Schisandra Chinensis, a perennial vine that grows dense clusters of bright red berries native to Northern China, Russia, and parts of Korea, found its way into both of our products - Sidekick and Glisten Up!
Like most of the medicinals we spotlight on this show, it has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Medicine used to provide support for those dealing with chronic stress, fatigue, and nervous system imbalances. It also happens to be known as the five-flavor fruit because it contains all five flavor profiles: bitter, pungent, salty, sour, and sweet. And this contributes to the unique taste of our mouthspray, Sidekick!
So what can ingesting this berry do for you? Well, it’s an adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, immune modulating, nervine, aphrodisiac, blood sugar regulator, just to name a few. Now readers, before you scoff and say, that’s too many things! Let's acknowledge the way we, in a Western society, have been trained to view "medicine". We are used to pharmaceuticals that address one specific thing. You can’t focus? Take this. Can’t sleep? Take that. Have a headache? Take this other pill.
In traditional medicine, plants and herbs are sought out to create balance and harmony in the body. In nature, there is always a balance. If an imbalance exists, the ecosystem will seek to correct it. Medicinal plants are no difference. Once they enter your body, their many benefits go to work to correct imbalances and strive for homeostasis.
INTERNAL BENEFITS:
Liver Support: Schisandra is well-known for its hepatoprotective properties, meaning it supports your liver health and function. It aids in detoxification processes, promotes optimal liver enzyme activity, and may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, medications, or alcohol, so for those of you hitting a boozy brunch pretty hard, take your schisandra.
Enhanced Cognitive Function: Regular consumption of schisandra has been associated with improved mental performance, meaning mental clarity, focus, and better memory. As an adaptogen it supports adrenal function to provide a calming effect and has a positive impact on mood by reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.
Boosted Immune System: Schisandra is an immunomodulatory herb, meaning it helps regulate the immune system. It supports the body's defense mechanisms, strengthens the immune response, and may reduce the frequency and severity of infections.
Increased Energy and Stamina: As an adaptogen, schisandra aids in balancing the body's stress response and supports adrenal gland function. It can boost energy levels, improve endurance, and reduce fatigue, making it a popular choice among athletes and individuals experiencing chronic exhaustion.
TOPICAL BENEFITS:
When it comes to skin care, Schisandra is renowned for its potent antioxidant properties, which help combat free radicals and protect your skin from oxidative stress. It promotes a healthy, balanced complexion, reduces inflammation, and supports the natural regenerative processes of your skin cell turnover.
Anti-Aging Effects: Schisandra contains lignans, which have been shown to possess anti-aging properties. And if you use it daily as we suggest with Glisten Up, Schisandra can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enhance skin elasticity, and help you look more youthful with plump, glowing skin.
If you struggle with acne, rosacea, or any other dermal inflammatory response, Schisandra can be used as a treatment because of its astrigent (oil reducing), anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it an effective natural remedy for acne-prone skin. In that, it also reduces redness, the occurrence, severity and frequency of breakouts, while also supporting the healing process of existing blemishes.
As always, it’s important to consult your doctor before taking anything new.
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Thanks for reading and stay curious.