Schisandra chinensis: medicinal properties and uses. Schisandra Chinese (Far East): useful and medicinal properties

Lemongrass is a stiff liana, from which bunches of red berries stretch down. Interestingly, the length of the stem of a wild plant can reach 12 meters. Concerning external signs, the berries are not at all like the well-known lemons. However, when rubbing the leaf between your fingers, you will feel a slight aroma of the tropics.

The composition of lemongrass

Lemongrass is one of the lowest calorie berries. For 100 gr. fruits account for only 10-12 kcal., it all depends on the degree of maturity of the raw material. With all this, from 100 gr. 1 gr. occupy proteins and 1.8 gr. - carbohydrates.

Lemongrass is devoid of fat, but it has a lot of ascorbic acid, nicotinic acid, tocopherol, phytoestrogen.

Of the most valuable minerals, it is worth highlighting iodine, zinc, potassium, selenium, iron, barium, calcium, manganese and magnesium. It contains a lot of citric, malic, tartaric acids.

The benefits of lemongrass

Lemongrass is widely used in many areas due to its healing qualities, which we will discuss below.

For the nervous system

The fruits are consumed fresh, dried or steamed inside to treat the psycho-emotional environment of a person. Berries improve mood, give calmness, relax.
Lemongrass is recommended for use by categories of people who are often exposed to depressive disorders, stress and other negative factors.
With a systematic intake, sleep improves, nightmares disappear, the body tones up, a person finds harmony with himself. This reduces the likelihood of nerves and breakdowns.
Schisandra chinensis is especially good for men, because representatives of the strong half of humanity are more likely than women to undergo nervous changes.
Due to emotional exhaustion and mental fatigue, a person cannot concentrate on the main things. In this case, it is recommended to drink a decoction of lemongrass and viburnum.

For the heart muscle

Berries have a positive effect on the heart. It is not for nothing that doctors prescribe medications that include lemongrass to improve the work of the main muscle.
Fruit protects the heart from negative impact chemotherapy for cancer treatment. Schisandra chinensis removes radionuclides, stopping their effect on the body.
Due to their antioxidant properties, fruits should be taken by categories of people who are prone to developing heart ailments (heart attack, stroke, etc.).

For the brain

Due to the stimulation of brain neurons, all mental processes increase. A person comes to the goal faster, because it becomes easier for him to concentrate.
With the systematic use of lemongrass, the likelihood of developing senile dementia is reduced. The product is responsible for a clear mind, the plant restores the mental health of a person.

For hormonal background

Chinese lemongrass maintains the balance of hormones in the blood. It improves the activity of the adrenal glands and the endocrine system.
The product is rich in phytoestrogens, which are responsible for the proper functioning of the body during menopause and the menstrual cycle in women.

For the liver

Chinese lemongrass restores liver cells, frees internal organ from toxic substances and other poisonous compounds, promotes the discharge of bile.
The seeds of the plant contain fat-soluble compounds that protect the liver from the action of ethyl alcohol. This quality is indispensable for men adjacent to the glass.
When lemongrass is included in the daily menu, the work of the liver is facilitated. Reduced impact on medications, industrial solvents.
Lemongrass is often used as additional funds from the treatment of hepatitis C. There are many proven cases in which the plant helped patients to recover.

For respiratory tract

The plant has shown itself well in the fight against respiratory ailments. The remedy helps to recover from asthma, inflammation of the lungs and prolonged cough.
Lemongrass also suppresses excessive sweating, improves immunity, and perfectly protects the body from seasonal colds and flu.
The positive effect of the plant has been proven in case of painful menstrual cycle, severe indigestion.
The composition has a positive effect on the stimulation of the uterus, strengthening its walls. In ancient times, healers revealed unique property lemongrass, the latter is considered a strong aphrodisiac.
Regular consumption of the product has a positive effect on the composition of the blood, softens the course of diabetes.

For skin

The berries of the plant are saturated with potassium, selenium and iodine. Many manufacturers of cosmetic products make products with lemongrass extract.
Plant-based formulations are in demand in cosmetology. Serums and creams show excellent result with regular use. Skin covering noticeably improves, flabbiness, creases and similar problems disappear.
Regular intake of the plant will significantly improve the condition of the dermis, heal and rejuvenate it. Lemongrass promotes rapid tissue regeneration after damage.

