Re: Schisandra vs Ashwagandha

 Could you compare Schisandra Berry vs Ashwagandha?

In most cases I prefer schisandra berry to ashwagandha.  Especially if you get the powder and suck on the herb.  It is also known as the 5 flavor fruit because it stimulates the sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent receptors of the tongue.  Stimulation of these various receptors in turn stimulate the various organs and systems in the body.  And schisandra is a good energy without being a central nervous system stimulant.  Schisandra's polysaccharides are immune stimulatory and the herb also supports the kidneys, liver and eyes.  It is rich in flavonoids, which provide various benefits including stabilization of tissues.

I think I need something for my immune system (and general tonic)and I'd like to choose between these two.

Schisandra is expensive, about $30 or less per pound and Ashwagandha costs about half. I'm inclined to Ashwagandha, but worried because it's a night shade family, which can be inflammatory, if I'm not mistaken.

I don't know where you are looking, but schisandra should only be about $14 to $16 a pound retail.

I ordered nettle leaf and drinking the tea for a while, but I think I can drink only small amount, because it has much iron. I am over forty and my period last only half days what it used to be.

I would not worry so much about the iron.  Plant irons are not absorbed very well. Heme iron from meats is the one to worry about.  And excess iron can be chelated out of the body with phytates from grains.

My health concerns include: borderline hypothyroidism,

Nettle and ashwagandha are both good for this.

general low energy,

This can have a number of causes.

various subclinical degree autoimmune issues(carpal tunnel, suspected pre diebetes).

Neither of these are autoimmune. Carpal tunnel is an overuse injury.  Type 2 diabetes results from a chromium deficiency leading to a closing of the insulin receptors.  Nettle is good for both conditions.

I've been managing these symptoms under control with drinking lemon juice, vit Bs and oil pulling in the morning.


As always, thank you very much.

PS. Can I take either of these with cayenne to maximize the beneficial effects?

Cayenne is also in the nightshade family.  Schisandra berry has a lot of saponins, which enhance the effects of other herbs by increasing their absorption.  This would be a much better choice in effectiveness and you can avoid the nightshade.