Schisandra









Schisandra


Natural product category
Herb
What is this natural product used for?
Schisandra has been used as a liver protectant, to help stimulate the nervous system, to help with endurance and stamina, and as a supportive herb for individuals receiving specific chemotherapy or radiation regimens.
How does it work?
The primary effect of schisandra is through its antioxidant properties. It helps protect cells in certain areas of the body. Schisandra may also assist in the production of beneficial compounds and proteins important for liver and central nervous system function.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this product with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • May affect the disposition of many medications eliminated by the liver. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use with caution if you have a weakened heart. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use with caution if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this product.
  • Do not use if you are breast-feeding.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • Belly pain and cramps.
  • Rash.
  • Lack of appetite or not feeling hungry.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) depression.
What should I monitor?
  • Check liver function tests. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check blood work. Talk with your healthcare provider.
  • Follow up with your healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Nausea, vomiting, belly pain, feeling tired, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, not hungry.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Plant part used
Berry
Dosage forms
Oral
Drug interactions
Calcium channel blockers, medications altered by a specific liver enzyme system. Talk with your pharmacist for more details and a more thorough review of your medications.
General statements
Under current law in the United States, herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements and fall under the regulations of the food service industry. This includes the manufacturing practices imposed by the local agriculture departments for food manufacturers. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are currently not required by the FDA, yet many companies follow GMPs, and the industry is improving self-imposed practices. Use herbs with extreme caution in the following groups:
  • Children younger than 2 years of age
  • Pregnant or lactating women; some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, make sure to observe warnings.
  • If you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), always review for potential herb-drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking other natural products, always review for potential herb-herb, or herb-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • Individuals having known allergies to plants. If you fall into this category, speak with your healthcare provider before using an herbal product. Both large doses of herbs and herbs taken over a long period of time may increase the risk for adverse effects. Many herbs, due to a variety of their chemical ingredients, may cause temporary adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach distress.
Brand Names: