- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (China)
- Other names
- Nu zhen zi
Asia · Herb · № 315
Ligustrum lucidum
Herb · Asia
Glossy privet (nu zhen zi)
Ligustrum lucidum
Traditionally attributed effects: tonic, diuretic, stimulates the immune system.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Chinese food therapy: Not for diarrhoea from cold.
- Chinese materia medica: Not with spleen yang deficiency with cold and diarrhoea.
Preparation
Berries.
Use in traditions
Described in herbal medicine (Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic). According to Chinese medicine the black berries (nu zhen zi) nourish the yin of the liver and kidneys, for premature grey hair, dizziness and blurred vision; they are part of Er Zhi Wan. Related privets are widely planted as hedges in Europe.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Tonic, diuretic, stimulates the immune system.
Preparation and amount
Berries.
Chinese food therapy
Attributed effects
Liver tonic that soothes headache and eye complaints from liver inflammation; strengthens the kidneys, is used as a tonic for male vitality and gives the energy system a general boost. The three seeds together are traditionally used for menstrual complaints, for fertility and for male vitality; longan strengthens heart and circulation.
Caution: Not for diarrhoea from cold.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- sweet, bitter, neutral
- Meridians
- liver, kidney
Attributed effects
Nu zhen zi nourishes liver and kidney yin in early grey hair, dizziness, spots in the vision, reduced eyesight and a weak, painful lower back, and cools heat from yin deficiency.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 6–12 g a day, usually in a decoction. In China part of fu zheng therapy to support during radiotherapy and chemotherapy; always consult the treating doctor.
Combinations
- With mulberry fruit, bhringaraj and goji for eyes and senses
- With huang qi and lingzhi as an immune tonic
Caution: Not with spleen yang deficiency with cold and diarrhoea.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction