Schisandra tincture indications and contraindications

What is lemongrass

The family Schisandraceae (in some sources Araliaceae) on the territory of Russia is represented by the only plant growing under natural conditions - Schisandra chinensis (Far Eastern). This is a deciduous climbing vine, widespread in China, Korea, Japan, and in the Russian Federation - in the Khabarovsk, Primorsky Territories, and Amur Region. The habitats of Schisandra thickets are coniferous-deciduous forests, clearings, edges covered with grass, and old burnt areas. You can grow the plant in the garden or at the dacha.

The stem of the plant, up to 2 cm in diameter, 10-15 m long, is covered with flaky brown bark. The shoots of the vine have smooth light yellow bark. The leaves are fleshy with a pointed tip and weak pubescence. The skin of the leaves and stems gives off a lemon aroma, which was the reason for the name of the plant. Small white flowers have a pronounced pleasant aroma, and after flowering, a racemose polyberry is formed in place of one flower. Schisandra bears fruit with beautiful bright red or orange-red berries, which have a bitter-sour taste and are used for medicinal purposes.

Schisandra tincture for rubbing

For rubbing (compresses), a thicker solution is usually used, which can be made in the following way:

• take 100 g of ripe berries;
• cut each berry into 3-4 parts;
• remove the seeds from inside;
• wash and dry in the sun (1-2 hours is enough);
• Place in a coffee grinder and grind to a paste.

Then mix the finished composition with alcohol and do exactly the same steps as in the previous recipe. This mixture is not filtered and left in the bottle along with the resulting berry cake. It is recommended to infuse the solution for 21 days rather than 10.

How to use the rub tincture

For pain in the joints, the tincture is used as a daily rub on problem areas. It is recommended to make 1 healing compress per day. The course of treatment usually does not exceed 10-15 (less often 30) days. It is better to do the rubbing itself before going to bed.

Tincture of Chinese lemongrass - composition and properties

The seeds of the plant, which are used to prepare lemongrass tincture, have the highest biological activity. A pharmaceutical general tonic of plant origin consists of only two components - lemongrass extract or seeds and 95% ethyl alcohol. An alcohol base is necessary for better extraction of active substances from the plant (at a lower alcohol concentration they are extracted worse).

In order to obtain seeds for the production of a biostimulant, the fruits of the plant are pressed, after which the resulting cake is left to ferment. After the fermentation process is completed, the seeds are separated from the pericarp under water pressure and dried in dryers at a temperature of 50 to 60 degrees. This method of obtaining raw materials for tincture ensures the preservation of beneficial properties. The juice remaining after squeezing the fruits is used to flavor drinks.

Chemical composition

In homeopathic medicine, all parts of the plant except the stem are used to prepare medicines. Schisandra tincture, as a stimulant and tonic for fatigue, was introduced into medical practice after a series of clinical studies of the chemical composition and properties of the drug. The main active ingredients, according to scientific conclusions, are schisandrin (it was isolated experimentally in the form of a crystalline, nitrogen-free substance) and lignans (schisandrol methyl ethers of polyoxyphenols - compounds of the dibenzocyclooctadiene series).

The amount of main active substances in the seeds is 3%; they are dissolved in the essential oil, which is located in the skin of the fruit. The berries have a high content of organic acids (citric acid 11%, malic acid 10%, tartaric acid, succinic acid, oxalic acid). Fruit pulp contains magnesium, cobalt, potassium, sugars, pectin, tannins, but does not contain schisandrin. The essential oil is found throughout the plant, but in the seeds it is found only in the inner layer of the seed coat.

Schisandra fruits contain phenolics (represented mainly by a group of flavonoids - catechins, schisandrins, schisandrol, schisantherines, tomisins), mineral compounds, vitamins, and carbohydrates. The seed kernel is rich in semi-drying fatty oil. The juice of ripe fruits contains a high content of vitamin C and pectin substances, which are natural enterosorbents.

Beneficial features

The International Classification of Medicines classifies Schisandra tincture as a general tonic, which is due to the specific effects of the active substances included in its composition. This biological product increases a person’s adaptive capabilities, i.e. is an adaptogen. The effect of alcohol tincture is associated with the effect on the central nervous system (CNS), endocrine, immune and cardiovascular systems.

The mechanism of action of the drug has not been thoroughly studied, but it is known that the plant adaptogen affects the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), participates in the regulation of hormonal metabolism, and changes the functioning of the central nervous system. Biologically active substances, which are components of adaptogens, activate metabolism, cellular and humoral immunity, promote the regeneration of body cells, and have a rejuvenating effect.

