Schisandra/Schizandra

This is a berry used in Chinese medicine for coughs, lung diseases, and other ailments. It may cause drug interactions, including with coumadin. It is toxic in very high doses, but we have been unable as yet to find more information about any scientific studies on its safety or hazards.

Schisandra is not listed on the United States Food & Drug Administration's "Generally Recognized As Safe" list, and one beverage producer stated that their application for an alcoholic beverage containing schisandra was denied [personal communication].