For the body as a whole

Lemongrass has a stimulating effect. It gives the body energy, refreshes, helps to recover after hard mental or physical labor.
Schizandra deserves special attention due to its ability to increase concentration, improve memory and vision. In the latter case, experts advise people with fallen eyesight and those who work a lot at the computer.
Plant seeds are used to produce medications aimed at combating severe fatigue (mental, physical), drowsiness, bad mood, apathy.

To cope with depression, it is recommended to consume no more than 5 berries per day or drink tincture 2 times a day. If you don't adhere practical advice can cause significant damage to the body.
When overeating the product, the nervous system is seriously affected, its activity is disrupted, and serious pathologies develop. As a result, there are severe pain in the chest, insomnia, depression, the digestive tract is disturbed.
If you use lemongrass exclusively for culinary purposes, serious consequences you are not threatened. The only thing that is recommended is to refrain from the fair sex during pregnancy and lactation from dishes with a plant.
It is forbidden to consume lemongrass with heartburn, epilepsy, ulcers and increased intracranial pressure. In some cases, when eating the product, the development of tachycardia, high blood pressure, allergies, migraine and insomnia was observed.
If this is your first time trying lemongrass and you experience any of the above, stop taking it immediately. If necessary, contact medical care. Failure to follow the recommendations can lead to sad consequences.
When using drugs for the first time and cosmetics based on lemongrass, consult your doctor. Make sure there are no contraindications and an allergic reaction.

Rules for the collection and consumption of lemongrass

If you decide to collect lemongrass yourself, the procedure should be carried out in an ecologically clean area. the right time September is considered to be manipulation. Keep in mind that the weather should be dry and sunny.
It is worth knowing that the collection of berries is carried out in several stages. The fruits ripen gradually, so do not rush to pick unripe specimens. Remember, lemongrass is not stored fresh, after harvesting it must be processed immediately.
As a rule, the berries are dried, so the product can be stored for a long time. The fruits are processed in the open air (2-3 days). You can dry the lemongrass in the oven. You can also twist the berries through a blender and combine with sugar. Store raw materials in glass containers.

One brush of lemongrass concentrates 20-45 fruits, this is quite enough for making decoctions, lotions or tinctures. From here, people are interested in the benefits and harms of lemongrass. Before use, be sure to study the main aspects.

Video: what is useful lemongrass

In China, Eastern Russia and other nearby countries, a woody climbing shrub with very valuable fruits grows. The berries of this creeper have a specific lemon flavor and huge amount useful qualities. They are widely used in traditional and conservative medicine for the treatment of many diseases.

Lemongrass berries - properties

The main action of this natural remedy is toning. The main benefit of lemongrass is to stimulate blood circulation and metabolic processes, activate the brain and nervous system. Long-term use of preparations based on this herbal raw material helps to cope with physical and mental fatigue, increase muscle strength and lung capacity, improve efficiency and concentration.

Lemongrass fruits - medicinal properties:

adaptation of the body to adverse external influences;
immune support;
mobilization of glycogen from the liver;
intensification of the activity of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems;
removal of excess cholesterol;
increased visual acuity;
expansion of peripheral vessels;
restoration of nerve cells;
strengthening of labor activity;
suppression of infectious inflammations;
acceleration of excretion of bile, urine.

Lemongrass for pressure

In conservative medicine natural remedy prescribed primarily to stabilize the work cardiovascular systems s. Before using it, it is important to find out whether magnolia berries increase or decrease blood pressure. Taking medications based on the fruits of this vine provokes the expansion of large and small vessels, so the blood flow in the system increases. Schisandra berries are recommended for hypotensive patients to increase pressure. It is contraindicated for people with arterial hypertension to use the fruits of this shrub.

Lemongrass for colds

Berries with a citrus smell quickly restore vitality and strengthen the immune system. It is advisable to take the fruits of the plant in question as a prophylaxis for acute respiratory and viral pathologies. Benefits of lemongrass berries:

increase the activity of the body's defense system;
compensate for the deficiency of vitamins;
prevent infection;
reduce the body's susceptibility to cold;
have bactericidal and antiviral effects.

