Dried red berries may reduce stress and boost energy levels

Schizandra’s clusters of bright red berries are the source of this woody vine’s healing powers. The dried berries, called wu wei zi in Chinese (meaning five-taste fruit, for the many taste sensations the berries impart), contain vitamins, minerals and lignans, plant chemicals that mimic estrogen. A member of the magnolia family, schizandra (sometimes spelled schisandra) is considered an adaptogen, or an agent that helps the body cope under stress.

*

Uses: In traditional Chinese medicine, schizandra berries are prescribed for sleeplessness, fatigue, diarrhea, excessive sweating and cough.

Today’s herbalists sometimes recommend schizandra for stress, liver and kidney health, and managing chemotherapy.

Dose: Usually, several hundred milligrams a day, divided into two doses. Schizandra comes in pill form and as a liquid extract.

You can purchase the dried berries themselves at health food stores and some Asian markets.

Schizandra also appears in supplement formulas for energy, immunity and sexual performance.

Precautions: Schizandra may cause heartburn, rash or appetite loss, but side effects are rare. High doses (a gram a day or more) can cause restlessness and insomnia. Pregnant women should avoid it.

Research: Very little clinical research has focused on schizandra alone, but the berries have been well studied in the lab. In test tubes, they appear to be effective against the ulcer-causing bacteria H. pylori. When given to rats and mice, they improved exercise endurance and memory, and protected liver and brain tissue from toxic substances and radiation.

Dietary supplement makers are not required by the U.S. government to demonstrate that their products are safe or effective. Ask your healthcare provider for advice on selecting a brand.

*

-- Elena Conis