Information On The Chinese Herb Wu-Wei-Zi - Schisandra Chinensis

Other Common Names: Wu-wei-zi, Schisandra chinensis

Range: E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat: Mixed forests, especially on the margins, also by streams and brooks, usually on sandy soils.

Wu Wei Zi is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs. It is an excellent tonic and restorative, helping in stressful times and increasing zest for life. It is considered to be a substitute for ginseng and is said to be a tonic for both the male and the female sex organs.

The fruit is antitussive, aphrodisiac, hepatic, astringent, cardiotonic, cholagogue, expectorant, hypotensive, lenitive, nervine, pectoral, sedative, stimulant and tonic. Low doses of the fruit are said to stimulate the central nervous system whilst large doses depress it. The fruit also regulates the cardiovascular system. It is taken internally in the treatment of dry coughs, asthma, night sweats, urinary disorders, involuntary ejaculation, chronic diarrhea, palpitations, insomnia, poor memory, hyperacidity, hepatitis and diabetes. Externally, it is used to treat irritating and allergic skin conditions. The fruit is harvested after the first frosts and sun-dried for later use.

The fruit contains lignans. These have a pronounced protective action on the liver. In one clinical trial there was a 76% success rate in treating patients with hepatitis, no side effects were noticed.

The seed is used in the treatment of cancer.

The plant is antirheumatic. A mucilaginous decoction obtained from the branches is useful in the treatment of coughs, dysentery and gonorrhoea.

Fruit - raw or cooked. Usually dried and used on journeys, it is very sustaining. Rich in sugars, it has a sweet/sour flavor. In Russia a paste made from the fruit is mixed with Actinidia arguta in order to counteract the insufficient acidity of that species. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter and is borne in a grape-like bunch about 10cm long.

Young leaves - cooked and used as a vegetable.

  • Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

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