The fruits of the described shrub are sometimes assigned as part of complex therapy inflammatory diseases urinary system. Schisandra berries are recommended to be used in parallel with conservative methods treatment. On my own it natural remedy produces too weak therapeutic effect. lemongrass berry - beneficial features for the kidneys:

inhibition of bacterial growth;
acceleration of urine excretion;
relief of inflammation;
mild anesthesia;
decrease in the amount of solid salts in the urine;
normalization of the composition of the biological fluid.

Lemongrass - contraindications

It is strictly forbidden to drink any medicines based on these berries when arterial hypertension, because their use will lead to an increase in pressure and can provoke a crisis. Lemongrass fruits are also contraindicated in the following cases:

state of overexcitation;
violations of cardiac activity;
anxiety;
age up to 12 years;
increased secretion of gastric juice;
epilepsy;
increased intracranial pressure;
acute infections with a severe course;
hypersensitivity to lemongrass berries;
pregnancy;
chronic liver diseases;
arachnoiditis;
vegetative-vascular dystonia hypertonic type;
breast-feeding;
arachnoencephalitis.

Lemongrass - harvesting berries

The presented plant raw materials can be freely purchased at the pharmacy, but traditional healers It is advised to collect and dry it yourself. In order for the fruits of Schisandra chinensis to retain the entire range of valuable substances and vitamins, they brought maximum benefit, it is important to learn how to harvest them correctly. It is necessary to choose a suitable place for the growth of creepers, away from busy roads and highways, to allocate a special area for drying.

When to pick lemongrass berries?

Ripening of fruits of a bush comes to an end in the middle of September-October. Ripe berries Chinese magnolia vine have a bright red color and a pronounced sour-citrus, fresh aroma. For harvesting, you should carefully select only ripe fruits and carefully put them in a basket. Experienced experts advise picking lemongrass berries in early October. During this period, the activity of the sun is still preserved, but there are no first frosts.

The further process of harvesting fruits includes 2 successive stages. First you need to dry the lemongrass - the use of berries involves scattering them in one layer on a clean natural fabric in the sun or in the shade (in the wind). After 2-3 days, you can proceed to direct drying:

Berries should be placed in the oven at a temperature of 40 degrees. If you have a special dryer, it is better to use it.
Wait until the skin darkens, acquires a burgundy-brown hue.
Raise the temperature to 60 degrees until the berries are completely dry.

Ready natural raw materials must be cooled and poured into a clean cloth bag with strings, a cardboard or wooden box. It is advisable to place the container with berries in a place protected from moisture so that they do not become moldy. It is important to remember how much dry Chinese lemongrass is allowed to be used - fruit storage is limited to 2 years. Expired plant materials will have to be thrown away and a new one prepared.

Lemongrass berries - application

The described natural remedy helps from many serious pathologies. Before using lemongrass berries, you need to familiarize yourself with the list of indications:

vascular insufficiency;
depressive states;
asthenia;
susceptibility;
gastritis with low acidity gastric juice;
menopause, subject to normal blood pressure;
overwork;
high blood sugar;
pulmonary tuberculosis;
kidney disease;
pathology of the respiratory system;
acute liver disease;
anemia;
sexual impotence in men;
nectalopia;
deterioration of intestinal motility;
dysentery;
scurvy;
gonorrhea;
female infertility;
diarrhea;
delayed childbirth;
bronchitis and asthma;
weakness of the heart muscle;
slow healing of the skin;
intoxication;
whooping cough;
low concentration of hemoglobin in the blood;
enuresis;
neurasthenia;
diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

How to use lemongrass berries?

In its pure form, the presented raw materials cannot be eaten, it has a too specific (sour and tart) taste. For the preparation of medicines, pre-harvested fruits of Chinese magnolia vine are used - the application consists in brewing or infusing dry berries. Experts advise making fresh solutions daily to get the most benefit from taking them.

Lemongrass (berries) - cooking recipes

Any funds based on the fruits in question should be drunk before 18-19 pm, and preferably in the morning. If taken medications before a night's rest, this can provoke temporary sleep disturbances and even insomnia. Before a course of therapy, it is advisable to conduct a trial test - drink one serving of the drug and observe the body's reaction. If allergic reactions occur, stop using the fruit.

