Medicinal properties
Chinese lemongrass has been used as a medicinal plant for hundreds of years. Compounds present in the chemical composition have:
- Anti-inflammatory;
- Antiviral;
- Tonic;
- Anti-sclerotic;
- Immuno-strengthening
Effect.
Refers to adaptogens with strong antioxidant properties. The term “adoptogen” was first proposed by the Russian scientist I. I. Brekhman, which refers to substances that have a normalizing effect on the human body and increase resistance to adverse external factors.
Accumulating in the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, brain:
- Strengthens the nervous system;
- Stimulates the functioning of the body;
- Increases energy reserves;
- Increases endurance;
- Improves tissue regeneration;
- Cleanses the body of harmful toxins;
- Regulates cholesterol levels;
- Stabilizes blood sugar;
- Has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system;
- Improves brain function;
- Increases concentration and memory;
- Strengthens metabolic processes;
- Normalizes the functioning of the digestive tract;
- Improves light sensitivity and night vision;
- Reduces the accumulation of lactic acid in muscles during physical activity.
In Asian countries it is considered an aphrodisiac.
Benefit for health
The maximum therapeutic effect of taking Schisandra preparations includes:
- Increased mental and physical abilities;
- Improved ability to adapt to darkness;
- Increased resistance to stress.
Unlike caffeine, schizandra stimulates the central nervous system without causing an stimulating effect. Provides increased mental alertness without the jitters caused by caffeine.
Schisandra protects liver cells from the action of toxins, drugs, and harmful industrial compounds, removing them from the human body. Promotes liver restoration. Prevents non-alcoholic fat disease and damage due to alcohol consumption. In Japanese herbal medicine it is used to treat hepatitis.
According to scientists, extracts from the plant can have a cortisone-like effect on the immune system.
Research shows that lemongrass may offer much more to your health:
- Improves liver function;
- Prolongs youth, preventing premature aging;
- Relieves stress, anxiety, depression;
- Uplifting;
- Maintains hormonal balance by regulating the functioning of the adrenal glands;
- Reduces symptoms of menopause in women;
- Dilates blood vessels;
- Improves blood flow;
- Helps increase hemoglobin in the blood;
- Prevents anemia;
- Normalizes appetite.
Use in folk medicine
Schisandra chinensis is used in the form of:
- Tea;
- Infusion;
- Decoction;
- Tinctures.
Traditional healers use as raw materials:
- Plant twigs;
- Leaves;
- Berries.
The leaves and stems contain essential oil, vitamin C, which is useful for the prevention and treatment of scurvy and enhancing immunity.
The branches contain more tannins than other parts of the vine. Dysentery in children is treated with drugs based on them.
Berries are rich in anthocyanins, vitamins, and minerals. Herbalists recommend for treatment:
- Bronchitis;
- Tuberculosis;
- Anemia;
- Liver and stomach diseases.
As a vitamin remedy they help with influenza and viral colds.
Leaf tea
Brew a teaspoon with a glass of boiling water. Cover with a lid and leave for 15-20 minutes. When drinking tea, you can add honey.
Infusion of twigs
Cut the twigs into small pieces. Pour a tablespoon of raw material into a glass of boiling water. Cover with a lid and wrap. Leave for 15 minutes.
Berry infusion
Brew a tablespoon of dried fruits with 250 ml of boiling water. Cover and leave for two hours. You are allowed to drink 2-3 glasses during the day.
Decoction of leaves or bark
The raw materials are thoroughly crushed. Pour a teaspoon with a glass of hot water and simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes. After straining, top up to the original volume.
Berry decoction
Pour a tablespoon of hot water into a glass. Boil over low heat for 10 minutes. After straining, top up to the original volume.
Fresh berries are eaten when:
- Hypertension;
- Loss of strength;
- Poisoning.
During the day you can eat 25-50 grams of fresh berries. Dried - 4-6 pieces. It should be consumed before meals three times a day.
Beneficial features
A number of biologically active compounds have been found in the chemical composition of lemongrass.
Schisandra berries contain:
- Vitamins: C, A, E, B complex (B1, B2);
- Mineral salts of zinc, iron, magnesium, selenium, potassium, manganese, nickel, copper;
- Fatty acids: alpha-linoleic, beta-linoleic, oleic and others;
- Organic acids: malic, citric, tartaric;
- Tannins;
- Coloring pigments;
- Pectin compounds;
- Saponins;
- Fruit sugars;
- Flavonoids.
Seeds are rich in:
- Tocopherol;
- Fatty acids;
Schisandrines.
All parts of the plant contain essential oil. Most of it is found in the cortex. Main essential oil compounds:
- Citral;
- Karen;
- Terpinen;
- Acetate;
- Linalool;
- Citronellol.
The oil is golden yellow in color with a pleasant subtle lemon aroma. Valued in the perfume industry.
As a source of ascorbic acid, it improves defenses. Vitamin C, in addition to the immune system, is necessary for the production of collagen. Participates in the synthesis of blood cells. The leaves contain five times more ascorbic acid than the berries.
Schisandra contains a number of substances with antioxidant properties that suppress free radicals.
Schisandrins provide tonic properties: schisandrol and schisandrin. Having a stimulating effect, these phytocompounds:
- Increase tone and performance;
- Have a beneficial effect on the nervous system;
- Strengthens the heart;
- Increase metabolic processes;
- Participate in the synthesis of certain hormones.
In addition, they belong to compounds with antioxidant properties.
Use in cooking
Schizanra berries are harvested not only for medicinal purposes. They are prepared from:
- Jam;
- Jam;
- Jelly;
- Juice.
Freeze and twist with honey or sugar.
Juice and berries are added to compote and jelly. Leaves - when canning cucumbers, tomatoes.
Berries twisted with honey are an excellent multivitamin. Helps:
- Reduce blood cholesterol levels;
- Improve your well-being;
- Relieve drowsiness and fatigue.
