How to Take Schisandra for Health

How to Take Schisandra for Health



Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a woody vine with clusters of small red berries that are used medicinally. It is native to northeastern China, Russia and Korea. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.









1


Read about the traditional uses of schisandra. It is considered important in traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for at least 2,000 years to treat many ailments, most often coughs, fatigue, insomnia, night sweats and thirst. It is thought to be most effective for treating irritable bowel syndrome when given as a combination of other extracts.





2


Look at the results of modern scientific testing. The active constituents are lignans and these have been studied for their liver-protecting effects, but human studies have been insufficient to evaluate effectiveness.





3


Study the side effects of schisandra. These are rare and generally mild in common dosages but may include decreased appetite, stomach upset and skin rash.





4


Take no more than the recommended dosage. Schisandra is not readily available in capsule form but common dosages range from 1.5 to 15 grams per day of the dried berries. Two to four ml of the tincture three times per day may also be used.





5


Consult with your physician or pharmacist for possible drug interaction if you are taking acetaminophen. Schisandra should not be taken if you are pregnant.


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