Lemonberry tincture

Ingredients:

dried fruits of the bush - 20 g;
alcohol with a concentration of about 95% - 100 ml.

Preparation and application

Pound berries in a mortar.
Pour the resulting raw material with alcohol in a clean glass container.
Seal container tightly.
Leave the solution in a dark place for 7-10 days room temperature.
Shake the liquid periodically.
After the allotted time, filter the tincture.
Squeeze out the residue at the bottom of the container.
Add the resulting solution to the existing liquid.
Infuse the filtrate for another 2-3 days.
Strain again (until transparent).
Pour the medicine into another clean bottle.
On an empty stomach, take 40 drops of tincture 2-3 times a day.
Continue therapy for 20-25 days.

Decoction

Lemongrass is unique plant, all parts of which have a high content of useful substances and properties for the human body, which is confirmed by its wide use both in traditional and in traditional medicine.

The tonic qualities of this plant are second only to ginseng root, and many medicinal properties were discovered as early as the 6th century AD. There are many beliefs and many legends around this plant. All this emphasizes the importance and benefits of such a plant as lemongrass.

Schisandra chinensis (hereinafter referred to as lemongrass) is the most common variety of this plant, which is cultivated and widely used for medicinal purposes. It is a long curly vine with juicy red fruits, collected in a brush, outwardly resembling a bunch of grapes.

Among more than 20 species, one can also distinguish the Crimean variety of magnolia vine. It grows only on the Crimean peninsula, has a small height of up to 65-70 cm and a pleasant sour taste, due to which it is actively used as an additive in tea collections.

Not all plants can boast that absolutely all of its parts from fruits, shoots to bark and leaves are rich beneficial substances. Lemongrass is on that list.

Due to the fact that this plant is used not only in folk recipes, but also in pharmacology, its chemical composition is well studied.

Lemongrass contains	Has the following effect on the body
essential oils	wide range actions: from anti-inflammatory - to wound healing and analgesic
vitamins C and E	strengthening immunity, improving the permeability of the walls of blood vessels and capillaries, participation in the development bone tissue, acceleration of wound healing, prevention of thrombosis, positive effect on the reproductive system
lignans	anticancer effect, lowering cholesterol, normalization of the nervous system, acceleration of metabolic processes
tannins and fatty oils	astringent, anti-inflammatory and wound healing effect
flavonoids and organic acids	antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action

Lemongrass also contains a number of macro- and microelements, but in small quantities. It also contains fiber, resins and pectin.

Juice from lemongrass berries is rich in essential oils and contains some metals (silver, titanium).

Due to the fact that lemongrass fruits are one of the lowest calorie berries (only 11 kilocalories per 100 g), they can be included in diet food. Teas brewed on its basis can not only diversify the diet and improve well-being, but also positively boost the immune system and improve the functioning of the nervous system, which usually suffer first of all when changing the diet and type of diet.

The rich chemical composition of this vine allows you to determine a wide range of beneficial effects on the human body:

The tonic effect is associated with the influence on the work of the nervous system, and its activation. As a result of the use of this plant, there is an improvement in working capacity, an increase in endurance, an increase in mental activity. Its use is especially effective during periods of great physical and mental stress, as well as stressful situations;
Immunomodulating and restorative effect due to great content vitamins and minerals. The body and all organs are better saturated with oxygen, metabolic processes in organs and tissues proceed faster, therefore, the body as a whole quickly restores its strength and spent energy. The body's resistance to viral diseases improves, so this plant is recommended during the period of increased activity of viruses and acute respiratory infections;
A decrease in nervous excitability and an increase in resistance to stress and depression are observed due to the ability to strengthen the functioning of the nervous system. The rate of production of hormones of happiness increases. Due to the mild effect, taking preparations from lemongrass does not have side effects in the form of lethargy, drowsiness and is not addictive;
adaptogenic effect. This plant is able, with proper use, to quickly get used to changes associated with climate change or time of day;
Improving the functioning of the organs of vision, including increasing sharpness visual perception, due to increased nutrition of the eyes, better blood supply and relieving spasm of muscles and optic nerves

It is also worth noting that the instructions for preparations based on lemongrass recommend its use at reduced pressure in order to normalize it, as well as to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Do not forget also about improving the blood supply to the pelvic organs in both men and women, which is directly related to normal work genitals.

