Action of schisandra berries. Medicinal properties, contraindications and harm of Chinese magnolia vine. Collection and harvesting of Schisandra chinensis

Schisandra chinensis is a deciduous plant from the Far East. In spring, it pleases with fragrant flowering, and by autumn - a harvest with a rich set of useful properties. The culture was adapted for growing in the conditions of the central zone of the Russian Federation. Schisandra berries are actively used in folk and official medicine.

• scatter the fruits in one layer on burlap, tarpaulin or other waterproof material;
• sort out, throwing out vegetable rubbish and spoiled samples;
• for drying, place the berries under a canopy;
• leave lemongrass in this state for 2-3 days;
• separate the fruits from the brushes and tear off the receptacle from each;
• Drying of the lemongrass harvest is carried out in calorific dryers for 6-8 hours at a temperature range of 40-55 °C.

The berries of this plant are extremely useful. They have the main effect on the performance and tone of the nervous system. The active substances in the composition of the fruit are not deposited in the body. However, doctors still do not advise overdoing the dosage of lemongrass. For an adult, 3-5 pieces (1.5 g) are enough per day, for a child - no more than 2-3 pieces. (0.5 g).

Chinese lemongrass: video

The medicinal properties and contraindications of Schisandra chinensis were discovered 15 centuries ago. Its healing power was discovered by accident, and in terms of tonic qualities, the plant is in second place after ginseng. In China, there are many legends and beliefs associated with this creeper. From Chinese, its name literally translates as "berry of five tastes." Why is that? Because in the plant, indeed, 5 tastes are collected according to Chinese tradition. The pulp is sour, the seeds are bitter and pungent, the skin of the fruit is sweet, and the prepared medicine is salty. The Russian name "lemonnik" reflects another distinguishing feature of this plant - its pleasant lemon aroma emanating from fruits, young shoots, leaves.

Features of Schisandra chinensis

In Russia, in the first half of the 19th century, the well-known botanist N.S. Turchaninov studied this plant, then at the end of the 19th century the botanist V.L. Komarov described the liana. He was interested not only in biological features, but also in the benefits of lemongrass. The scientist lived among the Far Eastern Nanais, wrote down stories of miraculous healings, studied the peculiarities of treatment with liana fruits and leaves. However, clinical trials of this medicinal plant began to be carried out only during the Great Patriotic War. It is known that the plant was given to wounded soldiers in hospitals for a speedy recovery.

Growth area

In the wild, the liana grows in Korea, China, and Japan. It also takes root well in the Far East, so it got a different name - Far Eastern lemongrass. It is the same type of plant. It can be seen on the island of Sakhalin, in the Amur region, on the Kuril Islands, the coast of the Tatar Strait. Liana grows in coniferous (mostly in cedar) and deciduous forests. He likes mountain river valleys, edges, clearings, clearings. You will not meet her in floodplains, on flooded soils. The plant can also be seen on hills (not higher than 600 m). It belongs to light-loving plants, although it can withstand prolonged darkening. It usually grows in groups, creating dense thickets over time.

In other regions of Russia, lemongrass is cultivated as an ornamental plant at botanical stations. Experienced gardeners grow it not only for beauty, but also for medicinal purposes. In addition, the plant belongs to good honey plants.

Botanical description

What does Chinese lemongrass look like? This is a woody perennial vine that can reach a height of 15 m and above. In the northern regions, frost-resistant subspecies grow up to 4 m high. Liana spirals around the tall trunks of nearby trees. Its main stems are dark brown, rough, up to 2 cm in diameter. Young shoots are smooth, with yellowish bark. Lemongrass leaves are elliptical in shape, reaching a maximum length of 10 cm and a width of 5 cm. It is easy to recognize the plant by its beautiful, bright red fruits, collected in a brush up to 10 cm long.

What is lemongrass Crimean

The Chinese magnolia vine and the Crimean magnolia vine have nothing in common. Crimean lemongrass is called the Crimean ironwort, or Tatar-tea, shepherd-tea. It is a herbaceous plant with light yellow flowers. When brewed, the herb acquires a pronounced lemon taste and smell (hence the name). It is found only in the Crimea and also belongs to medicinal plants. Used as a wound healing, anti-inflammatory and tonic. Decoctions and infusions of herbs strengthen the immune system, local residents drink them to prevent respiratory diseases.

