Schisandra chinensis, known as the five-flavor berry for its simultaneous sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent taste, is a woody vine prized in TCM as a supreme adaptogen and qi tonic. Its small red berries are traditionally used to enhance physical endurance, sharpen mental focus, improve sleep quality, and support liver and kidney function over extended periods.
berry, seed
decoction, tincture, powder, capsule
3–6g dried berry daily as decoction; 1–2mL tincture 2–3x daily
May cause mild stomach upset.
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