The berries of this plant have a strongly sour taste and sufficient juiciness, and the tart-tasting seeds exude a characteristic lemon aroma.

These properties are excellently used in cooking, both in home preparations and in industrial production.

Many tonic drinks, syrups, compotes and fruit drinks are unthinkable without the use of this plant. The berries make an excellent marmalade, jam or jam.

In confectionery shops, lemongrass is used as an ingredient for the production of marmalade, as a filling in sweets and chocolate. Even refined sugar can contain some extract from this plant.

Various collections of herbs and medicinal teas in their composition can not do without this creeper, or rather its leaves and young shoots. At self-cooking tea decoctions, it is possible to add the juice of the berry of this plant, which will give the drink a delicate lemon flavor and a beautiful yellowish tint. In addition to the restorative and tonic effect, such teas can quickly quench your thirst and refresh yourself.

Due to the fact that the fruits of this plant have a short shelf life, they are harvested for future use. To do this, ripe berries are dried (while they do not lose their properties) or ground with sugar for long-term storage in the refrigerator.

The main uses of lemongrass

In addition to tea, decoction and juice from the fruits of this plant, there are two most popular ways to use it.

Tincture

It is prescribed for increased psycho-emotional and physical activity, fatigue, insomnia and conditions associated with decreased performance and mental activity.

Pharmacy tincture is applied in accordance with the instructions for medicine under the supervision of a doctor, since course use and control over the state of the body is necessary.

In the presence of dry raw materials, namely dried lemongrass berries, it is possible home method preparation of tincture. For this, 0.1 liter of alcohol is taken for 20 g of raw materials. Crushed berries are put into a dark glass bottle and filled with alcohol. The closed container is stored at room temperature in a dark room. After 10 days, the resulting alcohol tincture is filtered and continued to insist. And after a couple of days, they are again cleaned to a transparent state.

Syrup

Similarly alcohol infusion lemongrass, syrup can not only be purchased at a pharmacy, but also prepared at home.

It is used to increase blood pressure, as well as for poisoning and infectious diseases.

Only suitable for cooking fresh berries this plant. The juice squeezed from the fruit is mixed with granulated sugar in the proportion of 1 liter per 1.5 kg. The resulting mass is heated until the sugar crystals are completely dissolved and poured into sterile dishes. Ready syrup is stored in the refrigerator.

Lemongrass has a number of effects on the body as a whole and some systems in particular, so the use of this plant in certain health conditions is contraindicated.

Due to the stimulating effect on the work of the nervous system, the use of lemongrass is not recommended for mental disorders, pathologies of the nervous system, traumatic brain injuries, etc.

Also, this plant can not be used in any form with increased blood and intracranial pressure.

As with many herbal preparations, the presence of chronic diseases and acute period any diseases, as well as the presence of an allergic reaction to the components is an absolute contraindication.

Pregnancy and childhood are also an exception for the use of lemongrass in any form.

When taking lemongrass, any drinks with a tonic effect, including alcoholic ones, are excluded.

Following general rule, self-administration and use of drugs based on the fruits and parts of this vine is not recommended, since it is the specialist who can determine the complex effect of this plant on the human body and avoid negative effects on his health.

Lemongrass fruits have unique taste qualities, since each berry conceals five tastes at once. So the skin of the fruit has a sweet taste, the pulp itself is very sour, while the seeds have a bitter taste and a little knit. But while cooking medicines berries give them a salty flavor.

Lemongrass is a real gift of nature that helps maintain health, adapt to changing living conditions, increase efficiency and reduce nervous excitement. These are just some of the effects that this plant can have on human body in the absence of contraindications. Its beneficial properties are used not only in pharmacology, but also in traditional medicine and even in confectionery.

Lemongrass fruits, both fresh and dried, have valuable properties for our body.

