Benefits of Schisandra: Support Skin, Liver, and Reproductive Health

Schisandra Chinensis Berry is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used to support the body’s capacity to sustain energy and handle stress. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Schisandra is considered to benefit qi, or life force energy, and support liver function, which in turn has positive impacts on the skin, aging, and inflammation. 

This antioxidant super berry  is often called the “five flavor fruit” because of its complex flavor of five different tastes: sweet, salty, bitter, pungent, and sour. 

Beyond its taste, the flavor components are a great way to understand the wellness powers of the herb. TCM says that Schisandra’s five flavor properties pertain to all five elements in TCM, meaning that the herb can work in multiple meridians within the body and restore internal balance and health to nearly every organ system—including nervous, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and more. 

Although the berry is not typically consumed as a food, it is often taken as a tonic tea, powder, pill, or liquid form for its many health and beauty benefits. 

In this article, we’re going to look at 4 benefits of Schisandra and how you can incorporate it into your life. But first, let’s look at how Schisandra works. 

Medicinal Components of Schisandra Herb 

Some of the active constituents of schisandra that make it the powerhouse it is include: 

• Schizandrin
• Schisanheno
• Schizandrol
• Sesquicarene 
• Citral
• Deoxyschizandrin 
• Citral
• Stigmasterol 
• Antioxidants and vitamins C and E 

These constituents act like phytoadaptogens , balancing and supporting the health of the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, and spleen. Schisandra’s ability to improve circulation and promote healthier blood cells and vessels is one of the reasons why schisandra helps increase fertility, mental performance, and endurance. The herb’s high antioxidant levels also have a positive impact on blood vessels, muscle function, and inflammation.  

Research also shows that schisandra inhibits oxidative stress—the foundation to nearly ever chronic disease and the cause of healthy cell death, aging, and more. 

Now that we understand how the potent herb works, let’s get a little more specific:

Health and Beauty Benefits of Schisandra 

Improves Liver Function 

Over the past 40 years, dozens of studies demonstrate the efficiency of schisandra in cleansing the liver, mostly due to its effect on the production of various liver detoxifying enzymes. 

One animal study found that pollen extracted from the plant had a strong, antioxidant effect against induced toxic damage in the livers of mice. But enough about mice—why is liver health so important for us humans? 

Our liver is responsible for regulating most chemical levels in the blood and carrying away waste products and other toxins. With an increased toxic burden from our environment, the standard American-diet, and chemical latent products, most people are experiencing a sluggish liver. Maintaining a healthy liver is absolutely necessary for optimal full-body function. 

Not only are schisandra’s high antioxidant levels key in helping support a healthy liver, but the herb also upregulates important enzymes involved in detoxification. And because immune system health and liver health are interrelated, schisandra’s anti-inflammatory compounds play a huge role in protecting against viral infections,  tamping down stress and keeping the two systems working together. 

Incorporating a daily supplement of schisandra can help support healthy liver detoxification and function.  

How does this impact beauty? 

Beauty truly does come from the inside. Healthy liver function can reduce signs of aging, stress, and inflammation on the skin. When we keep our liver in tip-top shape, our skin will reap the benefits. 

Fertility and Reproductive Health 

Schisandra is one of the most well-known herbal aphrodisiacs for arousal, mood, libido, and pleasure. 

The berry is highly beneficial for reproductive health and fertility, helping to promote strong libido and ward off sexual dysfunction (such as impotence). As a popular herbal tonic, It also works to promote general well being in the reproductive organs. 

Research also shows that schisandra positively impacts hormone production, including estrogen, which can help protect older women who are commonly experiencing changes in hormonal levels (1,2). 

Tamp Down Stress 

Schisandra is an adaptogenic herb which means that it naturally balances hormones, therefore improving stressors, both psychological and physical. The herb can also work to nourish our adrenals and tamp down overproduction of cortisol (the stress hormone). 

When we are stressed, our body goes into flight or fight mood and takes its attention and energy away from defending itself from disease. This means that everything is effective from reproductive health and cardiovascular health to immunity and skin complexion. 

Adaptogens like schisandra help to keep the body balanced so that we have a better chance of defending ourselves against everyday stressors and trauma. 

Protect and Nourish Skin 

Schisandra is a natural beauty tonic that can protect against damaging sun exposure, dermatitis, and environmental stressors like toxins and wind. In fact, schisandra has been traditionally used to treat skin diseases as a result of inflammation. 

As we’ve learned, schisandra has incredible benefits on liver function. For a radiant, hydrated complexion, including schisandra in your daily beauty regimen is key for skin you desire. 

Where to Find Schisandra 

Taking advantage of all of schisandra’s health and beauty benefits can be simple. The most popular way to reap the benefits is to look for a powdered product and take it in water, juice, or add it to your smoothie. 

Our Beauty Collagen Complex wouldn’t be the powerhouse it is without schisandra. 1 scoop of our delicious Vanilla Honey formula in warm water, oat milk, or your smoothie in the morning will nourish your liver, protect your skin, and slow aging. 

To learn more about Beauty Collagen Complex and our other supplements, go here!