hardiness zones 5 through 11 Schisandra Berry is a woody vine with many bunches of tiny, deep red berries. The plant is dense, and bears oval-shaped leaves, pink attractive flowers, and groups of red berries. The vine can reach up to twenty-five feet in length and survives best in any soil. Schizandra Superfruit, from the plant Schisandra chinensis, is “the herb that does it all.” It develops and protects the primary energies of life. Schizandra, known as the "quintessence of Chinese tonic herbs,” supports vitality and beauty when used regularly for some time. It is said to promote beautiful skin. Schizandra is said to help purify the blood, support the mind, help maintain a strong memory, and help maintain sexual energy and sexual functions in both men and women. This berry is considered one the 50 fundamental herbs of Traditional Chinese Medicine, an honor not easily bestowed. Schizandra is used for endurance, energy, anti-aging and to balance body functions. It is antibacterial to fight infections. Schizandra is considered an adaptogen herb ( has an energizing effect on cells to help cells resist stress), for physical, mental, and environmental stress by increasing the energy supply of cells in the brain, muscles, liver, kidney, glands, nerves and in the entire body. Its berries are used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs. They are most often used in dried form, and boiled to make a tea. Chemical constituents include the lignans schizandrin,deoxyschizandrin, gomisins, and pregomisin, which are found in the seeds of the fruit. . In China, a wine is made from the berries. In Korean the berries are known as omija (hangul: ??? - five flavours). The cordial drink made from the berries is called omija cha (hangul: ??? ?), meaning "omija tea"; see Korean tea. In Japanese, they are called gomishi (Japanese: ???). The Ainu people used this plant, called repnihat, as a remedy for colds and sea-sickness.[9] In traditional Chinese medicine, Schisandra chinensis (known as wu wei zi (Chinese: ???)) is believed to: act as an astringent for the Qi of the lungs and kidneys, restrain the essence to treat diarrhea, arrest excessive sweating from deficiency of Yin or Yang, calm the spirit by refreshing the heart and kidneys, and generate body fluid and reduce thirst. It should not be used by pregnant women. #1322