Schisandra chinensis is a climbing, woody, lianike plant with edible berries, a specific, pleasant aroma of lemon and distinguished by its beauty and valuable properties. Schizandra grows in China (this is its homeland), in the Far East, in Russia and in some other regions, usually on sandy, well-drained soils, in the lower parts of the slopes, not far from the water.
For medicinal purposes, they usually use lemongrass seeds and its fruits, which are harvested in early autumn. Bark, young shoots and leaves are also used as an anti-zingotic agent and therapeutic and preventive tea.
Plant composition
Many gardeners know lemongrass, but not everyone knows about its amazing healing potential. But thanks to the developing science, Chinese schisandra has recently revealed its secrets more and more. We found out that the whole plant is very useful and has medicinal properties.
Schisandra is an excellent stimulant. The refreshing and tonic properties of its seeds and berries were known back in the 5th century.
Dried lemongrass fruits contain: ash - 1.5% of the total weight, starch - about 1%, water-soluble substances - about 9%, fiber - 2.6% by weight. And sugars in dry fruits - 9.5% by weight.
In addition, Chinese magnolia vine also has organic acids - tartaric, malic and citric, tonic and tannins, fatty and essential oils, vitamin E, coloring matter, potassium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, manganese, zinc, aluminum, copper, nickel, calcium, magnesium and other elements, as well as lignans (schizandrol and schizandrin) are compounds that determine the main biological properties of this plant.
Schisandra chinensis: application in medicine
Preparations of Chinese magnolia vine contribute to increased excitation in the cerebral cortex, and also increase the activity of central nervous system reflexes. The refreshing, tonic and stimulating effect of the plant is especially pronounced during a period of intense mental work, requiring attention, concentration and integrity of perception. It is also important here that the tonic effect of lemongrass is not accompanied by depletion of nerve cells.
For a tonic effect, preparations based on lemongrass can be used by practically healthy people (with fatigue, overwork, spring vitamin deficiency, lethargy, decreased performance), and people suffering from hypasthenia, hypotension, or hypotonic vegetative-vascular dystonia.
Preparations from lemongrass excellently increase visual acuity, contribute to the adaptation of the eyes to the dark.
They also stimulate the heart system and blood vessels well, reduce the heart rate, increase the amplitude, regulate blood circulation, and also act excitingly on the respiratory system.
Existing lignans in the plant are antioxidants, they improve liver function. Along with this, Chinese magnolia vine improves the secretory and motor functions of the gastrointestinal tract, reduces blood sugar in diabetes, improves immunity, activates regenerative processes and metabolism, increases potency and stimulates sexual activity.
Preparations on lemongrass are prescribed as an adaptogen for various intoxications, hypotension, toxicosis of pregnant women, anemia, menopause, increased drowsiness, asthenodepressive conditions, exhaustion, to enhance labor, in the treatment of bronchitis and bronchial asthma, dystrophy, some diseases of the kidneys, liver or digestive tract.
As a strong tonic, tincture of Chinese lemongrass (from berries) is good. For its preparation, a tablespoon of fresh or dry berries need to pour 200 g of boiling water, insist for 2 hours, strain and take 4 r / day for 2 tablespoons before meals.
There is also a tincture from its fruits, which is prepared for alcohol 70% (1: 3). Fruits are filled with alcohol, infused for a day. The drug is taken before meals or 4 hours after it, 20 cap. with water, three times a day.
Tincture of Chinese lemongrass helps increase efficiency, relieve drowsiness, cause a good mood, strength and vitality.
Schisandra chinensis: application in cosmetology
Essential oil and Schisandra extract are widely used in cosmetology. For example, there are tonic cream “Schisandra and parsley” for the skin around the eyes, conditioner balm “Chinese lemongrass and calendula” for oily hair, the mask “Chinese lemongrass and Ussuri hops” for the face and many others. Means with lemongrass have proven themselves in caring for aging and tired skin.
Schisandra fruits are also used in the food industry for the manufacture of soft drinks, wines, jelly, syrups, preserves, etc. It makes an excellent tonic tea, and the juice of the plant can replace citric acid in the household.
So, now you know that it is possible to treat some ailments without resorting to expensive medicines, but with the help of natural remedies such as lemongrass. But with individual intolerance, increased excitement, high blood pressure and insomnia, it is contraindicated.
Be healthy!