What you need to know: Schizandra is a little red berry that grows in northern China and the Russian Far East. Referred to by Chinese medicine as the “herb that does it all,” it develops and protects the key vital energies of the body, improving both vitality and beauty. Schizandra is said to help purify the blood, support the mind, help maintain a strong memory, and help maintain sexual energy and sexual functions in both men and women.

Why you should try it: There are many herbs that claim to improve beauty, but until you have tried schizandra, you have not seen what a tonic herb can do. The daily consumption of schizandra protects the skin and dramatically improves its appearance. Due to the astringent quality of schizandra, the skin tends to hold its moisture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and imparting upon it a youthful glow.

Let’s get together: There are a few ways in which to consume schizandra – as a tea, a tonic, and as a supplement. The berries have a sweet but mild flavor and do well brewed into a tea; if you want to maximize benefits, you can also add Schizandra Tonic Drops to your tea. Not a fan of tea? Then try schizandra in supplement form: our favorite is Schizandra by Dragon Herbs.