Schisandra

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Schisandra / schisandra chinensis /, also known as Chinese lemongrass, is a plant native to Asia that grows on the Korean Peninsula, northern China, and parts of Russia.

All parts of schisandra / stem, flowers, leaves / smell strongly of lemon. In Eastern medicine, schisandra is one of the most valued plants. It is an ancient medicinal plant that is widely used as a tonic and stimulant.

Composition of schisandra

Schisandra has a unique chemical composition that applies to all parts of the plant. It is no coincidence that schisandra is included in the list of the ten most valuable plants in the world. The fruits of schisandra are extremely rich in organic acids - citric, succinic, tartaric, malic and others.

The content of vitamin C is also very high, reaching up to 360 mg in dried fruits. The fruit also contains a certain amount of bioflavonoids, sugars, saponins, pectin, dyes, tannins, essential oil.

The leaves and roots of schisandra they are also very valuable. In addition to the above ingredients, they contain salts of iron, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, nickel, cobalt and others. Almost all parts of Chinese lemongrass contain essential oil.

In long-term research, it has been found that schisandra fruits contain specific compounds that are not enzymes, vitamins or mineral salts. Initially called adaptogens, and later lignans - vital substances that not only improve but also prolong human life. Schisandrin is a major component of this group of compounds.

Growing schisandra

Apart from being a recognized medicinal plant, schisandra is also an ornamental plant. It withstands cold and shade, loves humus-rich, drained and moisture-intensive soils, but without being too wet. It is planted in autumn or early spring, before the buds swell. The planting distance should be 60-100 cm between plants. The planting depth is the same as in the nursery.

Schisandra responds very well to fertilization with nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. The first feeding is done in early spring, then during the formation of the knots and finally in the fall, after harvesting.

Dry and weak twigs should be pruned annually, and the soil around the plant should be loosened. Schisandra should be watered regularly. Fortunately, it is not attacked by diseases and pests, so there is no need to spray with detergents.

Benefits of schisandra

Schisandra has a wide range of beneficial effects, but above all is a valuable natural adaptogen and stimulator of the central nervous system.

The preparations available in the store network eliminate drowsiness and fatigue; help with depression and bad mood; increase efficiency; activate the activity of brain cells; improve cognition and memory. The refreshing, toning and stimulating effect of schisandra is especially pronounced in intense mental work.

The positive effect of schisandra on the heart and cardiovascular system, on the composition of the blood and metabolism has been proven. It has a protective effect on the tissues of the heart. Asthma sufferers respond well to schisandra preparations.

The herb has a stimulating effect on the immune system, providing resistance to the damage caused by individual diseases. Builds in the body a high degree of tolerance to psychological and physical stress, as well as to the effects of weak poisons. Suppresses the processes of obesity.

Protects against the complications of diabetes and can help treat milder forms. Counteracts the damage caused by alcohol, coffee and sugar abuse. Schisandra maintains strength during prolonged and heavy exercise, acting indirectly on the whole body.

Of particular interest is the ability of the fruit to enhance the sensitivity of central and peripheral vision, to accelerate the habituation of the eyes to the dark and to help people with myopia.

The fruits of schisandra are recommended for the prevention of visual fatigue due to prolonged computer work. Chinese lemongrass increases the body's resistance to oxygen starvation, which makes it indispensable in conditions of reduced atmospheric pressure.

Schisandra helps improve overall brain function, digestion and sex life. The fruits are also used to treat ulcers and difficult to heal wounds. The herb acts indirectly on the whole body, helping it to mobilize its forces and cope with various injuries.