Ligustrum, Glossy Privet Fruit, Nu Zhen Zi 女贞子 Glossy PrivetNu Zhen Zi (TCM) Curtis’s Botanical Magazine, vol. 52 (1825) Ligustrum lucidum fruit(Photo by SABENCIA Guillermo César Ruiz) (Wikimedia) Botanical name: Ligustrum lucidum; L. thibeticum is also used. Parts used: Fruit Temperature & Taste: Cool. Bitter, Sweet“It is Warm” (Li Shi Zhen) Classification: N. Yin Tonic Uses: 1. Nourish and Strengthen the Liver and Kidney: -Dizziness, Vertigo, Tinnitus-Lower Back pain and weakness-premature Greying of hair-Osteoporosis-aid in Infertility-‘Long-term use makes one put on weight, feel happy and vigourous, and remain young-looking’. (Shen Nong Ben Cao) 2. Benefits the Eyes:-Floaters, Poor eyesight, Failing Vision, especially in the elderly due to Liver and Kidney weakness-the juice has been applied directly to the eyes fro Wind-Heat conjunctivitis (Ji Ji Xian Fang [Immortal’s Prescriptions for Emergency])-‘turns graying hair black and brightens the eye’ (Li Shi Zhen) 3. Clears Deficient Heat: -Heat from Yin deficiency-Tuberculosis; Scrofula Dose: Decoction: 9–18 gramsPowder: 1–4 grams Preparation: 1. Wine-processed Ligustrum fruit:  Stew or steam with wine until the wine is entirely absorbed (using 10% by weight of wine to dried fruit). This is more warming, better to enter the blood, and can more strongly relieve cold-type lower back pain. Main Combinations:…

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