Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra chinensis)
Schisandra chinensis
Western and Chinese herbalism
Western and Chinese herbalism

Wu Wei Zi

Schisandra chinensis

Also known as Five flavor fruit, Wu-wei-zi fruit, běi wǔ wèi zǐ, wǔ wèi zǐ.

WarmingTaste: BitterTaste: SweetTaste: SourTaste: SaltyTaste: Pungent

Lignans activate enzymes in liver that produce GSH Normalizes phase I & II detox pathways Calms shen Brings strength to bladder over time TCM= astringing herb for lung and kidney qi deficiency, to decrease diarrhea, excessive urination and spermatorrhea

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AdaptogenAntioxidantHepatoprotectiveImmunomodulatorNervineLung tonicIncrease cognitive functionsIncrease memoryNootropicChemopreventativeImmunomodulationAnalgesicAnti-inflammatoryAnti-angiogenicInhibits leukotriene formationPlatelet-activating-factor antagonistNeuroprotectiveCytochromesP-glycoproteinMale fertilityReduces heavy metal toxicityAnti-atherogenicAstringentsedative

Indications what the tradition reached for it in

Safety

Pregnancy: Limited safety data in pregnancy

Breastfeeding: Lactation category-no data

The record lists 4 contraindications; open the plate in the library to read them in full.

Dosing as the sources wrote it

PreparationAs writtenMetric
Tincture (1:2-1:3)2-5 ml BID-TID2-5 mL
Decoction2-3 tsp/c water BID-TID
Powdered1-6 g/d1000-6000 mg
· Dried fruit: 1.5-6 g/day1500-6000 mg
· Liquid extract (1:2): 3.5-8.5 mL/day or 25-60 mL/week3.5-8.5 mL
AUSTRALIAN RDI Children · 1-3 years: 25 µg · 4-8 years: 30 µg · 9-13 years: 50 µg · 14-18 years: Boys: 70 µg Girls: 60 µg Sele0.1-0.2 mg

Doses are reproduced from the sources for practitioners and are not a recommendation for any person.

From the sources

Clinical Notes. Lignans activate enzymes in liver that produce GSH Normalizes phase I & II detox pathways Calms shen Brings strength to bladder over time TCM= astringing herb for lung and kidney qi deficiency, to decrease diarrhea, excessive urination and spermatorrhea

primary_action. Schisandra is a classic tonic adaptogen that raises the body's general resistance to stress while gently stimulating the central nervous system and enhancing both mental and physical capacity without over-excitation.

primary_action. Schisandra is hepatoprotective, defending liver tissue against chemical and drug toxicity and supporting detoxification by inducing phase I and phase II enzymes, including the cytochrome P-450 system and glutathione-S-transferase.

primary_action. Schisandra is an immunomodulator that stimulates antibody synthesis and immune function while damping inflammation, and it is used clinically for immunodeficiency and recurrent infection.

In formulas

Wu Wei Zi stands in 128 documented formulas in the library, among them xião ging lóng tāng, shè gàn má huáng tàng, lóng dǎn xiè gǎn tāng, ging shu yì gì tàng, hui váng jiu jí tāng, hui yáng ji jí táng.

Often paired with

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