The Kidneys and Adaptogens: Schisandra

By Jody Smith HERWriter

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"Adaptogen" may be a new term to some. But adaptogens have been used in many parts of the world for centuries.

Adaptogenic herbs encourage the body's healthy response to stressors. They have no serious side effects when used correctly, and can have a normalizing effect on the body.

While the term "adaptogen" is often used in reference to the adrenal glands, numerous organs and body systems can benefit from the use of adaptogenic herbs.

One such adaptogenic herb is the schisandra berry. The use of schisandra can enhance kidney function.

The schisandra fruit is known as wu wei zi (five flavor fruit). Schisandra is also spelled shisandra and schizandra. Despite the lack of consensus on the spelling though, there is consensus as to its ability to enhance kidney function along with an overall normalizing effect on the body.

This adaptogenic herb has been a kidney tonic in China for centuries. It is said to enter all 12 meridian systems, influencing the heart, kidneys, liver and lungs.

Our interest for the moment is in the use of schisandra as a kidney tonic. Schisandra is known as a longevity herb, with the ability to increase kidney energy.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shisandra is purported to enhance the Water Qi in the Kidney. It prevents oxidative damage to the kidneys.

It is used as an astringent kidney tonic regulating urinary secretions, or urinary incontinence. In TCM, schisandra is generally prescribed by a trained herbalist who uses it in a mixture with other herbs.

While our western culture does not tend to group matters of the kidneys with sexuality, traditional Chinese medicine has a different perspective. In TCM, the kidney energy is also responsible for sexual function and stamina.

So the fact that according to traditional Chinese medicine, schisandra is also considered an effective sexual tonic should be mentioned here. The use of schisandra is said to revitalize the kidney energy, including sexual function, especially when used with other kidney tonics.

Schisandra can be used as an extract, a tincture, a tea, or in capsule form.

Don't use schisandra if you are pregnant, or if you have a cold, the flu or any other acute infection. Rarely, an upset stomach, increased drowsiness or rashes may occur.

Talk to your doctor first in case schisandra might interact adversely with any medications you're using, if you have high blood pressure or are subject to seizures.

Resources

Adaptogenic Herbs: Nature's Solution To Stress
http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/FULL/Adaptogenic_Herbs.shtml

Gentle Stress Relief for Peace Health & Happiness
http://www.gentle-stress-relief.com/schisandra-berry.html

Schizandra
http://www.alternativehealingtools.com/vitamins/Schizandra.htm

Herbal Treatments to Strengthen Kidney Function
http://www.ehow.com/how_4706930_herbal-treatments-strengthen-kidney-function.html

Shisandra Berry
http://www.mysticmedicines.com/Schisandra

Schizandra Chinensis
http://www.herbsandnaturalremedies.com/herbs/schizandra.htm

Visit Jody's website and blog at http://www.ncubator.ca and http://ncubator.ca/blogger

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.