Schisandra tincture has a number of beneficial properties that are confirmed by scientific evidence. The following types of effects caused by the use of a biostimulant have been experimentally identified:

• anti-inflammatory – being a source of essential oils, tannins and flavonoids, the plant inhibits the action of cyclooxygenase, which is involved in the synthesis of regulators of the development of inflammation;
• antifungal – the flavonoids included in the preparation have a resistance factor against some types of pathogenic fungi;
• immunostimulating – high saturation with vitamins and minerals helps to increase the concentration of immunoglobulins, as a result of which the mechanism for realizing the protective properties of the body is launched;
• antitumor - organic acids, magnesium and potassium enhance the anti-blastoma activity of cytostatins, inhibit the growth of malignant tumors, increase the level of glycogen in the liver;
• tonic – schisandrin stimulates the functioning of the heart and respiratory system, due to which the phosphorylation of glucose is activated, which causes a surge of strength;
• antimicrobial - flavonoids and tannins in combination with ascorbic acid can change the activity of enzymes and suppress the growth of pathogenic microorganisms;
• antioxidant – prevents the effect of intoxication during the oxidation of free radicals of unsaturated fatty acids, which is the result of depletion of the body.

Useful composition of Schisandra chinensis

Schisandra fruits contain substances with a wide range of biological activity - lignans . It is with lignans that scientists associate its medicinal properties: antitumor, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, tonic. Working together, lignans stimulate the activity of the central nervous system - thanks to them, schisandra is called an adaptogen.

Adaptogens are amazing natural substances that increase the body’s resistance in difficult conditions: during sudden climate changes, physical and mental stress, in conditions of oxygen starvation and other extreme situations. They are not considered medicines, and are not intended for the treatment of any diseases by medicine, but in folk medicine they were used for therapeutic and preventive purposes not even for thousands, but for tens of thousands of years: there were no countries and states yet, but people already knew about the healing power adaptogens. When used regularly, these substances strengthen the body so much that it overcomes the most severe diseases, so Schisandra, just like ginseng, aralia, eleutherococcus, etc., can be called a medicine for healthy people.

Schisandra berries contain a lot of organic acids - citric, malic, tartaric; there are pectins and sugars, vitamin E and a lot of vitamin C; there are tannins - tannins; flavonoids - catechins, anthocyanins, which have powerful antioxidant properties. Essential oil is found in all parts of the plant, and the seeds contain fatty oil, including unsaturated fatty acids.

The mineral composition of lemongrass is very rich , although most macro- and microelements are contained in very small quantities. These are potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, cobalt, molybdenum, chromium, aluminum, barium, selenium, nickel, strontium, iodine, etc.

Schisandra berries contain no toxic substances, but do contain iodine, as well as a lot of selenium and potassium.

Indications for use

Restoring the body's defenses and increasing immunity are the main, but not the only factors that give Schisandra tincture a unique health value. Homeopathic medicines based on medicinal seeds and berries extend their healing effects to all internal organs, which is the reason for their use as a remedy for a wide range of diseases. Indications for use of the adaptogen are:

Tincture of Schisandra chinensis. Instructions for use. Price

Schisandra chinensis tincture is used as a stimulant of the central nervous system.

Indications for use:

Physical and mental fatigue, increased drowsiness, hypotension.

Application of lemongrass tincture

Schisandra tincture is taken orally, 20–40 drops 2–3 times a day before meals.

Contraindications

Nervous overexcitation, hypertension, cardiac dysfunction.

Composition and release form

The tincture is produced in glass bottles of 25 ml and 50 ml.

Shelf life and storage conditions:

Store in a cool place, protected from light. The shelf life of Schisandra chinensis tincture is 4 years.

In our pharmacies in Yaroslavl, the price of tincture for a 25 ml bottle is approximately 25-35 rubles.

pharmachologic effect

A noticeable tonic effect after consuming the adaptogen occurs within 30-40 minutes. and lasts from 4 to 6 hours, but to achieve sustainable treatment results it is necessary to complete the full course. After taking the recommended dose of the stimulant, the following changes begin to occur in the body:

• efficiency increases;
• concentration, memory, concentration improves;
• brain activity and speed of mental activity increases;
• one feels cheerfulness and a surge of strength;
• appetite improves;
• visual acuity increases;
• oxygen starvation is eliminated;
• strength endurance and muscle tone increases.

Schisandra tincture has a quick effect when applied externally. Treatment of skin diseases, such as vitiligo, psoriasis, dermatoses, with the help of a biological product helps to accelerate the natural processes of epithelization. Long-term non-healing wounds (trophic ulcers) after treatment with the drug begin to heal faster, the feeling of tightness of the skin goes away.

