Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus
Aliases：Chi Chu、Wu Mei Zi、Shan Hua Jiao、Xuan Ji、Wei、Hui Ji。
Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus) is a Chinese medicinal herb that astringes the lung and the intestine. It is the dried ripe fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. or Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils. (family Schisandraceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Astringe and secure, supplement qi and generate fluids, tonify the kidney and calm the heart.
Indications
Chronic cough with deficiency wheezing Nocturnal emission and spermatorrhea, enuresis and frequent urination Prolonged diarrhea Spontaneous sweating and night sweats Thirst due to fluid damage, internal heat with wasting thirst disorder Palpitations and insomnia
Modern Pharmacology
Hepatoprotective: Lowers transaminase levels and promotes hepatocyte repair. Sedative and calming: Regulates the central nervous system and improves sleep. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Immunomodulatory (enhances immunity). Cardiovascular protection: Dilates coronary arteries and improves myocardial ischemia. Anti-fatigue and antitumor.
Ingredients
Lignans (main active components): Schisandrin, schisandrol A, schisandrin A, schisandrin B, schisandrin C, etc. Volatile oils: Terpenoids. Organic acids: Citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid. Polysaccharides: Schisandra polysaccharides.
Usage & Dosage
1. Internal use: 2–6 g in decoction; or 1–3 g ground into powder. 2. Should be added later (when used in decoction).
Contraindications
Contraindicated in: Cases with an unresolved exterior pathogen, internal excess heat, early‑stage cough, or damp‑heat diarrhea and dysentery. Use with caution in: Patients with hyperacidity or peptic ulcer. Drug interactions: Should not be used concurrently with sulfonamides, aminoglycosides, alkaline drugs, cardiac glycosides, erythromycin, epinephrine, and other similar Western medications. Special populations: Use with caution in pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children.
Selected Formulas
1. For chronic cough due to lung deficiency Often combined with Yingsuqiao (poppy capsule) – as in Wuweizi Wan (Schisandra Pill) from Weisheng Jiabao Fang. 2. For cough and wheezing due to deficiency of both lung and kidney Often combined with Shanzhuyu (Cornus fruit), Shudihuang (prepared Rehmannia), and Shanyao (Chinese yam) – as in Duqi Wan (Pillar‑Qi Pill) from Yizong Jiren Bian. 3. For cough and wheezing due to cold‑phlegm (retention of cold fluid) Schisandra excels in astringing the lung to stop cough. It is often combined with Mahuang (Ephedra), Xixin (Asarum), and Ganjiang (dried ginger) – as in Xiaoqinglong Tang (Minor Blue Dragon Decoction) from Shanghan Lun. 4. For spontaneous sweating and night sweats Often combined with Mahuanggen (Ephedra root) and Muli (oyster shell) – herbs that astringe and stop sweating. 5. For spermatorrhea (involuntary emission) Often combined with Sangpiaoxiao (mantis egg‑case), Fuzi (processed aconite), and Longgu (dragon bone) – as in Sangpiaoxiao Wan (Mantis Egg‑case Pill) from Shiyi Dexiao Fang. 6. For nocturnal emission (dream‑related emission) Often combined with Maidong (Ophiopogon), Shanzhuyu, Shudihuang, and Shanyao – as in Maiwei Dihuang Wan (Ophiopogon and Schisandra Rehmannia Pill) from Yizong Jinjian. 7. For chronic persistent diarrhea due to spleen‑kidney deficiency cold Fry Schisandra with Wuzhuyu (Evodia) until fragrant, then grind into powder, and take with rice water – as in Wuweizi San (Schisandra Powder) from Puji Benshi Fang. Alternatively, combine with Buguzhi (Psoralea), Roudoukou (nutmeg), and Wuzhuyu – as in Sishen Wan (Four‑Miraculous Pill) from Neike Zhaiyao. 8. For profuse sweating and thirst due to heat injuring qi and yin Often combined with Renshen (Ginseng) and Maidong – as in Shengmai San (Pulse‑Generating Powder) from Neiwaishang Bianhuo Lun. 9. For wasting thirst disorder (Xiaoke) caused by yin deficiency with internal heat, presenting as thirst and polydipsia Often combined with Shanyao, Zhimu (Anemarrhena), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes root), and Huangqi (Astragalus) – as in Yuye Tang (Jade Liquid Decoction) from Yixue Zhongzhong Canxi Lu. 10. For vexation, palpitations, and insomnia with excessive dreaming due to deficiency of yin and blood (heart malnourishment) or disharmony between heart and kidney Often combined with Maidong, Danshen (Salvia), Shengdihuang (raw Rehmannia), and Suanzaoren (Ziziphus seed) – as in Tianwang Buxin Dan (Heavenly King Heart‑Supplementing Pill) from Shesheng Mipu.
Daily Consumption
1. Schisandra Tea Take 3–6 g of Schisandra fruit, crush it, steep in boiling water, cover and let infuse for 10–15 minutes. Honey or rock sugar may be added to taste. Drink 1–2 times per day. Suitable for dry mouth, spontaneous sweating, and insomnia. 2. Schisandra Congee Take 5 g of Schisandra fruit (wrapped in a cloth bag) and cook with 50 g of japonica rice into congee. Red dates or goji berries may be added. Used for chronic cough with deficiency wheezing, palpitations, and insomnia. 3. Schisandra Soup Take 5–10 g of Schisandra fruit, stew with lean pork, pork ribs, or chicken for 1 hour. Drink the soup and eat the meat. Suitable for deficiency of both the Lung and Kidney, chronic cough, and night sweats. 4. Schisandra Honey Water Take 3 g of Schisandra powder, mix with warm water, and add one spoonful of honey. Used for dry throat, hoarseness, and fatigue. 5. Schisandra Wine Infusion Take 50 g of Schisandra fruit and 500 ml of white liquor (baijiu). Seal and steep for 15–30 days. Take 10–15 ml per day. Used for kidney deficiency with spermatorrhea, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees. (Contraindicated for those allergic to alcohol and for pregnant women.)
Medicinal Parts
dried ripe fruit
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from mold and insects. It is recommended to keep in an airtight container to prevent moisture.