Herb Herbs that stabilize and bind

Wu Wei Zi

Schisandra berries | 五味子

Schisandra chinensis

Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra berries) plant

Images shown are for educational purposes only

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Sour, Sweet

Organ Affinity

Heart, Kidneys, Lungs

Parts Used

Dried ripe fruits

Explore More About This Herb

TCM Actions & Uses Research Studies Preparation & Dosage Safety & Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Wu Wei Zi

Traditional Actions

Astringe the Lungs
Tonify the Kidneys
Generate Body Fluids
Stop sweating
Astringe Essence
Calm the Mind

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Wu Wei Zi belongs to the 'Herbs that stabilize and bind' category. This category of herbs is used for treating abnormal discharges and displacement of Organs. This includes conditions such as diarrhea, discharges from the vagina, penis or rectum as well as prolapse of the Uterus or rectum. It is important to note that herbs in this category only treat symptoms, so one should also use herbs to treat the underlying Deficiency.

 

Furthermore Wu Wei Zi is Warm in nature. This means that Wu Wei Zi tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Wu Wei Zi can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

 

Wu Wei Zi also tastes Sour and Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sour ingredients like Wu Wei Zi helps with digestion and restrain abnormal discharges of Fluids from the body, such as diarrhea or heavy sweating. On the other hand Sweet ingredients tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Wu Wei Zi is thought to target the Heart, the Kidney and the Lung. In addition to regulating Blood flow, in TCM the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality. The Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.

Common Applications

Dyspnea Spermatorrhea Enuresis Urinary incontinence Night sweats Diabetes Insomnia Palpitations Vaginal discharge Dry cough Asthma

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Wu Wei Zi

Schizandra affords a stress-protective effect against a broad spectrum of harmful factors including heat shock, skin burn, cooling, frostbite, immobilisation, swimming under load in an atmosphere with decreased air pressure, aseptic inflammation, irradiation, and heavy metal intoxication.1

In healthy subjects, Schizandra increases endurance and accuracy of movement, mental performance and working capacity.1

Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficiency of Schizandra in asthenia, neuralgic and psychiatric (neurosis, psychogenic depression, astheno-depressive states, schizophrenia and alcoholism) disorders, in impaired visual function, hypotension and cardiotonic disorders, in epidemic waves of influenza, in chronic sinusitis, otitis, neuritis and otosclerosis, in pneumonia, radioprotection of the fetoplacental system of pregnant women, allergic dermatitis, acute gastrointestinal diseases, gastric hyper- and hypo-secretion, chronic gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, wound healing and trophic ulcers.1

Sources:

1. A Panossian, G Wikman (2008). Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis Bail.: An overview of Russian research and uses in medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 118(2): 183-212. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2008.04.020

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Wu Wei Zi

Traditional Preparation

Harvest fruits when ripe, remove the stems and dry the flesh.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

2 - 9 grams

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Wu Wei Zi

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Wu Wei Zi may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

Related Educational Resources

Formulas Containing Wu Wei Zi

Discover traditional and modern TCM formulas that use Wu Wei Zi as an ingredient to understand its clinical applications.

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