For drying, ripe lemongrass fruits are harvested fresh in baskets. Then the fruits are scattered in a thin layer and dried first in the sun or in the shade in the wind, and then dried in a dryer or oven at a temperature of 40 - 55 ° C (you can dry lemongrass fruits in hot air dryers at a temperature of 40 - 55 ° C for 6 - 8 hours).

Dried lemongrass berries retain up to 0.6% ascorbic acid and schizandrin, they have a spicy smell and a bitter-sweet taste. The shelf life of raw materials is 2 years.

From fresh and dried fruits of lemongrass at home, you can make fortified juice. Freshly picked fruits are washed, squeezed in a juicer and immediately sterilized in small bottles. Dried fruits are boiled for 10 minutes in a closed enameled bowl, after which they are infused in a thermos (for several hours), filtered through cheesecloth and sugar is added to taste. For 1 st. a spoonful of dry berries take 1 glass of water. One teaspoon of this juice is enough to give the tea a pleasant taste.

Dried lemongrass fruits are used in the confectionery industry in the production of sweets, kissels, jams, syrups, flavor extracts (in winemaking) and seasonings for tea. For medicinal purposes, a decoction of dried lemongrass fruits is prepared in a ratio of 20:200 and drunk 1 tbsp. spoon 2 - 3 times a day in a warm form.

Powder from dry fruits or seeds of magnolia vine take 0.5 g in the morning and evening (see also the article "Seeds of Schisandra chinensis").

Benefit

1. The dried fruits of Schisandra chinensis contain: ash - 1.6%, water-soluble substances - 8.7% by weight, starch - about 1%, fiber - 2.65%. The sugar content reaches 9.5%.

2. Dry lemongrass berries retain up to 0.6% ascorbic acid and schisandrin.

3. Doctors recommend dry crushed lemongrass fruits to sick people with low blood pressure, as well as to those who have suffered serious illnesses.

More about healing properties lemongrass fruits, see the article "Chinese Schisandra" (section "Benefits").

Harm

1. The use of lemongrass as a strong tonic, aphrodisiac should be carried out only with a preliminary medical examination and medical supervision.

2. The following are mentioned as side effects when using lemongrass: allergic reactions(with an overdose, even Quincke's edema is possible); tachycardia; sleep disorders; increased gastric secretion; headache; increase in blood pressure.

3. In this regard, preparations containing lemongrass are contraindicated in the following factors: violation of cardiac activity; arterial hypertension; organic diseases of the cardiovascular system; increased excitability; epilepsy; increased intracranial pressure; sleep disorders (insomnia); overexcitation; acute infectious diseases; chronic diseases liver; hypersensitivity to the components of the drug; during pregnancy (stimulates tribal activity!); during lactation; with vegetative-vascular dystonia of the hypertensive type; arachnoiditis; with arachnoencephalitis.

4. Attention! Schisandra preparations are contraindicated for children under 12 years old!

Interesting fact

For Far Eastern Nanai hunters, a handful of dried lemongrass fruits instantly helped relieve fatigue and, sharpening their eyesight, made it possible to pursue an animal for several days with meager food. During the Great Patriotic War dried lemongrass was successfully used by Soviet pilots during night flights.

Schisandra chinensis is a species of the Schisandra genus, a perennial liana from the Schisandra family. The natural area of its distribution includes Japan, China, Korea, the Far East, Sakhalin. As a plant with ornamental and medicinal properties, it is successfully grown in gardens, cottages and household plots, and is also cultivated commercially in many countries.

In Eastern folk medicine, lemongrass is used to treat various diseases since ancient China, and in terms of its popularity, it is in second place after ginseng. It contains many vitamins and minerals, has a tonic effect, restores strength, increases resistance to adverse effects, helps with pathologies of the respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular systems, and is effective in the treatment of infectious diseases. The plant has received many popular names, including Manchurian lemongrass, berry of five flavors, Far Eastern lemongrass, Chinese schizandra, etc.

Botanical description

Lemongrass is photophilous, grows well in forests, along river banks, on forest clearings and edges, along forest roads. The plant is frost-resistant, but quite demanding on moisture. It is bad for both excessive dryness and abundant moisture, prefers drained, rich organic compounds soil. Propagated mainly vegetatively, by rhizomes and cuttings, propagation by seeds is also possible.

