The three Asian berries: Goji, Schizandra, and Amla (Indian Gooseberry) are all adaptogenic general tonics that are revered throughout Asia. They have many common characteristics. All harmonize, support, and strengthen the body, exhibit immune-modulating ability, and help improve cellular activity. These berries all have antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. They help the body resist stress and support the body in recovery and rejuvenation. They support the nervous and cardiovascular systems, help improve liver functions and oxygen utilization.
These three berries contain high levels of carotenoids and Vitamin C; these help repair tissues and improve capillary structure. All are anthocyanidins (red flavonoid pigments) and are high in polysaccharide activity. They have strong antioxidant properties. These superior foods contain all five tastes (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami (described as savory or meaty).
We use these berries in our Berry Berry Good, Supremely Green, Vita Power, and Liver Restore formulas.
Goji Berry
Goji contains 250 IUs of carotene per gram (a 20-gram serving contains 5000 IU of carotene) with particularly high levels of zeaxanthin, making it quite carotenoid-rich. It also contains 18 amino acids (protein building blocks), is 13% protein, and contains many minerals (including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, germanium, chromium, selenium, zinc, and copper) and is rich in the B vitamins, Vitamins C and E, essential fatty acids, and a wide array of polysaccharides (long chain sugars in a water soluble nutrient matrix), and flavonoids (plant pigment nutrients), particularly the anthocyanidins. The latter works on capillary and collagen structure, inflammation, bacterial, viral, and immune function modulation, and cardiovascular conditions. These phytonutrients (called polysaccharide glyconutrients) inhibit lipid peroxidation and contain and increase SOD (superoxide dismutase) levels and components rich in glutathione to keep cells working at optimal levels. They help support the building of muscle tissue, DNA repair and restoration, as well as supporting our general well-being.
Goji berries grow on 12–15-foot bushes in the cool, fertile valley regions of Mongolia, China, and Tibet. The Goji Berry Cooperative, a fair trade organization, provides an outlet for Tibetan and Mongolian berries that ensures the safety, tradition, continuation, growing, and proper handling of this treasure. Traditionally, goji is used in both China and Tibet in wines, soups, teas, and rice porridge.
Amla
Amla is one of the richest known sources of stable vitamin C. It also contains bioflavonoids, tannins (which help stabilize the vitamin C under hot conditions), ellagic acid, gallic acid, and quercetin. These components all help with collagen synthesis and wound healing. Its high SOD (superoxide dismutase) level improves oxygen utilization. Amla’s Vitamin C content varies between 2 to 6%. It has a fiber content of 17%, mineral content of 4%, and its seeds have a high linolenic fatty acid content.
Amla purifies and improves blood sugar balance as it boosts metabolism, especially protein metabolism. Additionally, it helps the body absorb food, contributes to a higher red blood cell count, and balances stomach acids. (It is used to treat dysentery and bleeding piles in India.) Liver deficiency and urinary system weakness are also supported and balanced by this remarkable berry. Rheumatism and other inflammatory conditions, and autoimmune conditions (allergy and respiratory irritations), are greatly ameliorated with the use of Amla; it helped lower LDL cholesterol in clinical trials. It has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. It helps facilitate the elimination of toxins and stress in the body. By modulating harmful conditions in the body, this ayurvedic herb is an adaptogenic tonic. It is immune-enhancing, potent, and nourishing in supporting the lungs, liver, brain, and heart functions.
Amla is grown from elevations of 1500 feet in the Himalayan mountains down to southern India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and China. It is used in chutneys and relishes, in the herbal Ayurvedic formula Chyawanprash, and in products for the hair and skin.
Schisandra
Schisandra is a woody, climbing vine and is the premier herb of China, containing all five of the elemental tastes. As an adaptogenic tonic, it is a powerhouse for regulating stress and helping the body adapt to a wide variety of challenging conditions. A youth-giving tonic, it breaks up blood stagnation, alleviates fatigue, and increases RNA levels. Its immune-modulating properties fortify the body in curbing disease and illness.
The Schisandra berry helps counteract the effects of sugar through its metabolic activity of controlling glycogen (a nutrient-rich polysaccharide) content and release that provides sustained energy for work, exercise, and improved strength. Schisandra’s flavonoid activity stimulates connective tissue repair, improves circulation, wound healing, capillary integrity, collagen structure, and vitamin C assimilation. Its high level of flavonoid anthocyanidins helps fortify normal body functioning. Schisandra also contains high levels of vitamin E, Ascorbyl Palmitate (a form of vitamin C), many B vitamins, trace minerals, and amino acids.
The calming and fortifying properties of schizandra strengthen the nervous system and improve reflex action. Schisandra helps improve cognitive functioning and memory retention through its energy optimization abilities. It cleans and clears blood, and its network of arteries helps modulate the inflammatory response. Its neutralizing quality helps strengthen the body and improve respiratory function. It also modulates gastric activity and has free radical scavenging properties. It also modulates gastric activity and has free radical scavenging properties.
Japanese studies show Schisandra’s ability to help reduce liver damage. Its lignin components help regulate the liver and stimulate the repair, support, and detoxification of liver tissue. Schisandra’s tonic effects balance liver deficiencies by its cleansing actions. It helps the body process waste at the cellular level.