Chinese Schizandra, or Shizandra, is a plant whose stems, leaves, and flowers emit a lemon scent. Its berries have a sour-salty taste with a slight bitterness and spicy aroma. Chinese lemongrass is endowed with a mass of useful properties, which explains its widespread use in the field of cosmetology and medicine.
What is Chinese lemongrass
Often, Chinese lemongrass is called shizandra, the berry of the "five tastes" or the Manchurian lemongrass. The culture has the appearance of a climbing vine, which reaches a height of 15 meters. After examining carefully the stem of shizandra, you can easily determine its age. The bark of young lemongrass is colored yellowish, and the old - brown.
The plant blooms for 6 weeks, and in early June, the first fruits appear. During the flowering shizandra has a rich strong aroma, so it is actively pollinated by bees. The fruits of the plant resemble clusters of grapes, are ball-shaped and are colored bright red.
The fruits of lemongrass are quite juicy and covered with thin skin. The taste is sour-salty with a slight bitterness, and sometimes it is quite spicy. Shizandra is especially demanded plant among inhabitants of China who prepare from it various sweet dishes and jam.
How to grow and care
You can meet Chinese lemongrass in coniferous-deciduous forests, near rivers and lakes. Most often, the plant grows in groups and forms impassable thickets. Shizandra is considered an unpretentious culture and grows well in suburban areas. Culture likes shaded areas and moderately moist soil.
In the middle lane, it is best to plant the plant in late April-early May, and in the southern regions - in October. The most viable crops are seedlings aged 2-3 years. Even with a small height, they are distinguished by a well-developed root system. Planted lemongrass should be poured abundantly with water, and fill the basal hole with humus.
Young plants take root well, and after they need to shade from bright sunlight. In the summer, it is recommended to conduct a liquid fertilizer with organic fertilizers, that is, chicken manure or mullein, diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10 and 1:20. At home, Chinese lemongrass grows in conditions of high humidity, so in hot weather it must be sprayed with water. On one adult plant 6 liters of water are usually spent, it is necessary to carry out watering after each top dressing.
Lemongrass Chinese has the appearance of creepers, so when growing in the garden plot it is necessary to use some kind of support. Since 2-3 years of planting the plant begin to cut, and this is best done in the fall.
Medicinal and beneficial properties of the plant
Chinese lemongrass is considered a source of mineral compounds and vitamins, so taking the funds based on it helps to heal the entire body.
The following beneficial properties of the plant can be distinguished:
It helps to quickly cope with respiratory pathologies. Means based on plants are recommended to be taken for colds, increased sweating, problems with the work of the stomach and diarrhea. Shizandra is considered an aphrodisiac of natural origin, therefore its use in food allows you to keep youthful and attractive skin for a long time.- It has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. On the basis of Chinese Schizandra, many medicines are made to protect heart tissues damaged by taking cardiac-rhythmic potent medicines.
- Helps to quickly cope with depression and stress. Eating lemongrass allows you to relax and get a charge of vigor, energy and vitality. Berries are an effective tonic, so it is recommended to include them in the diet to maintain performance throughout the day.
- Restores damaged liver cells and is effective in the treatment of hepatitis. The seed contains fat-soluble substances that help protect liver cells from exposure to toxins and alcohol.
- Supports the necessary level of hormones in the body. Chinese magnolia contains phytoestrogens that help normalize the work of the adrenal glands. In addition, with their help it is possible to cope with unpleasant symptoms during menopause and with premenstrual syndrome.
It helps to quickly cope with respiratory pathologies. Means based on plants are recommended to be taken for colds, increased sweating, problems with the work of the stomach and diarrhea. Shizandra is considered an aphrodisiac of natural origin, therefore its use in food allows you to keep youthful and attractive skin for a long time.Lemongrass Chinese helps to achieve a refreshing and stimulating effect in severe mental work, which requires increased attention and quick response. In addition, the plant is widely used to combat obesity. It is used to prepare various dishes that effectively combat fatigue and apathy.
Indications for use
Chinese lemongrass is a useful and healing plant, which is used in various fields. Experts identify the following indications for which you can use a tool based on schizandra:
pathologies of the heart and vascular system;- hepatitis C;
- liver disease;
- SARS and flu;
- anemia of varying degrees;
- changing the hormonal background of the body;
- problems with male potency;
- malignant neoplasms;
- chronic gastritis;
- pathology of the respiratory system;
- tuberculosis;
- low blood pressure;
- diabetes;
- depression and frequent stress.
pathologies of the heart and vascular system;Chinese lemongrass is widely used in the field of cosmetology and is part of many creams and masks. Drugs based on it have a pronounced tonic effect and help to restore the attractiveness of the skin.
Chinese lemongrass tincture
With increased drowsiness, lethargy, and decreased performance, experts often prescribe a drug such as tincture of lemongrass berries. It is considered an effective drug for fatigue, depression and asthenic syndromes. It is recommended to take the drug 2 times a day, 20-30 drops before meals. In the same way, you can drink the infusion of Chinese magnolia with high physical exertion at work and psycho-emotional overstrain. In the presence of evidence can be assigned to receive 35-40 drops of the drug.
Chinese lemongrass tincture can be purchased at the pharmacy or prepared at home. For this you need:
- chop 20 grams of dry berries, put them in a bottle of dark glass;
- mix 100 ml of alcohol and close tightly;
- To insist means for 7-10 days, not forgetting to shake regularly.
Prepared tincture is necessary to filter, squeeze the berries and leave for another 2-3 days. After this means you need to filter again, you should get a clear liquid.
At home, you can prepare the infusion of lemongrass fruit and take it as a tonic and tonic. It is necessary to crush 10 grams of dried fruits in a wooden mortar and pour 200 ml of boiling water over them. Put the mixture on the fire and remove immediately after boiling. Means to cool, squeeze the berries and strain it. Take this broth is recommended for a tablespoon several times during the day, half an hour before meals.
Folk recipes
For the preparation of natural juice from the Chinese magnolia vine you need:
- to sort out the ripe fruits of the plant, pour them into enameled dishes and cover them with sugar in a ratio of 1: 3;
- after 4-5 days, the berries will empty the juice, which should be poured into sterilized jars;
- Store the tool in the refrigerator and take a teaspoon with tea.
From the seeds of Schisandra chinensis it is possible to prepare powder, which is recommended for the treatment of such pathology as hepatitis. In addition, with its help it is possible to restore the liver after suffering infectious diseases, to bring the body into a tone after heavy mental and physical work.
From the seeds of Schisandra chinensis it is possible to prepare powder, which is recommended for the treatment of such pathology as hepatitis. In addition, with its help it is possible to restore the liver after suffering infectious diseases, to bring the body into a tone after heavy mental and physical work.To prepare the powder you need:
- for several hours to fill the fruit with water;
- after a while, extract the seeds from the pulp and dry them thoroughly;
- grind the seeds to a powder and take 0.5 grams 2 times a day before meals.
To make lemongrass tea, you need to brew a teaspoon of fresh or dried leaves of a plant with a glass of boiling water. Instead of leaves, you can use the stems, after cutting them into small pieces. In the finished drink is allowed to add some sugar or honey to improve the taste.
Possible harm and contraindications
Despite the value of Chinese schisandra, its incorrect use can be dangerous to human health.
It is not allowed to apply schizandru for the treatment of pathologies in the following cases:
the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;- constant insomnia;
- chronic liver damage;
- increased intracranial pressure;
- epileptic seizures;
- allergic reaction;
- infectious diseases in acute form.
the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;In addition, it is not allowed to use products based on Chinese Schizandra for children under 12 years old. Exceeding the dosage specified in the enclosed instructions may cause over-stimulation of the central nervous system.
In addition, the possible development of such adverse reactions as pain in the chest, depression, tachycardia and problems in the work of the stomach.
Interesting Facts
Lemongrass Chinese activates the work of the cerebral cortex, but it does not provoke the depletion of nerve cells. The plant is widely used to eliminate problems with potency in men and the treatment of gastritis. The name "berry of five tastes" lemongrass received for the simultaneous combination of bitter, sweet, salty, sour and tart taste.