Chemical composition

Useful substances are found in different parts of the plant - in fruits, leaves, stems, young shoots, bark. Lemongrass contains a lot of organic acids and B vitamins, vitamin C, fiber, microelements. Most of the fatty oil and tonic substances found in the seeds of the plant, and in the bark and leaves - a lot of essential oils.

healing action

What are the medicinal properties of Schisandra chinensis?

• Tonic and tonic. Lemongrass-based preparations stimulate nervous activity, the cardiac and respiratory systems. This is due to a substance called schizandrin, which excites the central nervous system.
• Immunostimulating. The substances contained in the plant strengthen the immune system. It is useful to drink tinctures and decoctions in the cold season for the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections, flu, and colds.
• Psychostimulant. This medicinal plant restores not only physical strength, but also strengthens the mental resources of the body, increases mental performance and memory, relieves fatigue, apathy and drowsiness.
• Adaptogenic. Helps the body adapt to difficult environmental conditions - high mountains, in cold or hot climates. Like ginseng and eleutherococcus, this plant strengthens physical strength during periods of great stress, it is recommended to athletes, climbers, tourists, military men, people in physically difficult and dangerous professions.
• Improves metabolism. The plant contains biologically active substances that have a beneficial effect on metabolic processes in the body. Lemongrass lowers blood sugar levels, improves blood circulation.
• Lemongrass raises or lowers blood pressure? Some herbalists write about the regulating function of lemongrass, that is, it equalizes blood pressure: when necessary, it increases, and if necessary, it lowers, expanding the peripheral vessels. Other sources mention that the berries are drunk at reduced pressure, and the seeds at elevated pressure. In third editions they write that lemongrass is drunk only at reduced pressure. But you need to rely on a medical point of view. The instructions for use of lemongrass indicate that the drug increases blood pressure and is effective in asthenic syndrome, that is, with a breakdown and low pressure.

The instructions rarely mention the secretory function of lemongrass. It can be used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (in particular, gastritis with low acidity), to normalize digestion, improve intestinal motility.

Indications

What diseases, symptoms and conditions are included in the list of indications for Schisandra chinensis?

• Asthenia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
• neuroses.
• Weak stress tolerance.
• Hard physical labor.
• Psycho-emotional stress.
• Sexual dysfunction in men on nervous grounds.
• Vegetovascular dystonia.
• Prevention of viral respiratory diseases.
• Decreased visual acuity.

Also, the phytopreparation is prescribed in complex therapy to restore the body after serious illnesses.

Contraindications

Schisandra chinensis contraindications:

• any infections in the acute period;
• chronic diseases of the liver, kidneys, heart;
• mental disorders;
• nervous excitement, insomnia;
• congenital pathologies of the central nervous system;
• epilepsy, convulsions;
• traumatic brain injury, increased intracranial pressure;
• hypertension;
• individual intolerance, allergic reaction.

Attention should be paid to the medicinal interaction of the plant with other drugs. It is not recommended to take it together with such medicines:

• analeptics;
• stimulants of the nervous system (this also includes herbal preparations of ginseng and eleutherococcus);
• neuroleptics;
• sleeping pills;
• tranquilizers.

Alcohol, coffee, strong tea are also contraindicated during the course of therapy. Lemongrass can be harmful to health by enhancing the effect of other drugs, or, conversely, can inhibit their therapeutic effect.

Side effects while taking the herbal remedy can manifest themselves with the following symptoms: an allergic reaction with a rash, swelling, itching, heart palpitations, headache, insomnia, increased blood pressure. If these manifestations are found, you need to stop taking the medicine and consult a doctor. Schisandra chinensis is a powerful stimulant of the nervous system. Therefore, it is contraindicated in pregnant women, lactating women, children under 12 years of age. Elderly people should also take the drug with caution.

