Various dynasties of herbs and prescription books recorded the specifications, processing, and clinical application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus. The clinical application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus mainly focuses on astringency, tonifying qi and generating fluids, nourishing the kidneys and calming the heart. There have been few reports on the exploration on textual study on other functions and usage precautions of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus; at present, the classic prescriptions containing Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus do not clearly indicate their specific specifications and processing in the prescription composition. Textual study has found that different processed products of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus have different clinical therapeutic effects. For raw use, it is more suitable to use light agents to bring adversely risen qi downward, steam to produce light agents to increase transparency, honey to produce leveling agents is better for moistening the lungs and nourishing yin, wine honey to produce leveling agents can supplement deficiency and promote blood circulation, wine to produce heavy agents can strengthen acid absorption. It is suggested further in-depth research on steamed products, honey products, and honey wine products to broaden clinical application options and improve the accuracy of clinical medication. The clinical application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus has different emphases and evolution in different dynasties. In the Tang Dynasty, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus could reduce the qi of the upper, middle, and lower energizers, and eliminate deficiency heat; during the Five Dynasties period, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus could nourish qi, improve eyesight, warm the middle, and bring adversely risen qi downward; During the Jin and Yuan dynasties, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus was used to warm water and treat cholera, as well as to improve muscle function; in the Ming Dynasty, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus was proposed to reduce qi and strengthen yin, treating the critical condition of yin and yang deficiency; during the Qing Dynasty, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus could prevent summer heat, and external application to sores could astringent and invigorate the muscles. Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus has records of dispersing phlegm and fire, and dispelling wind pathogens. This article reviewed the relevant records of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in traditional Chinese herbs and prescriptions throughout history, summarized the efficacy characteristics of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus under different processing methods, clinical applications under historical evolution, and main contraindications for use, proposed recommendations for the application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in classic and commonly used prescriptions, which can provide scientific basis for the precise selection of different specifications and processed products of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus and Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus, as well as scientific guidance for their rational application in drug development.