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Although Schisandra has not been officially declared effective, it is known to improve lab test results in cases of infectious hepatitis and other liver disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine, Schisandra is highly regarded as a remedy for wheezing, cough, insomnia, fatigue, night sweats, and allergic skin reactions. Western herbalists often use it as a tonic to counter the effects of stress. Schisandra, a member of the magnolia family, is a woody vine with numerous clusters of tiny, shiny, oily, bright red berries. The medicinal part is the fully ripe, sun-dried fruit, which is reported to have a sweet, sour, salty, hot, bitter taste. This unusual assortment of flavors is reflected in Schisandra's Chinese name "Wu-wei-zi," which means "five taste fruit." Schisandra's beneficial effects on the liver are thought to be due to certain compounds contained in the berries. Laboratory tests suggest that the herb may also possess a ginseng-like effect, boosting energy and fighting fatigue.
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