We call this plant lemongrass, the Chinese call it “wu wei ji”, which translates as “a plant with five flavors.” In the berries of lemongrass, you can really taste the classic tastes: sour, bitter, sweet, spicy and salty, and oriental sages associate them with 5 elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Hence the belief in the magical properties of this plant.
In the Chinese tradition, lemongrass is used to treat the kidneys and lungs, it is useful for removing excess fluid from the body, calming nerves and increasing fertility. Oriental herbalists in their practice usually use only 50 plants, referred to as “basic”. And lemongrass is one of them. By the way, “wu wei ji” in the East is as respected as the famous ginseng.
Botanical characteristics
Schisandra is a deciduous plant of the Schisandra family that is typically found in sandy soils, mixed forests, and near streams. “Wu wei ji” is a light-loving plant that feels good on moist soil. It is a woody vine dotted with clusters of small, bright red berries. Its natural area is the east of China and the adjacent territories of Russia and Korea. Liana can grow up to 9 m, wrapping around the trunk of a tree, like ivy. The thickness of a liana rarely exceeds 2 cm. In April-May, the first fragrant white, pink or yellow flowers appear on it, in place of which berries then flaunt. And at this time, the plant looks very attractive.
Interestingly, the plant that we know as the Chinese lemongrass in China itself is called the northern one, since it grows mainly in the northeastern provinces of the country. And “wu wei ji” with orange fruits, which is widespread in the southwest, is called southern in the Celestial Empire.
Useful components
Schisandra fruit is a good source of organic acids, lignins, phytosterols, vitamins A, C and E, essential oils, healthy fats, chromium, phosphorus, magnesium, silicon, nickel. More than 30 different substances have been found in berries that are primarily beneficial for the liver. The vitamins found in fruits are known for their powerful antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.
Benefits for the body
Recently, researchers have determined that Chinese magnolia vine is beneficial for diabetes. In addition, the extract of this plant is known to protect the cardiovascular system, prevent inflammation, and inhibit the activity of free radicals. I wonder what else berries are good for?
Restorative remedy
It is one of the most powerful plants with a tonic and tonic effect. Chinese healers knew about this a thousand years ago. Modern research confirms that the plant strengthens the body’s immune system and improves its performance. “Wu wei ji” contains substances that help cleanse the liver, remove toxins from the body, and the seeds of the plant contain substances that increase the efficiency and physical endurance of the body. In the East, they believe that if you consume lemongrass for 100 days, you can cleanse the blood, improve memory and brain function, normalize the functioning of the kidneys and the reproductive system, the skin will acquire a healthy color, acne will disappear.
Prevents inflammation
Thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants, lemongrass helps fight free radicals, prevents inflammatory reactions, which in fact are the causes of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Free radicals are the most dangerous enemies of humans, as they cause mutations at the cellular level and accelerate aging.
In addition, by preventing inflammatory processes in the body, lemongrass protects against atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and regulates the optimal acid-base balance. When it comes to the cancer-preventing ability of Schisandra, it is important to remember its specific properties. Researchers who have studied the effect of lemongrass on the body have determined that these berries inhibit the growth of cancer cells, leading to their death.
Effects on the nervous system and brain function
Research confirms that lemongrass naturally affects the balance of hormones in the body. Hence the ability of berries to maintain mental and physical health. Schisandra acts on the adrenal glands by inhibiting the production of cortisol (stress hormone). As a result of this effect, the physical endurance of the body increases, metabolism and resistance to stress improve. Schizandra chinensis berries have also been proven to be effective natural antidepressants.
By the way, increasing the body’s resistance to stress is not only protection for the nervous system. It has long been scientifically proven that against the background of frequent stress, the body loses its protective functions, which means that it gets sick more often and more easily. For this reason, lemongrass is useful not only for maintaining a stable emotional state, but also for preventing other diseases.
While Schizandra is known as a natural energizer, it also has mild sedative properties. Chinese healers say that this plant is able to “pacify the spirit and heart.” Therapists call this ability of the herb a sedative effect. Tea with lemongrass will relieve insomnia, calm the nerves, and relax before bed. And it must be said that scientists are still at a loss in conjecture how opposite properties can “coexist” in one plant.
In addition, Schizandra berries are useful in the treatment of several mental and neurological disorders, including neuroses, depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and impaired concentration and coordination. Schisandra stimulates the spinal cord and brain, improves coordination.
Improves the digestive system
Experiments have shown that these small red berries promote the proper production of digestive enzymes. It has also been observed that lemongrass increases blood flow to the organs of the digestive system, thereby improving their functionality.
Some of the chemicals in berries are useful for treating infections in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as hyper- and hyposecretionary gastritis, and stomach ulcers.
