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Wu Wei Zi (五味子), schisandra fruit (the ‘five-flavour seed’), astringes Lung qi to stop cough, tonifies the Kidney and secures the essence, generates fluids and stops sweating, and calms the spirit; an important astringent tonic.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Schisandra chinensis (Fructus Schisandrae)
Common English Name
Schisandra fruit
Taste
Sour, sweet
Temperature
Warm
Channels Entered
Lung, Heart, Kidney
Actions & Functions
- Astringes Lung qi and stops chronic cough and wheezing
- Tonifies the Kidney and secures the essence (seminal emission)
- Generates fluids and stops sweating and thirst
- Calms the spirit; stops chronic diarrhoea
Indications
Chronic cough and wheezing from Lung and Kidney deficiency; spontaneous and night sweats; seminal emission and chronic daybreak diarrhoea; thirst; and palpitations and insomnia.
Dosage
1.5-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Ren Shen and Mai Men Dong (Sheng Mai San) for qi and yin deficiency.
Cautions & Contraindications
Astringing; avoid in the early stage of cough or rashes and in excess heat.
