Schisandra is an herb that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to address a variety of conditions related to the reproductive and endocrine systems. It has a wide range of benefits for hormonal health, including balancing hormones and regulating menstrual cycles.
Additionally, it can be used to improve fertility and boost libido. It is often taken as a supplement but can also be used when cooked or brewed as a tea.
In this guide, we will provide an overview of the benefits of Schisandra for hormones and how to use it in various ways. We will discuss what it is, its nutrient content, potential safety concerns, and precautions, as well as how best to incorporate Schisandra into your routine for optimal results.
What is Schisandra
Schisandra, also known as Schisandra chinensis, is an adaptogenic berry found mainly on Chinese indigenous shrubs and trees. It’s both an herbal remedy and a fruit with pink to red drupes (fleshy fruits) containing five seeds. The berries have been used in traditional Chinese herbalism for many centuries and have numerous medicinal properties.
Schisandra has recently seen a surge in popularity due to its effects on hormonal balance and overall health benefits. It may help reduce stress, support the immune system, increase energy levels, benefit women’s hormonal issues, and more. Studies into the active compounds of schisandra and their individual mechanisms of action continue to explore what this berry has to offer in terms of health benefits.
The primary active components found in schisandra are lignans, flavonoids, and essential oils such as sesquiterpene lactones.
Beyond these active compounds, there are many other essential nutrients found within the berry itself including antioxidant vitamins A, C & E; essential minerals like magnesium & zinc; fatty acids such as linoleic acid; organic acids like oxalic acid; amino acids arginine & proline; phytoprogesterone-like molecules called phytosterols; saccharides like glucose & fructose; terpene alcohols such as lanosterol all of which may provide various nutritional benefits when consumed regularly.
In addition to these components, schisandra also contains small amounts of caffeine which could contribute to its stimulant-type effects when taken as a supplement or tea.
Benefits of Schisandra for Hormones
Schisandra is a powerful Chinese herb that has been used for centuries for its medicinal benefits. Studies have shown that it can be used to balance hormones and help improve other health issues. It can even help reduce symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. In this section, we will discuss the benefits of using schisandra for hormones and how to use it.
Balances Estrogen Levels
Schisandra is an herb with a long history of use in Chinese medicine. It’s often used to promote health and well-being and has been shown to have numerous benefits for hormones. Specifically, schisandra can help to balance estrogen levels in the body.
Estrogen imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet, stress, smoking, and certain medications. An unbalanced level of estrogen is associated with a number of health issues including infertility and hormonal headaches.
Studies have found that schisandra can effectively reduce the symptoms associated with hormone imbalance by increasing the synthesis and release of testosterone in women. This herb also helps maintain healthy estradiol levels in both men and women by optimizing estrogen metabolism.
Additionally, it helps balance cortisol levels which is important for overall hormonal balance since this hormone also affects reproductive health as well as metabolism and stress response.
Schisandra has been found to be a safe, effective way to help balance hormones naturally without any negative side effects or risks when taken in recommended dosages. It’s best consumed as a supplement or tea but its extract can also be added to foods such as smoothies or shakes for an extra kick of health benefits.
Supports Adrenal Function
Schisandra is a powerful adaptogen that helps to encourage the body’s stress response to be balanced and more efficiently regulated. It supports the adrenal glands and helps the body modulate cortisol levels, which is useful for people dealing with long-term stress and potential hormone imbalances caused by stress.
Cortisol, also known as “the stress hormone”, should exist in a healthy balance within your body and is important for how your body responds to stressors.
Alongside supporting adrenal function, schisandra has been found to help protect brain cells from oxidative damage. This helps maintain the optimal functioning of nerve cells, which can benefit neurotransmitter balance and help alleviate symptoms associated with depression and anxiety.
In some animal studies, it was even shown to help improve cognitive functioning due to its potential anti-inflammatory benefits. Schisandra has also been linked in various studies with helping boost immunity by stimulating various components of the immune system – natural killer (NK) cell activity, cytokines production (chemical messengers), T-cell response, etc.
Regulates Cortisol Levels
One of the primary benefits that Schisandra has to offer is its ability to regulate cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced in response to stress and has been linked to numerous health issues, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
By helping to regulate cortisol levels, Schisandra can aid in reducing stress and its associated symptoms. Additionally, because cortisol triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, it can be beneficial for those who have difficulty calming down after a stressful situation.
Other benefits of this herb include balancing hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. It also helps the body metabolize sugar more efficiently and can reduce cravings for sugar. This herb has also been found to reduce inflammation, improve digestion and boost immunity by increasing the production of white blood cells.
Finally, Schisandra can help protect against environmental toxins by acting as an antioxidant and detoxifying the body from free radicals.
How to Use Schisandra
Schisandra is a spice often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help balance hormones and improve overall health. It has a range of health benefits and can be taken in many different forms. In this article, we will discuss how to use Schisandra to get the most out of its health benefits and how it can help balance hormones in both men and women.
Teas
One of the most common ways to consume Schisandra is tea. You can purchase it dried and ready to steep, or you can purchase the entire berries and grind them yourself. Either way, follow the recipe instructions carefully so that you don’t take too much or too little of the herb. It is not recommended to take more than 3g a day, so it’s important to measure appropriately.
To make schisandra tea, simply simmer 1-2 scoops of dried herb in 4 cups of hot water for 10 minutes. Alternatively, use 4-5 tablespoons of freshly ground berries for 4 cups of hot water. Strain off the liquid and enjoy up to three servings per day for the best results. Schisandra also tastes delicious with honey added for sweetness.
You can also find Schisandra supplements in capsule form if you prefer not to drink tea or grind your own berries each day. The appropriate dose varies depending on the supplement you choose; be sure to read the directions carefully.
Tinctures
Tinctures are a popular form of schisandra supplementation. To make them, schisandra berries are soaked in alcohol or vegetable glycerin, which extracts their active compounds and concentrates them into a liquid solution. Tinctures are quick and easy to use and they only require a small dose (1-2 mL of the tincture per serving).
Tinctures may be taken directly using an eye dropper, or you can add them to beverages like tea. As with other supplements, it is important to follow the dosing instructions on your specific brand of supplement as potency and individual sensitivity levels vary widely. If you have any doubts about dosage, seek advice from a medical professional before starting any supplement regimen.
Schisandra can also be consumed in other forms such as tablets, capsules, and teas. These products generally have lower concentrations than tinctures do but some people may prefer these methods of consumption for taste or convenience reasons. Ingesting schisandra this way does not provide the same rapid results that tinctures do but regular use over time can still result in health benefits for the user.
Capsules
Capsules are a convenient way to take schisandra extract and a great alternative for those who are not keen on the flavor of the tea. This popular form is available in natural food stores, health care practitioners’ offices, and some pharmacies. Depending on the capsule directions, you can take two servings per day or up to four capsules. Different capsules may have different dosages, so be sure to check that before you purchase.
You can also buy pure schisandra berry powder in capsules if you’d rather not take extract supplements. It might be easier to get a pure powder because most schisandra extracts include other herbs; this extra ingredient can interfere with or reduce the productivity of pro-hormone activity that’s been attributed to schisandra berry extracts.
Powders
Schisandra comes in a variety of forms, including powder, capsules, liquid extract, and tinctures. When using Schisandra as a powder, you can use it to make tea. Boil 1/2 teaspoon of Schisandra powder in a cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. You can then strain the mixture into a cup and enjoy your Schisandra tea.
Because it has an earthy flavor, many people like to mix the powder with honey or other sweeteners to balance out the taste. You can also add it to smoothies or protein shakes for an extra boost of energy and nutrients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, schisandra is a powerful herb that may offer valuable benefits for our hormones. Schisandra may increase fertility in women who are having difficulty getting pregnant and balance out hormone levels in those who are going through menopause. It may also reduce stress levels and improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Schisandra should be taken under the care of a healthcare practitioner to ensure that you are taking it correctly and safely. When taken as directed, it can be very beneficial for many health concerns. If you’re looking for a natural way to heal your hormones, try using schisandra!
