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Schizandra (or schisandra) is major tonic herb in Chinese medicine, long prized by everyone from emperors to family herbalists for its ability to prolong youth, increase stamina, and prevent fatigue. Schizandra berries products are derived from the small, bright red, berry-like fruit of a hardy vine of the magnolia family. Schizandra is native to China as well as parts of Japan, Korea, and Russia. Two dozen additional species of schizandra also exist, all indigenous to Asia with the exception of a relatively rare schizandra vine native to woody areas of North Carolina and neighboring states. The Chinese refer to dried schizandra berries as wu wei zi.

Schizandra fruit was mentioned in early medical texts of China as one of the “superior herbs,” capable of promoting overall well being and enhancing bodily vitality. Some hunting tribes of Northern China would take supplies of the dried berries whenever they went on long hunting trips during cold weather. Eating the schizandra berries helped them to stoke their internal fires and renew flagging strength.

The Chinese have long considered Schizandra fruit ideal for lack of energy and for nervous exhaustion from stress. Schizandra has also traditionally been taken to beautify the skin, strengthen the organs, and promote mental function. Among the ailments it was used to treat are night sweats, asthma, cough, and insomnia. Schizandra was used topically for skin sores. It is a traditional Russian folk remedy for diabetes.

Schizandra fruits or berries contain various lignans, mainly schizandrins, these lignans have been found to prevent liver damage, stimulate liver repair, and stimulate normal liver functioning. These properties appear to be related to the various antioxidant abilities of the various schizandrins. Schizandra also helps in digestion, regulating gastric acid release. Other studies have shown that extracts of schizandra are stimulating to the central nervous system and are cholinergic. There have been numerous reports on schizandra’s ability to quicken reflexes, increase work efficiency, control anger and combat neurasthenias (headaches, insomnia, dizziness, palpitations).

Other reports have mentioned increased cognitive function and increased memory. Recent research studies have indicated that schizandra has numerous biological activities, including: anti-bacterial, mild stimulant, liver protective, anti-depressant, antioxidant, adaptogen and cardiac tonic. In Oriental Medicine, schizandra is recommended for the lungs, liver and kidneys, including as an aphrodisiac. Schizandra is also a registered medicine in Russia for vision problems since the herb has been found to prevent eye fatigue and increase acuity.

Schizandra berries are available in capsule or tablet forms at your local or internet health food store. Look for name brands like Solaray and Planetary Herbals to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Schizandra is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Lung cancer is one of the most dangerous types of cancers around. This is because it tends to spread to other parts of the body at a very early stage — by the time the cancer is detected, it has already invaded other body organs. This, of course, makes it far more difficult to control or cure. The process of cancers spreading to other locations in the body is called metastasis.

Also, lung cancer tends to metastasize to critical body organs like the liver, brain adrenal glands and the bones. This multiplies the danger manifold. It means that lung cancer prognosis is poor for those whose cancers are detected at a late stage.

For this reason, knowledge of common lung cancer symptoms can potentially save a life. The earlier lung cancer is detected, the better are the chances of affecting a cure or at least, controlling the disease so that the probability of survival goes up.

The symptoms of lung cancer can include shortness of breath and wheezing. This condition is called dyspnoea. A cough that is unusually persistent and does not respond to treatment may also be a sign of cancer. Pain in the chest, fatigue, coughing up blood, etc are common indicators of the disease. A sudden change in voice quality – with the voice becoming hoarser – may signal this disease.

Of course, many of these symptoms are common to other health conditions. Therefore, it is very important to consult a doctor if one or more of these signs are present. It may be necessary to run various tests to arrive at the precise cause of these symptoms. Please keep in mind that the above is not an exhaustive list of lung cancer symptoms. Nevertheless, given the poor lung cancer statistics relating to patient survival, it is better to be vigilant.

The presence of other health conditions like hypertension may introduce complications. In such cases, the doctor might prescribe hypertension medications. The presence of any symptoms of elevated blood pressure in a lung cancer patient will cause the doctor to be extra vigilant.

Lung cancer is categorized into four stages, with Stage 1 indicating the beginning of the disease where the cancer is present only in the lungs. Stage 4 lung cancer is an advanced stage of the disease where the cancer has spread to the bone, adrenal glands, liver and / or other body locations.

The survival rates for those with Stage 1 cancer are far higher as compared to those whose condition has progressed to Stage 4 of this disease.

Remember, the above is no substitute for professional advice. In fact, the above does not constitute medical, health or any other kind of professional advice or assistance. If you need help or clarifications, please contact a competent medical professional for advice.