Information On The Chinese Herb Wu-Wei-Zi - Schisandra Chinensis
Other Common Names: Wu-wei-zi, Schisandra chinensis
Range: E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Habitat: Mixed forests, especially on the margins, also by streams and brooks, usually on sandy soils.
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 diarrhea,
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.
Fruit - raw or cooked. Usually dried and used on journeys, it is
very sustaining. Rich in sugars, it has a sweet/sour flavor. In Russia
a paste made from the fruit is mixed with Actinidia arguta in order to
counteract the insufficient acidity of that species. The fruit is about
6mm in diameter and is borne in a grape-like bunch about 10cm long.
Young leaves - cooked and used as a vegetable.
Other Common Names: Wu-wei-zi, Schisandra chinensis
Range: E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Habitat: Mixed forests, especially on the margins, also by streams and brooks, usually on sandy soils.
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 diarrhea,
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.
Fruit - raw or cooked. Usually dried and used on journeys, it is
very sustaining. Rich in sugars, it has a sweet/sour flavor. In Russia
a paste made from the fruit is mixed with Actinidia arguta in order to
counteract the insufficient acidity of that species. The fruit is about
6mm in diameter and is borne in a grape-like bunch about 10cm long.
Young leaves - cooked and used as a vegetable.
- Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
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