Schisandra chinensis

Schisandra chinensis
Family:Schisandra chinensis; Antirheumatic; Antitussive; Aphrodisiac; Astringent; Cancer; Cardiotonic; Cholagogue; Expectorant; Hepatic; Lenitive; Nervine; Pectoral; Sedative; Stimulant; Tonic.
Common name:Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi is commonly used in Chinese herbalism where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs. It is an excellent tonic and restorative helping in stressful times and increasing zest for life. It is considered to be a substitute for ginseng and is said to be a tonic for both the male and the female sex organs. The fruit is antitussive aphrodisiac hepatic astringent cardiotonic cholagogue expectorant hypotensive lenitive nervine pectoral sedative stimulant and tonic. Low doses of the fruit are said to stimulate the central nervous system whilst large doses depress it. The fruit also regulates the cardiovascular system. It is taken internally in the treatment of dry coughs asthma night sweats urinary disorders involuntary ejaculation chronic diarrhoea palpitations insomnia poor memory hyperacidity hepatitis and diabetes. Externally it is used to treat irritating and allergic skin conditions. The fruit is harvested after the first frosts and sun-dried for later use. The fruit contains lignans. These have a pronounced protective action on the liver. In one clinical trial there was a 76% success rate in treating patients with hepatitis no side effects were noticed. The seed is used in the treatment of cancer. The plant is antirheumatic. A mucilaginous decoction obtained from the branches is useful in the treatment of coughs dysentery and gonorrhoea.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:59 []