All of these flavors hint at a wide variety of phytochemicals and also suggest that schisandra has a balancing effect on the system. In TCM, schisandra is believed to help harmonize all of the five Chinese elements— earth, wood, water, metal and fire. 

However, the dominant taste for the entire berry when ground into powder is sour, which suggests it has a cooling or anti-inflammatory action.

After reading this, I thought to myself....I know some have access to the fresh berries, and can do this, but ME? I really don't think Aldi's carries them. ha! 

So, the next best thing is ENCAPSULATED herbs (after all, that's how NATURES SUNSHINE got started!)

Schisandra contains about 40 lignans, many of which have very positive effects on the liver. 

They historically have been known to enhance glutathione production 

(glutathione is a very important intracellular antioxidant), stimulate liver glycogen and protein synthesis, inhibit lipid peroxidation, improve bile acid metabolism, promote blood flow to the liver, and liver regeneration.

As a hepatoprotective herb, schisandra has some of the same qualities as milk thistle. 

It helps to protect the liver against substances like alcohol, industrial solvents (like carbon tetrachloride) and drug medications. It is a also a good herb for reducing liver inflammation (hepatitis), whether the cause is viral, bacterial or chemical.

Schisandra is considered an adaptogen, but I think it has a much different mode of action than eleuthero. Eleuthero appears to modify the HPA axis, but I think the adaptogenic effects of schisandra are related to its liver-enhancing qualities. In traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is considered a harmonizing organ. It is believed to help all the different organs of the body work together smoothly.

I think this is a correct idea as the liver is the organ that is primarily responsible for maintaining the health of the blood, which both nourishes and removes waste from all tissues. 

The liver processes nutrients from the digestive tract to be carried through the blood and the liver also detoxifies both environmental chemicals and the body’s chemicals. 

It breaks down hormones and neurotransmitters that are no longer needed, which helps maintain biochemical balance.

These liver functions require large quantities of antioxidants because the processing of waste materials generates free radicals, which must be neutralized to protect the liver. Schisandra has antioxidant and liver-protecting properties, which help the liver perform its biological harmonizing functions efficiently.

The eyes also require high levels of antioxidants because light also creates oxidative stress. Many vision problems including cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy are caused by free radical damage to the eyes. 

In TCM there is a recognized link between eye health and the health of the liver. Many liver herbs, like schisandra, are said to “brighten the eyes.” So, I would consider glassy, glazed, and dull-looking eyes as an indication of potential liver congestion and a need for sour liver tonics like schisandra.

Schisandra also acts as a nervous system stimulant. In TCM, the herb is said to calm the shen (spirit). It enhances memory, helps lift depression, and aids chronic fatigue and insomnia. However, taken in larger doses over a long period, it can overstimulate the system and result in nervous exhaustion much like the overuse of caffeine. So, as a nervous system aid, it probably works best in a formula.

For example, I’ve used a Chinese Fire-Increasing Formula (Yang Xin) to help people who are suffering from what we would call burn-out. The primary ingredient is schisandra, and the formula will improve energy levels during the day and aid sleep at night. It is helpful for anyone who is exhausted from chronic stress and is suffering from chronic fatigue and insomnia as a result.

I personally have used Nutri-Calm, as well as Energ-V.