Our connection to Schisandra is owed and imparted through villagers who tend and harvest this sacred plant. Their embodied wisdom has long told of its ability to “calm the heart and quiet the spirit.” If we think of calming the heart and quieting the spirit in terms of the reciprocal relationship between the central nervous system (CNS), the endocrine signals, and the liver (where hormones from this relationship are processed), we begin to see how this fruit is food for emotional processing and behavior. Schisandra assists our liver’s ability to regenerate itself and, in doing so, helps us process our experiences of life.

Modern science is just starting to understand what that means, as researchers are busy detailing the activity of Schisandra’s lignans. Lignans are naturally occurring phenols in plants that act as bioactive compounds with various pharmacological properties. Their studies have confirmed that Schisandra is a true adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress. In addition, they’ve shown it mildly stimulates the central nervous system, enhances mental and physical performance, and relieves mood imbalances and promotes a feeling of calm.

That is not all; Schisandra is showing promising potential as a neuroprotective, meaning it protects the central nervous system against neuronal cell damage. It does this by supporting healthy inflammation responses, reducing oxidative stress, increasing glutathione, and inhibiting the progressive loss of neurons. What does that mean in a world where more neurodegenerative diseases are commonplace? It means conceivable memory repair, cognitive enhancement, and potential for help for those who are struggling with CNS deterioration.