The length of lemongrass liana is on average 6 - 8 m, but can reach 15 m, as it grows, it wraps around nearby shrubs and tree trunks, using them as a support. Rhizome cord-like with numerous adventitious roots. The stem is branched, up to 2 cm in diameter, covered with bark on top, which is smooth, shiny and yellowish in young plants, and wrinkled, scaly and dark brown in old ones.

Interesting: Schisandra chinensis is of decorative value, especially during flowering and fruiting. It is used for landscaping, decorating the walls of houses, arches and arbors. By the nature of growth, it is similar to the vine.

The leaf arrangement is alternate, the leaves are slightly fleshy, depart from pinkish-red petioles 2–3 cm long. The leaf blade, 10 cm by 5 cm in size, has an elliptical shape pointed upwards with a wedge-shaped base. On the upper side, the leaves are dark green in color, and on the lower side they are lighter, the edges are indistinctly serrated. The leaves of the plant and other parts of it, when rubbed, emit a pronounced lemon aroma, which is due to the presence of essential oils in the composition.

The plant is monoecious. Lemongrass blooms in May-June. The flowering period lasts 2 - 3 weeks, while male flowers bloom earlier than female ones. The flowers are small on thin long drooping pedicels, white or pale pink in color with a pleasant fragrant aroma. The perianth is simple, 6-9-membered, about 2 cm in diameter. Male flowers have 5-7 stamens fused together in a column, and female flowers have numerous pistils located on an elongated receptacle.

The fruits begin to ripen in August. After the flowering of the plant, the receptacle is strongly extended, turning into a spike-shaped brush (polyberry) up to 8 cm long, consisting of 20–50 juicy orange-red spherical fruits up to 1 cm in diameter. Inside each fruit there are two shiny seeds covered with a dense skin with a diameter of about 3 mm brown, yellowish or brown in color. The fruits have a specific, spicy, sour, bitter taste and lemon smell.

Chemical composition

All parts of Schisandra chinensis contain active substances, which leads to its high efficiency as medicinal plant. Leaves, bark, seeds and fruits of the plant are used as medicinal raw materials.

Large amounts of the most important macro- and microelements were found in the leaves. Among them are calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, iron, zinc, iodine, nickel, etc. The fruits of the plant are rich in B, E and C vitamins, organic acids (malic, citric, tartaric), polysaccharides, minerals (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, P, K, S, Ti, etc.), tannins, flavonoids, saponins.

All parts of the plant contain essential oils different composition. Their highest content is in the bark (up to 3.2%) and seeds (up to 2%) of the plant. The main components of bark essential oil are sesquiterpenes, aldehydes and ketones.

Interesting: Essential oil lemongrass, which has a pleasant delicate lemon aroma, has found application in perfumery, soap making and cosmetology.

The seeds of the plant contain resins, catechins, anthocyanins, tannins, essential and fatty oils, the amount of the latter reaches 33%. Seed oil is a golden yellow viscous liquid. chemical composition which is a mixture of glycerides of linoleic, oleic and other fatty acids. Most of the beneficial properties of lemongrass seeds are due to the presence of the schizandrin compound in their composition, which has a pronounced tonic effect on the body by increasing the excitability of the central nervous system, a stimulating effect on the functioning of the heart and respiratory system.

Beneficial features

The main medicinal properties of lemongrass are its adaptogenic, restorative and stimulating effect in case of mental overwork, increased physical exertion, intense sports, nervous exhaustion, depression and asthenic syndrome. An important feature plants is that it does not cause overexcitation of the nervous system and sleep disturbances. Means prepared from Schisandra chinensis have the following effects on the body:

increase excitation in the cerebral cortex;
stimulate the work of the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system;
increase visual acuity, improve eye adaptation to darkness;
reduce the concentration of glucose in the blood;
have a vasodilating effect on peripheral vessels;
show a pronounced bacteriostatic effect against coli, pneumococcus and dysenteric amoeba;
increase concentration of attention and activate mental activity;
have a choleretic effect, normalize the secretory activity of the stomach;
increase resistance to adverse factors.