Instructions for use

Due to its wide range of healing effects, herbal medicine based on herbal components is used for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. The instructions for use of the drug indicate the recommended doses that should be followed to achieve the desired result. Before starting treatment, you should consult your doctor regarding the possibility of using an adaptogen and its permissible dosage.

Schisandra tincture is a highly concentrated remedy and to obtain a therapeutic effect you need to use only a few drops of the medicine. The drug should be taken orally on an empty stomach, after diluting the lemongrass extract with water. Reception time is the first half of the day. It is not recommended to use the stimulant in the evening to avoid disrupting sleep patterns. The dosage regimen for various diseases depends on the stage of the disease and the severity of symptoms:

Features of use for athletes

Having the ability to increase the threshold of fatigue and the rate of muscle recovery after high physical exertion, Schisandra tincture is used as a sports stimulant. The antihypoxic effect of the drug makes it suitable for athletes who experience oxygen starvation during intense training. The natural adaptogen is acceptable for use before sports competitions, as it is not a doping agent.

To increase tone, energy and improve reaction during sports, you should follow the dosage regimen and avoid abuse of the stimulant so as not to get the opposite effect to the desired one. The recommended dose for athletes is 20-40 drops 2-3 times daily for no more than 2 weeks. The elixir should be drunk half an hour before meals. The adaptogen is not addictive, but the result of its positive effect on the body lasts for a long time.

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How to drink properly in old age

Elderly people are advised to consult a specialist regarding the possibility of using a stimulant. The use of medication by older people for preventive purposes helps to improve memory and vision, increase the body’s energy balance, but sometimes the body’s reaction is increased excitability, sleep disturbance, and rapid heartbeat. The recommended dose for this category of patients is no more than 20-25 drops in two doses in the first half of the day.

Can pregnant women and children use it?

Schisandra tincture has a strong stimulating effect on the central nervous system, so children under 12 years of age, in whom all body systems have not yet been fully formed, are prohibited from taking the medicine. The plant’s ability to affect the smooth muscles of the uterus makes it a drug contraindicated during pregnancy, but if the fetus is postterm, the doctor may prescribe a drug to stimulate labor. Nursing mothers should refrain from consuming adaptogens due to the fact that the active substances, once passed into breast milk, can harm the baby.

Benefits of lemongrass seed tincture

The active substance of Schisandra is schisandrin, and the concentration of this substance in the berries of the plant is less than in the seeds.

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As a result, preparations from seeds are considered the most powerful in use and are used to improve the functioning of the respiratory system, heart and nervous system.

According to Chinese healers, an alcoholic infusion of the plant’s fruits is best used at low blood pressure, and a tincture made from the seeds is best used at high blood pressure.

Price in pharmacy

The herbal tincture is produced by several Russian manufacturers and the drug is sold in pharmacies. The cost of an adaptogen in Moscow ranges from 25 to 162 rubles per bottle of 25 ml. You can order delivery of herbal medicine in an online pharmacy by selecting the item you are interested in from those offered in the electronic catalog. Average prices for the drug are presented in the table:

How to prepare Chinese lemongrass tincture at home

An effective remedy for strengthening the immune system based on lemongrass can be prepared independently at home. The tincture is prepared from all parts of the plant, but the fruit and seeds contain the most active substances, so they are often used in folk recipes. When preparing an adaptogen, it is necessary to strictly follow the recipe and maintain the infusion time. The shelf life of homemade lemongrass tincture is shorter than that of pharmacy analogues. The product can be stored for up to 1 year, subject to storage conditions.

From the berries of the plant

The herbal medicine based on the fruits of the plant has a general tonic and choleretic effect. Making a homeopathic medicine will not take much time, and the effect of its use will come quickly. There are several simple ways to prepare this remedy:

1. Pour one part of the ripe berries of the plant with five parts of alcohol. Close the container with the mixture tightly and leave to infuse in a dark place at room temperature. After 11-15 days, the product will be ready, after which it must be filtered until a clear liquid is obtained.
2. Pour the fruits of the plant with 70% alcohol at a rate of 1 to 3. The product should be infused for 3-4 days in a dark, cool place (not in the refrigerator), then strain and pour into a glass container.
3. Combine crushed berries (5 tablespoons) with 0.5 liters of alcohol and leave to infuse for 12 days. The mixture should be stored in a cool, dark place and shaken daily.

Schisandra seed tincture

To obtain a medicine with a stronger concentration of active substances, recipes for infusion of plant seeds are suitable. The preparation of the medicine involves first extracting the seeds from the berries, drying them and grinding them. Once the raw materials are ready for use, you can begin making the elixir using one of the suggested recipes:

1. Place 100 g of crushed plant seeds in a dark glass container and fill with medical alcohol (0.5 l). The product should be infused for 21 days, then strained and used internally or externally.
2. For rubbing and compresses, use a tincture with a thicker consistency. To achieve the desired thickness, you need to add several berries to the seeds, which are cut into small pieces and added to the product. There is no need to filter the finished medicine - the cake remains in the container with the tincture throughout the entire storage period.

Methods of application

In folk medicine, alcohol tinctures, water infusions, and teas are prepared from the leaves, seeds and fruits of Schisandra chinensis. Considering the stimulating and tonic effect of the plant, it is not recommended to take products from it in the evening.

Fruit tincture

To obtain an alcohol tincture of schisandra berries, they are mixed in a hermetically sealed dark glass container with 70% alcohol in a ratio of 1 to 5, that is, 100 ml of alcohol is taken per 20 g of dried fruit. If it is necessary to obtain a larger volume of tincture, these quantities are proportionally increased. The mixture is infused in a dark place for 10 days, filtered through gauze. The remaining berries on the gauze are re-filled with 10 ml of alcohol, left for the same number of days as the first time, and filtered. The two resulting tinctures are combined and diluted 2 times with distilled water. Drink 2.5 ml two or three times a day for dizziness, headaches, depression, asthenic syndrome.

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Tea with lemongrass to strengthen the immune system

From the dried leaves, bark and young shoots of the plant you can prepare a delicious aromatic tea that exhibits the beneficial properties of lemongrass. To brew it, 10–15 g of plant material is poured into 1 liter of boiling water and left for 4 minutes. When consumed regularly, this drink will help strengthen the immune system and increase the body's resistance to infectious pathogens. Schisandra leaves are added in small quantities when preparing regular black or green tea.

Tincture of seeds and berries

To prepare a tincture from lemongrass seeds and berries, take 10 and 20 g of raw material, respectively, and pour it with 100 ml of 70% alcohol in a dark glass container. Infuse the mixture for 10 days, then filter. Use 20-30 drops of the product, diluted with water, for anemia, general fatigue, impotence, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, acute respiratory infections, and nervous disorders.

Side effects and contraindications

In the course of research on the composition and properties of the medicinal plant, the exact doses of the drug were established that have the proper therapeutic effect and are safe for the human body. Schisandra tincture is one of the most powerful natural stimulants, so before using it you should consult your doctor and determine your individual dosage.

Taking the drug in the recommended dose, according to reviews, rarely leads to negative consequences, but an overdose may be accompanied by the following side effects, in which case you should stop using the medication and seek medical help:

• nausea;
• vomit;
• diarrhea;
• dizziness;
• allergic reactions;
• overexcitement;
• a sharp increase in blood pressure or body temperature;

When buying a product at a pharmacy, you must pay attention to the indicated expiration date; taking an expired drug is prohibited. The package containing the pharmaceutical tincture on the fruits or seeds of the plant contains instructions for its use. In order not to provoke the development of negative consequences, you should carefully read the list of contraindications to taking the stimulant, which includes:

• epilepsy;
• intolerance to the constituent components;
• increased nervous excitement;
• insomnia;
• arterial hypertension;
• mental disorders;
• abnormal heartbeat, tachycardia;
• suffered traumatic brain injuries.

How to take lemongrass tincture

Take lemongrass tincture on an empty stomach or 4 hours after meals. You need to drink 20-30 drops 2-3 times a day. If necessary, the one-time amount can be increased to 35-40 drops. The recommended course of treatment is 20-25 days. Side effects of the drug include: headache, tachycardia, increased blood pressure, sleep disturbance, allergic reactions.

Schisandra tincture is contraindicated in case of increased nervous excitability, arterial hypertension, insomnia, epilepsy, liver failure, acute viral and infectious diseases. It is not recommended to take the drug during pregnancy and lactation, for children under 12 years of age, or with hypersensitivity to the drug.

Interaction with other drugs

Due to the fact that schisandra tincture has a strong stimulating effect, it cannot be combined with other stimulants of natural and synthetic origin, which include:

• neurometabolic stimulants, nootropics (Piracetam, Glycine, Phenotropil, etc.);
• analeptics (Etimizol, Caffeine, Cytinone, etc.);
• stimulants of the cerebral cortex (Phenamine, Sidnocarb, Meridol, etc.);
• psychostimulants (Salbutiamine, Meclofenoxate, Feprosidnine);
• antidepressants (Imipramine, Maprotiline, Clomipramine, etc.);
• adaptogens (Ginseng, Shilajit, Eleutherococcus, etc.).