Nu Zhen Zi (Privet Fruit, Ligustrum)

Herb 9 of 15 in Herbs that Tonify Yin

Channels:
KI, LIV

Properties:
Bitter, Sweet, Cool (Neutral)

Latin Name:
Fructus Ligustri Lucidi

Nu Zhen Zi means "Female Chastity Seed"

Alternate Names

Nu Zhen, Dong Qing Zi, Nu Zhen Shi

Actions

Tonifies Liver and Kidney Yin and Jing
For dizziness, spots before the eyes, prematurely grey hair, tinnitus, sore and weak low back and knees
Clears Heat and Brightens the Eyes
Treats vision problems including blurred vision, dry eyes, and diminished vision due to excess and Deficient conditions. For red and painful eyes due to Liver Yang Rising

Contraindications and Cautions

Do not use in cases of diarrhea due to Spleen and Stomach Deficiency leading to Cold
Use caution in cases with Yang deficiency

Herb-Drug Interactions

Nu Zhen Zi lowers plasma glucose levels. Combining this herb with anti-diabetic medication such as insulin or sulfonylureas may result in hypoglycemia. ¹²

Toxicity and Overdose

None Noted.

Dosage

10-15 grams in decoction ¹²
9-18 grams in decoction ¹³

Notes

This herb is also useful in cases of lymph or lung tuberculosis due to Yin Deficiency.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Er Zhi Wan (Two Ultimate Pill)
Formulas that Nourish and Tonify the Yin

References

Herbs

13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
- Dan Bensky

25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
- Fugh-Berman A.

17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
- John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
- Max Wichtl

Formulas

15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
- Dan Bensky

18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
- Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.