Schisandra chinensis in pharmacology and folk medicine

The widespread use of Schisandra chinensis in pharmacology and folk medicine once again confirms the medicinal value of this plant. What forms of release of this plant material are found in pharmacology? What drugs can be prepared from it at home?

Dosage forms of release

• Pills. As part of the medicine - lemongrass fruit extract and flavonoid complex "Terra-plant". Tablets are recommended as a mild tonic. Thanks to flavonoids, this phytopreparation normalizes heart rate, blood pressure, strengthens the walls of capillaries, stimulates the adrenal cortex. Tablets are available in 500 and 900 mg each, they need to be sucked in order for the plant extract to be more effectively absorbed. Permissible norm - 1 tablet 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment lasts no more than 4 weeks.
• 
  Syrup. In addition to Chinese magnolia vine, the preparation contains rosehip extract and vitamin C. This adaptogenic agent can be taken once a day in the following dosage: for treatment - 30 ml (2 tablespoons), for prevention - 15 ml (1 tablespoon). The course of treatment should not exceed 3 weeks, as a preventive measure, syrup can be drunk no more than 4 times a year. Phytopreparation is available in bottles of 150 ml, it can be stored for 2 years.
• Powder. The Chinese have found an effective way to process and use lemongrass fruits - they make a powder out of them and export them to Europe. This medicinal raw material can be ordered in China. It is not recommended to purchase large volumes of raw materials, since in this form it quickly loses its healing properties. The powder can be taken in dry form, or you can brew and drink in the form of decoctions.
• 
  Tincture. This is the most common dosage form that can be bought without a prescription in a Russian pharmacy. This drug is made from lemongrass seeds based on 95% alcohol. There are release forms of 25 and 50 ml. Tincture is often prescribed in the complex therapy of asthenic syndrome. The medicine acts quickly - after 30-40 minutes you can feel a surge of strength and vigor, increased motor activity, performance and improved mood. The drug works for 4-6 hours. Permissible single dose for adults - 25 drops. The tincture can be drunk 2 or 3 times a day for 25 days. Read more about Schisandra chinensis tincture.
• Fruits. Dried creeper berries can be bought at the pharmacy. How to brew fruits? From them you can prepare water infusions, teas, decoctions, syrups, compotes. Alcohol tinctures are also made from dry fruits.
• Oil. Schisandra chinensis essential oil is used in cosmetology and aromatherapy, often used as a massage oil in combination with other oils. The drug well moisturizes, regenerates, tightens the skin, has anti-aging properties. Oil is also added to creams, lotions, soaps.
• Herbal tea. In addition to lemongrass, its composition includes rose hips and rhizome of tea kopek. This drug is called "Schisandra with herbs." There is another phytopreparation called "Bilberry Mix", which includes: blueberries, rose hips, lemongrass, chokeberry, as well as Sudanese rose petals. How to brew and take herbal tea? One filter bag of tea is poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for 15 minutes. Drink ½ cup in the morning and in the afternoon.

The intake of herbal medicine in any dosage form should be under the supervision of a physician. The decision to repeat the course of therapy, changes in dosage is also made by the doctor. It is not recommended to drink the drug in the afternoon, otherwise there may be problems with sleep and excitation of the nervous system.

How to cook at home

The use of lemongrass berries at home is the most diverse. Berries can not only be treated, but also feast on. Of course, residents of the Far East know best about the intricacies of using this plant in cooking. They make teas, compotes, jelly, jam, juice, homemade wine from lemongrass fruits. In the Primorsky and Khabarovsk Territories, for example, lemongrass juice is produced industrially, which is then used in pharmacology. And in the confectionery industry they use the filling for sweets from the pulp of berries.

Preparation of the infusion

1. Pour 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dry lemongrass berries with a glass of boiling water.
2. Leave for 1 hour.
3. Strain.

This water infusion can be taken in a tablespoon 3 times a day.

Preparation of alcohol tincture

1. Take 2 tbsp. spoons of dried fruit Schisandra chinensis.
2. Pour in 10 tbsp. spoons of vodka (alcohol 40%).
3. Insist for 7 days in a warm place.