Lemongrass berries have useful properties. Their tincture is effective for the treatment and prevention of colds, flu and other acute respiratory infections, it is used as a general tonic in recovery period after transferred serious illnesses. Means from the fruits and seeds of the plant help relieve fatigue and increase vitality, give a person vigor and strength. Thanks to high content ascorbic acid, lemongrass berries are effective as an antiscorbutic agent.

Interesting: Hunters in the Far East often took dried lemongrass fruits with them on hikes. This tool increased their endurance, had a tonic and refreshing effect, and just one handful of berries allowed them to hunt throughout the day without eating.

Means based on lemongrass are used for hypotension, vegetative dystonia. They are effective in diseases of the respiratory system (pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, bronchitis), gastrointestinal tract (hypo- and hyperacid gastritis), liver, kidneys, anemia and other pathologies in which a person has general weakness and loss of strength. The plant is used in folk medicine in the treatment of diabetes. mild degree gravity. It improves the processes of cellular respiration, especially in the head and spinal cord, liver and muscle tissue, activates the work of some enzymes.

Schisandra chinensis is used for psoriasis, infectious and allergic diseases skin, long-term non-healing wounds and trophic ulcers.

A tincture of the seeds of the plant is useful for increasing efficiency, removing unpleasant symptoms menopause, and premenstrual syndrome, with sexual weakness against the background of disorders of the nervous system, mental overwork, as an aid to maintain strength and concentration during hard physical and mental work.

Schisandra chinensis preparations in the form of capsules with an extract of a plant or an alcohol tincture of seeds can be purchased at a pharmacy.

Schisandra chinensis has found application in cooking. Tonic and refreshing fruit drinks and compotes are prepared from its berries, as well as syrups, jelly, jams, jams. Some confectionery factories use them as an additive to marmalade, chocolate and candy fillings. Juice is squeezed out of the berries and wine is made. In dried form, they are used as a seasoning for tea and alcohol tinctures. The leaves of the plant are sometimes added to pickled cucumbers, tomatoes, and mushrooms.

Lemongrass has beneficial properties for the skin. Its extracts are included in the composition of tonic and moisturizing masks and creams for hands and face.

Procurement of raw materials

Harvesting is carried out as they ripen, from September until frost. To do this, brushes with berries are carefully cut with a knife, scissors or secateurs, put them in baskets, barrels or enameled dishes, trying not to crush. Then they are sorted out, the receptacle of the twigs and other impurities are separated. Drying is carried out outdoors under a canopy in the shade or in a special dryer. It is allowed to store the dried fruits of lemongrass for two years.

To obtain seeds, fresh berries are kneaded, the juice is carefully squeezed out of them, which is used for food needs, the remaining mass is washed with water to separate the seeds from the berry shells. Seeds should be dried first in air, then in dryers at a temperature not exceeding 60 ° C, and stored in paper bags.

Warning: Do not take galvanized buckets to collect lemongrass berries, as contact with them will lead to their oxidation.

The leaves and shoots of the plant are harvested in August, cut off with scissors. Then they are cut into small pieces, laid out in a thin layer on cloth or paper and dried under a canopy in the open air, periodically turning over.

Application methods

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

fruit tincture

To obtain an alcohol tincture of lemongrass 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 for 20 g of dried fruits. 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 berries remaining on the gauze are re-filled with 10 ml of alcohol, infused 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. Use 2.5 ml two or three times a day for dizziness, headaches, depression, asthenic syndrome.

Tea with lemongrass to strengthen the immune system

From the dried leaves, bark and young shoots of the plant, you can make a delicious fragrant tea that exhibits the beneficial properties of lemongrass. To brew it, 10 - 15 g of vegetable raw materials are poured into 1 liter of boiling water and infused for 4 minutes. Such a drink regular use will help strengthen the immune system and increase the body's resistance to infectious pathogens. Lemongrass leaves are added in small quantities when making ordinary black or green tea.

Tincture of seeds and berries

To prepare a tincture from the seeds and berries of lemongrass, take 10 and 20 g of raw materials, 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, with anemia, general fatigue, impotence, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, acute respiratory infections, nervous disorders.

Precautions

Like all medicinal herbs, has Chinese magnolia vine not only medicinal properties, but also contraindications. Preparations based on it should not be taken by children, pregnant and lactating women and people who have the following health problems.