Schisandra - A Good Herb for Staying Healthy in Summer

          As we approach the hottest part of summer, we can see record breaking temperatures all over the world. In India some areas have experienced an incredible heat wave that has made national news, and suddenly everyone cares about the evidence around the heat; A heat wave is more than just uncomfortable. The heat wreaks havoc silently on your "energy" (Qi) and "moisture" (Yin), significantly impacting those over 40. Many people report feeling short of breath, having a dry mouth and throat, feeling general soreness throughout the body and fatigue, having little to no appetite, feeling restless and very hot inside their bodies, and not being able to sleep well at night.

          In TCM, this is referred to as Qi and Yin deficiency–in other words, your body is deficient in both energy and moisture. 

          One of the premiere herbs utilized during times like these is Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi; 五味子). The Chinese name demonstrates the unique quality of this herb: Schisandra has all five flavors normally seen throughout Chinese medicinal herbs (i.e. sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, salty) when most Chinese medicinal herbs only have one or two. Thus the name of "Five Flavor Fruit." The most prominent flavor is the sour flavor.

          In the warm months of summer, it's beneficial to eat acidic (sour) foods. Sour foods help support the body's ability to conserve its energy and fluids that may be lost through sweat or perspiration since they can provide some of our body's essential components (essential nutrients). Sour foods provide a tightening effect or an “internal valve” for our bodies, which help prevent moisture (hydration) and energy from escaping unnecessarily. In addition to preventing us from dehydrating or losing our energy reserves, sour foods stimulate the production of fluids, reduce thirst, support digestion, and create a balance between the stomach and spleen, which can help support our overall comfort during the hot summer months.

          According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Schisandra is classified as an astringent herb; therefore, it may apply to the body by reinforcing its qualities, such as retaining the important nutrients in our bodies. The combination of excessive perspiration during the summer months and loss of energy when sweating (including low energy levels) may be offset with the addition of Schisandra, which has the effect of "locking in" these necessary components

          Excessive summer heat creates an imbalance in your Qi and blood which can cause restlessness and anxiety. Consuming some sour Schisandra berries will help reduce this dispersed heat, nourish your body fluid levels, restore your energy level without damaging your natural strength (commonly referred to as righteous Qi in TCM) and provide a sense of calm.

          If you are feeling fatigued or drained from overexertion during the summer months due to work, exercise or late-night parties, you may want to consider taking Sheng Mai Yin (Replenishing the Pulse). It is one of the traditional formulas for restoring the Qi and blood lost to excessive heat during summertime.

Sheng Mai Yin contains three key ingredients:

* Ginseng: supports energy levels and improve performance

* Ophiopogon (Mai Dong): hydrates the body, removes excess inner heat from your body, as well as calms your mind

*Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi): provides an astringent effect which helps prevent the above-mentioned Qi and blood from leaking out of your body and contributes to a healthy body fluid balance

          Essentially, ginseng restores your energy reserves, Schisandra holds your newly restored energy in place preventing it from leaking out of your body, and ophiopogon increases fluid production and quenches thirst (increases hydration) while removing heat from within you and helping to nourish both blood and body fluids. Therefore all three plants comprise an excellent herbal combination, help providing a replenishment, protection and moisture for us during summer.