Take tincture of 30 (maximum dose) drops 2 or 3 times a day and drink water. The course of treatment lasts a month.

Decoction preparation

1. Pour one teaspoon of dry lemongrass with a glass of boiling water.
2. Hold in a water bath for 3-5 minutes.
3. Insist 20 minutes, strain.

The decoction can be drunk in a tablespoon 2-3 times a day. Store in a cold place for no more than a day.

lemongrass compote recipe

1. Wash and clean the fresh lemongrass fruits from the stalks.
2. Place in 0.5 liter jars.
3. Pour boiling syrup made from sugar and water (1:1).
4. Pasteurize in the oven at 90°C for 10-15 minutes.
5. Close the jars hermetically.

In compote, despite the heat treatment, the beneficial properties of the plant are preserved.

tea preparation

1. Take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dried stems, bark, lemongrass leaves.
2. Put 1 teaspoon of green tea.
3. Pour in a liter of boiling water.
4. Insist no more than 5 minutes.

You can drink throughout the day, adding honey to tea. This is a good remedy for the prevention of SARS.

Schisandra chinensis seeds contain the most beneficial stimulant substances. Therefore, for the preparation of concentrated tinctures and decoctions, it is the seeds that are taken, and for a milder effect, berries, stems and leaves of the liana can be brewed.

The beneficial properties of Chinese magnolia vine are well studied in pharmacology and traditional medicine. The plant is primarily valuable for its tonic, adaptogenic effect. Tinctures, teas, syrups, decoctions, compotes are prepared from this medicinal raw material. Due to its powerful stimulating effect, lemongrass should only be taken with a doctor's prescription.

Schisandra chinensis is a species of the Schisandra genus, a perennial liana from the Schisandra family. The natural area of ​​​​its distribution includes Japan, China, Korea, the Far East, Sakhalin. As a plant with decorative and medicinal properties, it is successfully grown in gardens, summer cottages and household plots, and is also cultivated in industrial quantities in many countries.

Botanical description

Lemongrass is photophilous, grows well in forests, along river banks, on forest clearings and edges, along forest roads. The plant is frost-resistant, but quite demanding on moisture. It reacts poorly to both excessive dryness and abundant moisture, prefers well-drained soils rich in organic compounds. Propagated mainly vegetatively, by rhizomes and cuttings, propagation by seeds is also possible.

The length of lemongrass liana is on average 6 - 8 m, but can reach 15 m, as it grows, it wraps around nearby shrubs and tree trunks, using them as a support. Rhizome cord-like with numerous adventitious roots. The stem is branched, up to 2 cm in diameter, covered with bark on top, which is smooth, shiny and yellowish in young plants, and wrinkled, scaly and dark brown in old plants.

Interesting: Schisandra chinensis is of decorative value, especially during flowering and fruiting. It is used for landscaping, decorating the walls of houses, arches and arbors. By the nature of growth, it is similar to the vine.

The leaf arrangement is alternate, the leaves are slightly fleshy, depart from pinkish-red petioles 2–3 cm long. The leaf blade, 10 cm by 5 cm in size, has an elliptical shape pointed upwards with a wedge-shaped base. On the upper side, the leaves are dark green in color, and on the lower side they are lighter, the edges are indistinctly serrated. The leaves of the plant and other parts of it, when rubbed, emit a pronounced lemon aroma, which is due to the presence of essential oils in the composition.

The plant is monoecious. Lemongrass blooms in May-June. The flowering period lasts 2 - 3 weeks, while male flowers bloom earlier than female ones. The flowers are small on thin long drooping pedicels, white or pale pink in color with a pleasant fragrant aroma. The perianth is simple, 6-9-membered, about 2 cm in diameter. Male flowers have 5-7 stamens fused together into a column, and female flowers have numerous pistils located on an elongated receptacle.

The fruits begin to ripen in August. After the flowering of the plant, the receptacle is strongly extended, turning into a spike-shaped brush (polyberry) up to 8 cm long, consisting of 20 - 50 juicy orange-red spherical fruits up to 1 cm in diameter. Inside each fruit there are two shiny seeds covered with a dense skin with a diameter of about 3 mm brown, yellowish or brown. The fruits have a specific, spicy, sour, bitter taste and lemon smell.