Benefit to the liver
The berries of Schisandra contain – substances with a pronounced antihepatotoxic effect. In this plant, 30 varieties of lignans have been found, which makes it extremely beneficial for the liver, including as a protection against fatty degeneration. At the end of the last century, the effectiveness of Schisandra was proved in the treatment of hepatitis of various etiologies. Almost 76% of patients taking the plant extract showed improvement in their condition.
Research in 2010 showed that Schisandra may be beneficial for patients after liver transplantation, as it enhances the production of a chemical compound that prevents rejection of the transplanted organ. Liver benefits are also high in antioxidant substances that prevent free radicals from damaging cells. In addition, lemongrass helps detoxify the liver, which is also important for healthy organ function.
Promotes weight loss
Not so long ago, Korean researchers discovered another property of lemongrass. It turned out that this berry is very useful for overweight people. The special chemical composition “wu wei ji” regulates the intestinal microflora, thereby contributing to the correct digestion of food and the elimination of toxins. But besides this, lemongrass significantly improves metabolism, promotes active burning of subcutaneous fat, elimination of triglycerides and bad cholesterol from the bloodstream.
An experience with the participation of 28 obese women showed an improvement in their condition already at 12 weeks of taking the plant extract.
Improves skin condition
Schisandra juice is an excellent remedy for protecting skin from UV radiation and toxins. This berry is useful for treating dermatitis and treating allergic rashes. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, lemongrass is useful for treating acne, acne and other skin blemishes. In addition, the plant is useful for healing wounds caused by burns or frostbite.
In cosmetology, lemongrass extract is used to care for oily and problem skin. It is good to rub the juice of the plant into the scalp. This procedure stimulates hair growth and even helps in the initial stages of baldness.
Aphrodisiac
There is reason to believe that lemongrass increases libido in men and women, activates the secretion of sexual fluid, and prevents premature ejaculation. The plant extract has a beneficial effect on the female reproductive system. By activating blood flow to the genitals, it enhances their sensitivity, increases sexual desire.
In addition, lemongrass has a positive effect on the production of hormones, in particular estrogen.
Use in folk medicine
The oldest written memory of the benefits of lemongrass dates back to 2697 BC. In the ancient Chinese book about medicinal plants, “wu wei ji” is mentioned as one of the most important substances for the kidneys, liver, intestines, and lungs. It is spoken of as a remedy to restore energy and masculine strength, a remedy for night sweats and insomnia, a remedy for coughs and chronic fatigue. Since ancient times, the Chinese have used this plant as an antiseptic, astringent and tonic. Traditional healers used lemongrass to treat hepatitis and other liver diseases, it was used to improve brain function and strengthen memory.
Since ancient times, this plant has been known to the inhabitants of Russia. Here, traditional healers used it for diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system, for respiratory diseases, impotence, diarrhea and asthma. Fruit drinks from the berry were used as natural energy drinks, and they believed in the rejuvenating power of the plant. Hunters also appreciated this plant. They ate small red berries before each hunt to strengthen their physical strength and increase their stamina.
Used in folk medicine and lemongrass bark. It was used primarily for the treatment of dental caries. Herbalists advise pouring half a liter of boiling water over a tablespoon of lemongrass bark and leave for several hours. The finished medicine should be rinsed in the mouth.
How to use
Schisandra is beneficial to the body in various forms. From dried berries, you can prepare a decoction or infusion (mix berries and boiling water in a 1: 6 ratio). If you pour fresh berries with vodka and insist for 2 weeks, you get an alcoholic tincture, which is useful to take 20-30 drops a day (or twice a day). Dried berries can be crushed to a powder and added to drinks (no more than 3 g per day). Pharmacists offer the plant extract in tablets, capsules, or tinctures. But the easiest way is to brew tea from berries and / and leaves, plant stems. To do this, pour a few grams of raw materials with boiling water and leave for 3-5 minutes. You can add honey and ginger to lemongrass tonic tea.
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Do not get carried away with lemongrass for people with high stomach acidity, as large portions of this berry can cause heartburn. To refrain from “berries with five tastes” is necessary for pregnant women (this plant has the ability to stimulate uterine contractions) and people prone to allergies. Increased intracranial pressure and hypertension are also reasons to refuse berries.
Lemongrass, from the point of view of chemistry, is a complex herb, thanks to which it is multifunctional for humans.
Schisandra has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, endocrine, immune, digestive, supports the respiratory system, heart and blood vessels.
Research shows that this herb reduces oxidative stress and improves performance. But what is most surprising is that the ancient Chinese and inhabitants of Siberia knew about almost all the beneficial properties of the wu wei ji plant many centuries ago. We are just beginning to discover the amazing properties of lemongrass.
Sources of
- Tatyana Litvinova: The great medicine of the Chinese emperors for 1000 diseases Lemongrass: how to be treated and how to grow, 2018.
