Discover the incredible health benefits of schisandra berry tea, a potent adaptogen revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. When steeped into a tea, schisandra’s antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and other active compounds offer protection for nearly every system in the body. Read on to learn all about this amazing berry and how to incorporate schisandra tea into your wellness routine.
Schisandra Berry Basics
Schisandra berries grow on woody vines native to northern China and parts of Russia. The vine produces clusters of petite, red berries known as “five flavor fruit.” In Mandarin, schisandra means “five taste” because the berry imparts sour, sweet, salty, bitter and pungent flavors when consumed.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, schisandra is considered a superior adaptogen and tonic herb. It’s prescribed to boost energy, stimulate the immune system, promote liver health, increase endurance and resistance to disease, and improve vitality. Modern studies have validated many of these traditional uses.
Schisandra owes its healing abilities to the presence of unique bioactive compounds:
- Lignans: These antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents enhance liver function and may help prevent cancer. Schisandrin and schisandrin B are two key schisandra lignans.
- Polysaccharides: These long chain saccharides stimulate the immune system and demonstrate anti-tumor effects.
- Schisandra Acids: Citric, tartaric and other organic acids support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
When consumed as a tea, tonic, powder or extract, these compounds exert powerful effects on health.
Benefits of Schisandra Berry Tea
Regular consumption of schisandra tea taps into the diverse therapeutic properties of this berry in a tasty, convenient format. Here are some of the top benefits you may enjoy:
Potent Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Schisandra berries rank extremely high on the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scale, a measure of antioxidant strength. The lignans and other phytonutrients found in schisandra tea neutralize disease-causing free radicals and curb inflammation. This protects against chronic illnesses.
Supports Liver Health and Detoxification
Schisandra has traditionally been used to treat liver ailments like hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. One of its mechanisms is increasing levels of glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant that facilitates liver detox. The polysaccharides also spur regeneration of liver tissue. Better liver function has a cascade of positive effects on health.
Boosts Immune System Function
Studies demonstrate schisandra tea activates protective white blood cells, antibodies and other components of the immune system. It also enhances resistance to infection and prevents immune suppression caused by stress, poor sleep and environmental toxins. A stronger immune system means fewer illnesses.
Improves Mental and Physical Endurance
For centuries, schisandra has been used as a performance enhancer by Chinese royalty, monks and warriors. Science confirms schisandra increases nitric oxide levels to boost circulation and oxygen utilization. This allows you to stay focused and energized for mental or athletic activities.
May Help Treat Chronic Cough and Asthma
Schisandra tea displays anti-tussive effects to suppress coughing. It appears to regulate immune function in the lungs while calming spasms in the smooth respiratory muscles. Schisandra berries are added to cough syrups and prescribed for asthma.
Normalizes Blood Pressure and Circulation
Through complex effects on the circulatory system, schisandra tea tends to stabilize blood pressure. It counteracts high blood pressure while boosting low pressure. Improved microcirculation nourishes body tissues and organs while preventing disease.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Some research indicates schisandra helps balance blood glucose and prevent dangerous spikes and crashes. This is useful for people with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Steady blood sugar means steady energy.
Improves Skin Health and Appearance
Antioxidants in schisandra tea protect skin from environmental and internal damage that leads to wrinkles, dryness and blemishes. Use schisandra tea as part of your beauty routine to maintain glowing, youthful skin into your later years.
With this diverse range of benefits, schisandra berry tea deserves a spot in anyone’s adaptogenic tea rotation.
How to Prepare Schisandra Tea
It only takes a few simple steps to unlock the benefits of schisandra at home. Follow these preparation tips:
Use Dried Berries or Powder
Look for dried schisandra berries or schisandra berry powder to make tea. Both forms work, so choose based on your personal preference. Two teaspoons of dried berries or one teaspoon of powder per cup of water is a good general dosage to start with.
Decoct the Berries
For dried schisandra berries, decoction is the best extraction method. Simply combine the berries with cold water in a pot or mason jar. Gradually bring to a low simmer and continue gently simmering with the lid on for 15-20 minutes. The low heat and lengthy steep time allow the nourishing compounds to fully infuse.
Infuse the Powder
For schisandra powder, you can use a standard hot water infusion. Put the powder in your tea cup or pot then pour freshly boiled water over top. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes depending on desired strength. Strain the tea into your cup before drinking.
Drink Hot or Cold
Schisandra tea is tasty both warm and chilled. Drink it hot if you want the warming, energizing effects. But don’t hesitate to pour it over ice for a refreshing berry-flavored iced tea on hot days. Sweetening with a bit of honey can help offset the natural tartness.
Delicious Schisandra Tea Recipes
On its own, schisandra can taste slightly bitter and astringent. But blended with complementary herbs in recipes, it becomes a delicious wellness tonic. Here are some schisandra tea recipes to try:
Schisandra Cinnamon Apple Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp schisandra berries
- 1 black tea bag or 1 tsp loose leaf black tea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 green apple, sliced into rounds
- 1⁄2 lemon, juiced
- Raw honey to taste
Directions: Decoct the schisandra berries and cinnamon in 3 cups water for 15 minutes. Add the apple slices, black tea, lemon juice and allow to steep 10 more minutes. Strain, then sweeten with honey.