Chemical composition

All parts of Schisandra chinensis contain active substances, which makes it highly effective as a medicinal plant. Leaves, bark, seeds and fruits of the plant are used as medicinal raw materials.

Large amounts of the most important macro- and microelements were found in the leaves. Among them are calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, iron, zinc, iodine, nickel, etc. The fruits of the plant are rich in B, E and C vitamins, organic acids (malic, citric, tartaric), polysaccharides, minerals (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, P, K, S, Ti, etc.), tannins, flavonoids, saponins.

All parts of the plant contain essential oils of various compositions. Their highest content is in the bark (up to 3.2%) and seeds (up to 2%) of the plant. The main components of bark essential oil are sesquiterpenes, aldehydes and ketones.

Interesting: Lemongrass essential oil, which has a pleasant delicate lemon aroma, has found application in perfumery, soap making and cosmetology.

The seeds of the plant contain resins, catechins, anthocyanins, tannins, essential and fatty oils, the amount of the latter reaches 33%. Fatty seed oil is a golden yellow viscous liquid, chemically a mixture of glycerides of linoleic, oleic and other fatty acids. Most of the beneficial properties of lemongrass seeds are due to the presence of the schizandrin compound in their composition, which has a pronounced tonic effect on the body by increasing the excitability of the central nervous system, a stimulating effect on the functioning of the heart and respiratory system.

Beneficial features

The main medicinal properties of lemongrass are its adaptogenic, restorative and stimulating effect in case of mental overwork, increased physical exertion, intense sports, nervous exhaustion, depression and asthenic syndrome. An important feature of the plant is that it does not cause overexcitation of the nervous system and sleep disturbances. Means prepared from Schisandra chinensis have the following effects on the body:

• increase excitation in the cerebral cortex;
• stimulate the work of the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system;
• increase visual acuity, improve eye adaptation to darkness;
• reduce the concentration of glucose in the blood;
• have a vasodilating effect on peripheral vessels;
• show a pronounced bacteriostatic effect against Escherichia coli, pneumococcus and dysentery amoeba;
• increase concentration of attention and activate mental activity;
• have a choleretic effect, normalize the secretory activity of the stomach;
• increase resistance to adverse factors.

Lemongrass berries have useful properties. Their tincture is effective for the treatment and prevention of colds, flu and other acute respiratory infections, it is used as a general tonic during the recovery period after serious illnesses. Means from the fruits and seeds of the plant help relieve fatigue and increase vitality, give a person vigor and strength. Due to the high content of ascorbic acid, lemongrass berries are effective as an antiscorbutic agent.

Interesting: Hunters in the Far East often took dried lemongrass fruits with them on hikes. This tool increased their endurance, had a tonic and refreshing effect, and just one handful of berries allowed them to hunt throughout the day without eating.

Lemongrass-based products are used for hypotension, vegetovascular dystonia. They are effective in diseases of the respiratory system (pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, bronchitis), gastrointestinal tract (hypo- and hyperacid gastritis), liver, kidneys, anemia and other pathologies in which a person has general weakness and loss of strength. The plant is used in folk medicine in the treatment of mild diabetes. It improves the processes of cellular respiration, especially in the brain and spinal cord, liver and muscle tissue, activates the work of certain enzymes.

Schisandra chinensis is used for psoriasis, infectious and allergic skin diseases, long-term non-healing wounds and trophic ulcers.

A tincture of plant seeds is useful for increasing efficiency, relieving unpleasant symptoms of menopause, and premenstrual syndrome, with sexual weakness against the background of disorders of the nervous system, mental overwork, as an aid to maintaining strength and concentration during hard physical and mental work.

Schisandra chinensis preparations in the form of capsules with an extract of a plant or an alcohol tincture of seeds can be purchased at a pharmacy.

