Organic Schizandra Berries – The Five Flavour Berry of Taoist Tradition
Schizandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a vibrant berry native to China and Japan, where it has been used for centuries in traditional herbal systems. It grows on a creeping woody vine and is prized not just for its striking flavour, but for its place within the rich lineage of East Asian botanical knowledge.
The berries are known in Chinese as wu wei zi, meaning "five taste fruit" — as they contain all five of the basic flavours: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent. This complex flavour profile reflects the berry’s dynamic and multifaceted nature. The taste has been described as reminiscent of black pepper and cinnamon, with a strong aromatic bite.
In Taoist philosophy, Schizandra is referred to as “the quintessence of tonic herbs”, and is traditionally grouped with revered botanicals such as Reishi and Goji. It holds a special place in traditional herbal practices where it is valued as a superior herb, known for supporting overall balance and vitality.
These are the dried whole berries, for adding to tea or broths. It is often favoured by those exploring traditional herbalism, and is widely recognised for its ability to harmonise and support the body in times of change.
Key Qualities:
100% dried schizandra berries
Deep roots in East Asian herbal tradition
Valued for its five-flavour profile and aromatic intensity
Traditionally regarded as a superior tonic food
From Taoist sages to modern herbalists, Schizandra’s been turning heads (and tongues) for centuries.
Ingredients
Schizandra Chinesis
Further Information
Schizandra was mentioned in early medical texts of China as one of the Superior herbs, (like Reishi and He Shou Wu).
Some hunting tribes of Northern China would take supplies of the dried berries whenever they went on long hunting trips during cold weather. Eating the schizandra berries helped them to stoke their internal fires.
Schizandra is gaining in popularity as a tonic or adaptogen that can balance bodily functions. Among schizandra's main chemical constituents are compounds known as lignans, which are concentrated in the berries' seeds. More than two dozen lignans have been identified with the prominent ones being schizandrin, gomisins such as gomisin A, and wuweizisu C.They may also have mild sedative effects. Other chemical constituents in schizandra, such as an essential oil, acids, vitamins, and minerals, may contribute to the herb's tonic effects by increasing cells' ability to create and use energy and to process wastes or by delivering more oxygen to the body's cells.
Schizandra, like many of our favourite medicinal herbs, is an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a plant (such as Aloe vera, maca, suma and ashwaganda) which has a normalizing effect on the body. Adaptogens don't have a specific effect on the body, what they do is rebalance the body and restore homeostasis. The more centred we are, the easier it is to deal with life's ups and downs, and keep up with the 21st century pace of life.
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How To Use
Combine with goji berries or your other favourite herbs and sweeteners to make a magical tea. We recommend using 1tbsp dried berries per litre of tea.
