Schizandra has long been known as an antioxidant, a bioactive compound that helps protect our cells against damaging molecules such as free radicals and reactive oxygen species. A recent study analyzing 70 herbs for their antioxidant potential showed schizandra to be one of the strongest antioxidant. Traditionally, schizandra has been used to protect the liver and brain from toxic damage. It also improves liver function, particularly the pathways the liver uses to neutralize toxins in the body. Schizandra also appears to activate the enzymes in the liver that make glutathione, one of the body’s most important antioxidants. So not only does schizandra contain antioxidant compounds, but it also causes a cellular response that further increases our antioxidants.
Schizandra has many brain benefits in addition to protecting the brain from damaging free radicals. Schizandra may help reverse the effects of stress and anxiety. It has also been used for depression, irritability and even short-term memory problems. Schizandra was also traditionally employed to help expand awareness of the inner meaning of life. Schizandra is frequently used in herbal combinations for improving stamina, and it can also help some cases of insomnia. These two seemingly different effects are due to the fact that schizandra is an adaptogen, an herb used to modulate adrenal function. These adrenal nourishing herbs can help balance the output of cortisol, the stress hormone that in excess quantities can contribute to insomnia. Adaptogens are also used to help compensate for long-term stress and improve endurance, originally in athletes. These amazing qualities are combined with documented immune stimulating and inflammation fighting properties that make schizandra an incredible herbal ally.
Dr. Laurell Matthews, ND 
Thank you for posting this Dr. Laurell! I’m on the hunt to find out the best form to purchase this berry. . .and to figure out if the plant
will grow in NWA.
You are welcome. I couldn’t tell you if schizandra will grow here, but I bet it has a pretty good chance. The best form really depends on which forms work best for you, but you may want to purchase the whole berries online. I also like a lot of the adrenal blends that include schizandra.
I’m confused. Is this berry like a fresh fruit (strawberry, raspberry)? Or is it a dried fruit (goji berries)? Or is it in capsule form?
Sorry for the confusion. Most people use the capsuled form. It can be consumed like a dried berry, but the taste is “interesting.” It is known as “five flavor fruit” for being a little bit sweet, bitter, spicy, sour, and salty. I cannot attest to all of these flavors, but definitely the bitter, sour and sweet.
Does it have the same effect and benefits of a tulsi herb? To make it more clear, I’ve read an article from Dr. Mercola at http://organicindia.mercola.com/tulsi-tea.aspx that a tulsi herb is called the Queen of Herbs because it have the highest antioxidant properties which is good? Can you explain which one is better, is it tulsi tea or schizadra tea?
These are remarkably similar herbs. It is impossible to say which one is better. One may be better for some people, and the other for other types of people. I personally would choose tulsi over schisandra if I was feeling like a cold was coming on, but otherwise I would use whichever one I had on hand or preferred the taste of. Either way, enjoy.