Schisandra chinensis has found application in cooking. Tonic and refreshing fruit drinks and compotes are prepared from its berries, as well as syrups, jelly, jams, jams. Some confectionery factories use them as an additive to marmalade, chocolate and candy fillings. Juice is squeezed out of the berries and wine is made. In dried form, they are used as a seasoning for tea and alcohol tinctures. The leaves of the plant are sometimes added to pickled cucumbers, tomatoes, and mushrooms.

Lemongrass has beneficial properties for the skin. Its extracts are included in the composition of tonic and moisturizing masks and creams for hands and face.

Procurement of raw materials

Harvesting is carried out as they ripen, from September until frost. To do this, brushes with berries are carefully cut with a knife, scissors or secateurs, put them in baskets, barrels or enameled dishes, trying not to crush. Then they are sorted out, the receptacle of the twigs and other impurities are separated. Drying is carried out outdoors under a canopy in the shade or in a special dryer. It is allowed to store the dried fruits of lemongrass for two years.

To obtain seeds, fresh berries are kneaded, the juice is carefully squeezed out of them, which is used for food needs, the remaining mass is washed with water to separate the seeds from the berry shells. Seeds should be dried first in air, then in dryers at a temperature not exceeding 60 ° C, and stored in paper bags.

Warning: Do not take galvanized buckets to collect lemongrass berries, as contact with them will lead to their oxidation.

The leaves and shoots of the plant are harvested in August, cut off with scissors. Then they are cut into small pieces, laid out in a thin layer on cloth or paper and dried under a canopy in the open air, periodically turning over.

Application methods

From the leaves, seeds and fruits of Schisandra chinensis in folk medicine, alcohol tinctures, water infusions are prepared, teas are brewed. Given the stimulating and tonic effect of the plant, it is not recommended to take funds from it in the evening.

fruit tincture

To obtain an alcohol tincture of lemongrass berries, they are mixed in a hermetically sealed dark glass container with 70% alcohol in a ratio of 1 to 5, that is, 100 ml of alcohol is taken for 20 g of dried fruits. If it is necessary to obtain a larger volume of tincture, these quantities are proportionally increased. The mixture is infused in a dark place for 10 days, filtered through gauze. The berries remaining on the gauze are re-filled with 10 ml of alcohol, infused for the same number of days as the first time, and filtered. The two resulting tinctures are combined and diluted 2 times with distilled water. Use 2.5 ml two or three times a day for dizziness, headaches, depression, asthenic syndrome.

Tea with lemongrass to strengthen the immune system

From the dried leaves, bark and young shoots of the plant, you can make a delicious fragrant tea that exhibits the beneficial properties of lemongrass. To brew it, 10 - 15 g of vegetable raw materials are poured into 1 liter of boiling water and infused for 4 minutes. Such a drink, with regular use, will help strengthen the immune system and increase the body's resistance to infectious pathogens. Lemongrass leaves are added in small quantities when making ordinary black or green tea.

Tincture of seeds and berries

Precautions

Like all medicinal herbs, Schisandra chinensis has not only medicinal properties, but also contraindications. Preparations based on it should not be taken by children, pregnant and lactating women and people who have the following health problems:

• insomnia, sleep disturbance;
• increased arterial and intracranial pressure;
• violations of cardiac activity;
• increased excitability of the central nervous system;
• chronic pathologies of the liver;
• epilepsy;
• stomach ulcer.

Of the side effects when using lemongrass, headache, allergic reactions, heart palpitations, increased pressure, and disturbances in the digestive tract are possible.

Important: Before starting to use folk remedies from the fruits, seeds or leaves of lemongrass for the treatment of any diseases, both their beneficial properties and contraindications are taken into account. It is best to consult a doctor who will correctly assess the ratio of the expected therapeutic effect and possible risks in each case.

On the medicinal properties and cultivation of lemongrass.

It is hard not to notice bright green vines with red berries in garden plots, decorating arbors or wrapping around vertical supports. This plant is cultivated on our territory not only because of its beauty, but also in connection with its usefulness to humans. Schizandra got its name due to the lemon aroma emanating from the whole plant.

