With their ability to support adrenal health, reproductive health and liver health, schisandra berries are a powerful food for anyone struggling with hormonal imbalance symptoms!
And even though it may look like just another berry, schisandra is actually an adaptogen (yep, same as other adaptogens like maca and ashwagandha).
Now, having said that, schisandra has some unique benefits that are can’t always be found in other adaptogens.
So, that’s why this post is all about highlighting the benefits of schisandra for hormones and the different ways in which you can use it.
In this post we will look at the top benefits of schisandra for hormones, as well as some tips for adding it to your diet.
Let’s dive in!
Note: this post contains affiliate links and I earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you use them to make a purchase.
TOP BENEFITS OF SCHISANDRA BERRIES FOR HORMONE BALANCE
1. Supports The Adrenal Glands
Schisandra is an adaptogen.
This simply means that it supports the body’s stress response system aka the HPA axis.
One of the main components of the HPA axis are the adrenal glands, which release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline during stressful times.
While these hormones play a protective role when there’s acute stress, chronically elevated levels of these hormones can be detrimental to our health.
Schisandra berries help to protect us from those negative side effects by supporting the regulation of stress hormones.
The end result can be improved mental clarity, more energy and better metabolic function.
So, just how powerful is schisandra’s cortisol-controlling abilities?
Well, research done on rabbits shows that schisandra (and other adaptogens, like rhodiola) has anti-depressive effects.
In the study, rabbits that were given adaptogenic foods, like schisandra, did not experience an increase in cortisol and other stress-related markers.
And even when the rabbits faced increased levels of stress, those stress-related markers didn’t spike.
2. Improves Liver Function
The liver is a multi-purpose organ that produces hormones and removes toxins from the body.
These days, most of us are exposed to various toxins and stress every day.
All of this leads to an over-worked liver that needs a lot of TLC.
And this is where schisandra berries come into play!
Studies show that schisandra detoxes the liver, improves circulation and supports the body’s ability to eliminate waste (1, 2, 3).
A healthy liver makes a huge impact on hormone health since some hormones are actually made in the liver. (Get more info about how the liver in this post on the liver and hormone balance).
3. Lowers Inflammation
Schisandra’s ability to support the adrenals and the liver, means that it is also excellent for reducing inflammation.
This is significant because inflammation results from stress.
And in these days we are all exposed to various types of stress, be it physical (injury), chemical (toxins) or emotional stress.
When schisandra berries are used regularly, the body’s stress response functions normally.
This helps you avoid chronic inflammation, which is linked to weight gain, sleep disorders and other lifestyle-related issues.
4. Supports Sexual Health
For many women, daily exposure to toxins in food and cosmetics can lead to a significant drop in libido.
This is because toxins create chemical stress in the body.
And as stress increases, the body’s resources are all redirected toward managing that stress.
And the end result is that other functions, such as those related to reproduction, are disrupted.
Thankfully, schisandra demonstrates benefits for reproductive health that include supporting fertility, libido, and even, the health of the uterus.
5. Increases Energy and Improves Cognitive Function
Do you tend to reach for coffee when you need a boost of energy?
Does your work require long periods of intense focus on a particular task?
If so, then you might want to give schisandra berries a try!
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, schisandra has long been the food of choice for improving motivation, concentration and memory.
In fact, this unique berry is able to calm the body, while also fighting off fatigue.
Now, that’s an absolute win-win!
6. Skin Protectant
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, schisandra protects the skin from toxins and other things that can cause inflammatory skin conditions.
While more research is needed on the effects of schisandra on the skin, a study done with rats shows that it lowers the production of inflammatory markers.
HOW TO USE SCHISANDRA BERRIES FOR HORMONAL IMBALANCE
Schisandra is known as a “five flavor berry” because it has hints of the 5 main flavors: sweet, salty, sour, bitter and pungent.
In general, you can take 1 to 3 grams of schisandra per day.
This can be in the form of a tea, a tincture, a capsule or simply chewing the dried schisandra berries.
Below are a few ways you can consume schisandra berries and enjoy its health benefits.
​Tea
In a covered saucepan, simmer 1 to 2 Tablespoons dried schisandra berries in 2 cups of water, for 15 – 20 minutes.
This is also an excellent natural pick-me-up when you’re feeling tired.
Smoothies
Schisandra is conveniently available in powdered form.
And that makes it perfect for adding into your hormone balancing smoothies.
For recipes, be sure to check out my hormone balancing smoothies as well as my hormone balancing diet plan (include free recipes to download).
When buying schisandra powder, check the label to make sure it’s pure schisandra and that there are no weird fillers.
If you’re not sure where to get schisandra powder, here’s one that I recommend using (available via Amazon).
Tincture
You can buy schisandra tincture from a local health food store or online.
This a convenient way of taking it if you don’t have time to make tea or if you’re not a tea lover.
Capsules
Schisandra capsules are available at many local health stores as well as online.
To get the health benefits, take 1 to 3 grams daily, with food.
Dried berries
Chew on the dried berries throughout the day and enjoy their unique “five flavor” taste!
CONCLUSION
There you have it: the top benefits of schisandra berries and how to use them to support your hormones.
Now, I’d love to hear from you…have you ever tried schisandra or other adaptogenic herbs for hormone balance? Leave a comment below 🙂
Related Posts:
11 Adaptogens for Weight Loss and Hormone Balance
6 Herbs for Hormone Balance (that you probably don’t know about)
