This fruit is used in various remedies to improve liver function, support digestion, and control blood sugar and blood pressure.
Wu Wei Zi, also known as Schisandra or Five Flavor Fruit, is a traditional Chinese medicine derived from the ripe fruit of the Schisandra chinensis vine, a perennial climbing plant. After harvest, the fruit is thoroughly washed and either sun-dried or dehydrated for medicinal use, stored in jars or sealed bags in a cool, dry place. Beyond Vietnam, this fruit is also utilized for medicinal purposes in many Asian countries.
This fruit is also used for medicinal purposes in many Asian countries.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, Wu Wei Zi has a sour taste, warm properties, and affects the lungs and kidneys. It is known for its calming effects, lung tonification, kidney nourishment, and thirst reduction, commonly used to treat conditions such as nervous exhaustion, chronic cough, insomnia, dehydration, memory loss, diarrhea, and excessive sweating.
Modern medicine has identified many benefits of Wu Wei Zi as well as extracts from this fruit: improving liver function, increasing energy and endurance, enhancing performance, supporting digestion, brain health, reducing inflammation, and preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
Below are specific health benefits of this fruit:
Blood Sugar Regulation
With its high concentration of antioxidant compounds, Wu Wei Zi helps combat free radicals and reduce inflammatory responses, which are causes of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Wu Wei Zi also improves insulin sensitivity, balances blood sugar levels, and supports diabetes treatment.
A traditional Chinese medicine remedy for diabetes includes 6g of Wu Wei Zi, 6g of Eucommia bark steeped as tea or combined with other herbs like Tian Hua Fen, Codonopsis, and Licorice, as advised by a physician.
Wu Wei Zi helps combat free radicals and reduce inflammatory responses.
Liver Protection
Numerous studies on Wu Wei Zi have focused on its ability to support liver function, demonstrating its effects in detoxifying the liver, preventing liver damage, treating chronic hepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, benefiting patients after liver transplantation.
A traditional Chinese medicine remedy for chronic hepatitis involves finely grinding dried Wu Wei Zi into powder, taking 3-4g with warm water, 2-3 times a day, continuously for up to 30 days.
Digestive Support and Immune Boosting
Wu Wei Zi is rich in vitamins C and E, enhancing the immune system and preventing respiratory diseases. This fruit promotes enzyme production, facilitates detoxification from the body, and alleviates indigestion and gastrointestinal disorders.
The digestive system and immune system are closely linked; a healthy gut ensures nutrient absorption and boosts immunity in the body.
Heart Disease Prevention
Wu Wei Zi is used in various traditional Chinese medicine remedies to treat myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cerebrovascular accidents. This fruit also helps regulate blood pressure to stable levels and prevents the progression of atherosclerosis, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Wu Wei Zi also helps stabilize blood pressure.
Benefits for the Nervous System
In China, Russia, and other regions, Wu Wei Zi is used to enhance energy levels, promote mental clarity, and improve focus and memory. Wu Wei Zi also has calming effects, treating insomnia and poor sleep quality.
Research has indicated a connection between Wu Wei Zi usage and protective effects against neurological and psychiatric disorders such as depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and stress.
Precautions When Using Wu Wei Zi
Individuals who should avoid Wu Wei Zi include: pregnant women, those with peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, recent bronchitis patients, and individuals currently taking Western medications… to prevent exacerbating conditions or drug interactions.
The recommended daily dosage of Wu Wei Zi is between 1.5-6g, and it can be increased to 12g under a doctor’s guidance to ensure efficacy and safety.