Berry Refreshing Schisandra Iced Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp schisandra berry powder
- Hibiscus tea bag or lavender tea bag
- 1 cup mixed berries, muddled
- Lemon slices
- Stevia or monk fruit to taste
Directions: Brew a strong cup of schisandra and hibiscus/lavender tea, then let cool. Pour over a glass of ice, fruit and lemon slices. Sweeten with stevia for a light, fruity schisandra sipper.
Pink Schisandra Hibiscus Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp schisandra berries
- 1 hibiscus tea bag
- 1⁄4 tsp rosehips, crushed
- 1⁄2 tsp acai powder
- Raw honey
Directions: Decoct the schisandra berries, rosehips and hibiscus tea bag for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in acai powder. Sweeten with honey and strain into a mug to enjoy. Vibrant and vitamin-rich!
Schisandra and Goji Berry Immune Booster
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp schisandra berries
- 2 tsp goji berries
- 1 inch ginger root, sliced
- 1⁄2 lemon, juiced
- 1⁄2 tsp local honey
Directions: Gently decoct the schisandra, goji berries, ginger and lemon slices for 15-20 minutes. Stir in lemon juice then sweeten with honey. Fortify your immune system with this dynamic blend!
Schisandra Chai Tea Latte
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp schisandra powder
- 1 black tea bag
- 1 cup coconut milk or nut milk
- 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1⁄4 tsp ginger powder
- Pinch cardamom powder
- Pinch clove powder
- Maple syrup to taste
Directions: Whisk all the spices into heated milk, then add schisandra and brewed black tea. Sweeten with maple syrup. Froth it all together for a cozy, aromatic latte.
Schisandra and Raspberry Leaf Tea for Hormones
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp schisandra berries
- 1 tbsp dried raspberry leaf
- 1⁄2 tsp ashwagandha powder
Directions: Gently decoct the schisandra berries and raspberry leaf in water for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in ashwagandha powder before straining. A nourishing infusion to balance hormones and the menstrual cycle.
With a dash of creativity, you can blend schisandra with many other herbs and spices for custom tea creations. Get in the kitchen and experiment with schisandra tea recipes!
Combining Schisandra with Other Adaptogens
While delicious on its own, schisandra combines wonderfully with other adaptogenic herbs, roots and mushrooms. Blending complementary ingredients allows you to target specific health goals with your tea.
Here are some potential schisandra tea formulations:
- For energy and performance – Mix with ginseng, rhodiola, cordyceps, maca
- For immunity – Blend with reishi, chaga, astragalus, echinacea
- For mental clarity – Combine with ginkgo, gotu kola, bacopa
- For hormone balance – Pair with ashwagandha, licorice, shatavari
- For mood and sleep – Add chamomile, passionflower, lemon balm
Follow your intuition and get creative blending schisandra with other adaptogens and botanicals that provide desired effects. This is part of the art of crafting healing teas!
Where to Buy Quality Schisandra Products
With schisandra’s newfound popularity, an array of tea products exist to choose from. Look for options that meet the following quality standards:
Organic and Sustainably Wild-Harvested
Always select certified organic schisandra grown without any synthetic chemicals or pesticides. Ethically wild-harvested schisandra is also a good option. This indicates mindful gathering of berries from their natural forest habitat.
Fair Trade Sourced
Fair trade certification means farmers received fair compensation and operated under ethical working conditions. Seek out schisandra tea suppliers that deal directly with grower cooperatives.
Third Party Lab Tested
Many brands test batches of tea for purity and potency, then provide Certificates of Analysis. This independent verification ensures you get maximum benefits.
Proper Storage and Packaging
Dried schisandra berries and powders should come in opaque, resealable bags or jars to block light and oxygen. This keeps the ingredients fresh and active.
Some excellent schisandra supplement sources include Planetary Herbals, Herb Pharm, Dragon Herbs and Om Mushroom Superfood. Mountain Rose Herbs offers high quality dried schisandra berries for tea making. Local herb shops also frequently carry schisandra.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Notes
Schisandra berry tea is very safe for most people when used appropriately. However, be aware of a few precautions:
- Schisandra may interact with certain medications including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, anti-seizure drugs, and CNS depressants. Consult your doctor before using schisandra tea if you take any prescriptions.
- Discontinue use if you experience gastrointestinal upset, headaches, rashes or hives after drinking schisandra tea.
- Schisandra stimulates contraction of the uterus so avoid use during pregnancy except under medical supervision.
- Do not give schisandra berry products to children under age 2.
- Follow recommended dosages and steep times to avoid side effects. More is not necessarily better with adaptogens!
While rare, sensitivity to schisandra can occur. Start slowly when trying it and watch for any adverse reactions. As with any new herb, it’s wise to exercise caution.
The Takeaway
With a long history of use in Chinese medicine and broad therapeutic benefits backed by research, schisandra berry is an adaptogen worth getting to know. Steeping the dried berries into tea makes it easy to incorporate schisandra’s antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and other compounds into your daily routine.
Reap schisandra’s advantages by sipping it solo or blended into enticing recipes along with other herbs. Aim for organic, fair-trade tea from reputable brands. Pay attention to dosage and preparation instructions for optimal results.
At Yucoo Bubble Tea, we’re thrilled to be featuring schisandra berry powders and extracts in select milk tea, coffee, and fruit smoothie menu items. Our schisandra is sourced from small regional farms committed to regenerative, sustainable practices. Come taste the vibrant flavor and balanced energy schisandra tea can provide!