 liver detoxifier, assisting the liver in releasing and cleansing accumulated toxins. Many other herbs and plants have the ability to assist in this process, however, stage 2 is essential in the removal of these toxins from the blood stream and body to ensure they are not reabsorbed.
When a substance enters the body and binds with a toxin and releases it from the liver, it becomes bio-active and it can sometimes be reabsorbed back into the body. Quite often, ‘cleansing effects’ are experienced while detoxing or practicing cleansing; this is often the result of the reabsorption of the very toxins we are trying to get rid of. As a stage 2 detoxifier, schizandra helps to safely activate all of the phase 2 liver detoxification enzymes necessary for removal of these toxins.
Schizandra can be taken on a daily basis to safely detox the blood and as a maintenance strategy for the protection of thousands of chemicals we are exposed to every day, among other amazing benefits.
A Sexual Tonic ‘An ideal herb for intimate relationships’, schizandra is used in a large majority of Asian sexual tonic formulations. It is said to increase the ‘Water Qi’ of the kidneys and other organs, helping to maintain moisture in women and staying power in men.
After prolonged use it is reported to improve sexual pleasure in the female and male sexual organs by increasing circulation and improving moisture.
A Mind Tonic Like other adaptogens, schizandra has a regulating effect on the central nervous system. It can be slightly stimulating, as well as mildly sedating, or ‘Shen’ balancing, exciting or inhibiting the control functions of the cerebral cortex.
*The three treasures are said to be the three fundamental energies that govern and bring us life, Jing, Qi, and Shen. The 12 meridians are the main energy channels that flow throughout our body. The 5 Yin Organs are the lungs, spleen, heart, liver, and kidneys.
How can it be taken?
Our Magnetic Warrior chocolate is a great way to ensure a daily dose of schizandra, as well as give us some great recipe ideas. Schizandra goes famously well with chocolate, however, it must be blended carefully, as it’s strong flavor can often throw a recipe off. Get schizandra berry powder, or blend the dried berries in a vitamix or coffee grinder, sift out the chunks, and add them to your next chocolate creation.
One of our simple favorites: Schizandra Goji tea
4 parts goji berry
1 part schizandra berry
Clean, fresh, spring water or filtered living water
Simmer lightly for 10 minutes- 4 hours and enjoy this ancient classic.
Schizandra tincture: There are many great schizandra tinctures available on the market. Add them to a simmering tea to burn off the alcohol or take it orally.
Our Favorite Schizandra-Chocolate Elixir:
2 cups Hot Dark Reishi Tea
1tbls Wild and Raw Honey
1tbls Coconut Oil
1 Magnetic Warrior Chocolate bar
Handful of Goji Berries
1 tsp Schizandra Berry Powder
Start the 100 day Schizandra Berry challenge today!
**Coupon CODE: SCHIZANDRAWARRIOR – Enter this coupon code at check out for a free Magnetic Warrior with the purchase of 5 or more! Happy New Year!
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