Schisandra has multiple effects such as nourishing the lungs and stopping cough, stopping sweating and diarrhea, and calming the mind. It is also commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. But is Schisandra toxic?
Is Schisandra toxic?
Schisandra itself does not have obvious toxic side effects.
In the view of traditional Chinese medicine, it is not simple to classify Chinese medicine as toxic or non-toxic. If a medicinal herb itself is toxic, but it is used in the correct dosage and targeted treatment, its therapeutic effect will be greater than its toxicity. On the contrary, if a non-toxic medicinal property is used improperly or by the wrong population, it may become "toxic". Schisandra is the same. It does not have obvious toxicity itself, but if used improperly in terms of usage and user population, it can cause a series of adverse reactions and side effects. Therefore, caution is needed when using Schisandra.
Overdose of Schisandra
According to traditional Chinese medicine, Schisandra has a balanced effect on all five organs. The general dosage is 2-6 grams, and excessive intake is not recommended. If Schisandra is taken in doses of 13-18 grams or more, adverse reactions such as hiccup, acid reflux, stomach pain, burning sensation in the stomach, intestinal noise, fatigue, and drowsiness may occur.
Schisandra intake for allergic individuals
Some individuals may experience a series of allergic or toxic reactions when taking Schisandra, such as fever, headache, urticaria, nausea, dry mouth, and even discomfort such as palpitations and chest tightness. If it is uncertain whether one is allergic, a small amount of Schisandra can be taken first and observed for about 1 hour. If there are no discomfort symptoms, then continue to take it.
Schisandra intake for early-stage cough
Schisandra has the effect of nourishing the lungs and stopping cough, but it is only suitable for cough and shortness of breath caused by lung and kidney deficiency. It is not suitable to take Schisandra for early-stage cough caused by external wind-cold or wind-heat, because treatment for early-stage cough should focus on dispersing lung and eliminating pathogens, while Schisandra has a consolidating effect, which may worsen the symptoms. Therefore, for those who are affected by external pathogens and have early-stage cough, Schisandra is considered toxic.
Schisandra intake for early-stage rashes
During the early stage of rashes, the treatment should focus on dispersing and penetrating the rashes. Schisandra has a sour taste and a strong consolidating effect. Taking Schisandra during the early stage of rashes can cause pathogenic factors to be trapped in the body, thereby worsening the condition. Therefore, for those who have early-stage rashes, Schisandra is considered toxic.
