Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is an herb that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Derived from the fruit of a vine native to China and Russia, schisandra is sometimes known as five flavor berry.. In traditional Chinese medicine, schisandra is often used to treat cough, wheezing, and diarrhea. Benefits of Schisandra. To date, the health effects of schisandra have yet to be extensively studied. In Korean medicine, schisandra is sometimes used to treat cardiovascular symptoms associated with menopause.