Schisandra Berry, Licorice & Red Date Drink (Wu Wei Zi Gan Cao Hong Zao Shui)

Why people make this drink

When a routine blood test comes back with elevated ALT or AST, it’s natural to feel alarmed — but Bro Niu’s first advice is always: don’t panic, and find the cause. Elevated liver enzymes can stem from medication side effects, too much alcohol, late nights, intense exercise, or from conditions like fatty liver or hepatitis. Once the cause is addressed, many people also turn to this simple herbal drink as a supportive measure during recovery.

Schisandra berry (wu wei zi — literally “five-flavor berry,” because it is said to have all five tastes simultaneously) has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries and has attracted considerable research attention in recent decades. It is associated with supporting liver function during recovery from hepatitis and helping normalize elevated enzyme levels. Combined with licorice root’s traditional anti-inflammatory and harmonizing properties, and red dates for blood nourishment, this is a gentle, practical drink for anyone whose liver needs a little support.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suited for adults with mildly elevated liver enzymes, fatty liver, or during recovery from viral hepatitis; also of interest to those with fatigue or sleep difficulties associated with liver health
• Pregnant women must not take this drink — schisandra berry is associated with uterine contractions
• People undergoing chemotherapy should first consult their oncologist before taking schisandra, as it may interact with some cancer medications
• Those with chronic stomach conditions (e.g. gastritis) should take this drink after meals, not on an empty stomach — schisandra’s natural acidity can cause a burning sensation otherwise
• Do not rely on this drink alone if liver enzymes are significantly elevated; medical diagnosis and treatment come first

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Schisandra berries — northern variety (bei wu wei zi): The most researched herb in this recipe; traditionally associated with supporting liver function, calming the nervous system, and helping with fatigue and insomnia; modern research has explored its hepatoprotective properties; the northern variety (bei wu wei zi) is considered more potent than the southern variety, though both are usable
• Licorice root (gan cao): One of the most widely used “harmonizing” herbs in Chinese medicine; traditionally associated with clearing heat, detoxifying, protecting the stomach lining, and balancing the other herbs in a formula; also associated with supporting liver health
• Red dates (hong zao): Nourish the blood, support the spleen, and add a pleasant natural sweetness to the drink

Ingredients (2 cups)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Schisandra berries (wu wei zi, northern preferred)	1 tablespoon	Rinse before use
Licorice root slices (gan cao)	4–5 slices	Available at Chinese herb shops
Red dates (hong zao)	6 pieces	Pitted and sliced

Method

1. Rinse the schisandra berries and licorice root briefly.
2. Pit the red dates and slice them.
3. Combine all ingredients in a small pot with 4 bowls of water.
4. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for 20 minutes until the liquid reduces to about 2 cups.
5. Drink warm, ideally after a meal if you have a sensitive stomach.
6. Aim for 3 servings per week, or as comfortable.

Bro Niu’s tips

Schisandra berry has a complex, somewhat sour flavor — some people find the taste unusual at first, but it grows on you. If you feel a burning sensation in your stomach after drinking it, always have this drink after meals rather than on an empty stomach. The northern variety of schisandra (bei wu wei zi) is more potent, but the southern variety works too and is easier to find in some places. Be consistent: this kind of herbal support works best when taken regularly over several weeks — 3 times per week is a good rhythm to maintain. And always: if your liver enzymes remain elevated, keep seeing your doctor.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (ChanChan): My friend’s liver enzymes are too high for chemotherapy to proceed. Can she drink this schisandra drink? How many times a week? Bro Niu: Elevated liver enzymes and fitness for chemotherapy must be assessed by the oncologist first. The schisandra and licorice drink can be taken about 3 times per week as a supportive measure.

• Q (reader): I have fatty liver with small cysts, and my lipase and amylase are often elevated. Can I still take the wu wei zi and licorice water? Bro Niu: Yes, this drink is suitable. You might also try apple cider vinegar or garlic vinegar — 2 teaspoons each morning and evening diluted in warm water — taken over a period of time, which is traditionally associated with supporting fatty liver. However, a full recovery requires medical care.

• Q (加劳): My family member took too many painkillers and was hospitalized. After discharge, what can help support the liver? Bro Niu: Try black soybeans (1 liang) with licorice root (2 qian) in water for 30 minutes. This combination is traditionally associated with helping counter drug toxicity and protecting the liver.

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Published January 29, 2023 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.