Schizandra in the wild

Schizandra is sold in pharmacies in tablets or capsules as a dietary supplement. A convenient form of release allows you to control the dose of the drug.

The easiest recipes

Schisandra, unlike ginseng, is cultivated and is as useful as a wild plant. Amateur gardeners can easily prepare natural remedies for themselves and their families. The seven easiest ways to prepare potions and how to use them:

It is necessary to consult a doctor before taking medicinal products with Schisandra chinensis.

For a large number of unique features, Chinese lemongrass is nobly dubbed the elixir of youth. The shrub grows in China, on the Japanese islands and in the south of Sakhalin, but its healing properties are known throughout the world. The plant has other names, one of which is schizandra, or "berry with five tastes." The article will consider a brief description of the medicinal lemongrass, the benefits and harms, consumer reviews, as well as methods of breeding and cooking.

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Description

The shrub emits a strong and pungent odor that has been compared to the scent of lemon. "Tse-wei-tzu" is a tree-like climbing vine. This perennial is found in coniferous and deciduous forests. During the flowering period on the shrub white buds appear, emitting a spicy-lemon smell. Ripe berries acquire a bright red hue and a sour-salty, spicy aftertaste.

Fruit, enriched with various acids, vitamins and macronutrients, are well suited for preparations for the winter, they are dried or used as a spice. Inside each berry are two kidney-shaped seeds. The amount of harvest from 1 hectare of plantation reaches 30 kg.

Chinese lemongrass: useful properties and contraindications

Folk medicine has long used all the organs of schizandra (fruits, branches, bark) to create decoctions and tinctures. Proper use of them helps to cope with the following ailments:

Due to its strong medicinal potential, Schisandra chinensis can cause discomfort in some people when overdosed. The latter include: pain in the chest and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. At the first sign of a negative effect, it is necessary to stop using schizandra. Substances are prohibited based on lemongrass chinensis in the evening, because it has a strong tonic effect that causes insomnia.

Side effects

Before using berries or shrub bark, consult a specialist, as Chinese magnolia vine tends to enhance the activity of other drugs. The use of schizandra by persons under 12 years of age is contraindicated. The use of decoctions or tinctures along with sleeping pills will not bring any effect at all. It is forbidden to use Chinese lemongrass persons suffering from the following diseases:

Release forms of Chinese magnolia vine: indications for use

The fruits and bark of the plant are used not only in medicine, but also in the household. From the organs of the bush, jams and juices are made, and they are also used to create cosmetic oils and perfumes. The plant is highly valued by gardeners for its special appearance.

Ways to use schizandra

Depending on the form of release of the drug, the methods of its use also differ. Failure to follow the instructions can cause a negative effect on the central nervous system. It is recommended to drink decoctions or infusions on an empty stomach or 3.5 hours after eating. The action lasts from 4 to 6 hours, and the first surge occurs after 40 minutes.

Schizandra preparations have a cumulative effect and show their strength after several cycles of use. Excessive use of drugs from "tse-wei-tzu" is contraindicated.

What is useful lemongrass? cooking recipes

Medicinal fruits of the plant purchased in pharmacies. They are easy to cook on your own. To do this, the collected berries are laid out on matter and exposed to the sun. Alternative option: the fruits are dried in an oven at a temperature of 60 degrees. Useful berries are sometimes frozen and seasoned with sugar.

Growing at home

Florists use cuttings or rhizomes for seedlings. If you add seeds to the soil in the fall, by spring they will give the first sprouts. This method requires compliance the following care instructions.

• Dry seeds are soaked for five days.
• Planting material is kept for a month in calcined sand or peat at room temperature.
• Further, the composition is transported to the refrigerator, where it will spend a week. Peat or sand must be moistened throughout the preparation period, otherwise the plant will die.

In spring, seeds are planted in open soil. Dig a hole, and lay drainage material at the bottom, place humus, compost and soil filled with useful substances on top. After two years, the plant begins to give the first shoots. The gardener must monitor the soil moisture and protect it from direct sunlight.

On a note!

Sand must be added to clay soil . Planting a few plants keep a distance of one meter. The shrub constantly needs moist soil.