Source Glossy Privet Fruit is the dried ripe fruit ofLigustrum lucidum Ait., (Fam. Oleaceae).
Producing Areas Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Hunan, Fujian, Guangxi, Jiangxi, etc.
Properties Sweet, Bitter, Slightly Cold
Channels Liver, Kidney
Action
Tonifies the liver and the kidneys, darkens the hair and promotes visual acuity
For deficiency of liver-yin and kidney-yin manifested as dizziness, tinnitus, blurring of vision, weakness of the loins and knees, hectic fever, nocturnal emission, alopecia and poliosis. For loss of hair, premature greying hair, blurred and declining vision, and dry stools.
Usage and Dosage
It is used crudely for eliminating toxic material. The steamed herb is for nourishing the liver and spleen. The extract of Nuzhenzi can be applied to the eyes.
Notes Contraindicated in patient with diarrhoea due to asthenic coldness of the spleen and stomach.
The fruit is oval or kidney-shaped, 6 – 8.5cm long, 3.5 – 5.5cm in diameter. Its surface is dark purple black or dark brown and wrinkly, with old calyx, stem marks or short stem. The outer covering is thin. The fleshy covering is thicker, soft and easy to peel. The covering of the seed is wood-natured, yellow brown with edges, and contains 1 – 2 seeds which are slightly kidney-shaped, purple black in colour and oily. The flavour is sweet, slightly bitter and astringent, with no smell. It is light in weight.
Storage
Keep in a well-ventilated and dry place.
Description of Quality Herb
Good Nuzhenzi is big and full-grained in size, grey black in colour and solid.
White Duck Soup with Wolfberry, Chinese Yam and Privet Fruit
Effects
Nourishesyin and tonifies the kidneys. This soup helps to alleviate chloasma on faces, relieves aches and weakness in the waist and knees. It is recommended for emaciation, giddiness and tinnitus. Also beneficial to women with afternoon hectic fever.
Ingredients
Wolfberry 30g, Rehmannia root 100g, Chinese yam rhizome 100g, glossy privet fruit 50g, 1 whole white duck (approximately 1.5kg), spring onion, ginger, cooking wine, pepper, MSG, salt to taste.
Preparation
1.Clean and dress the duck, and cut into small pieces.
2.Rinse the herbs, place them in a pot with an adequate amount of water.
3.Cook the duck until done, add seasoning and serve.
Lean Pork Soup with Privet Fruit and Black Sesame
Effects
This soup is beneficial to those who are suffering premature greying of hair due to insufficiency in the liver and kidneys and a lack of essence and blood. It relieves symptoms such as tiredness, coarse skin, soreness of loins and dizziness. It is also a tonic drink for those who have hyperlipidemia and high blood pressure.
Ingredients
Lean pork 60g, glossy privet fruit 40g, black sesame 30g.
Preparation
1.Wash and cut the lean pork; rinse the herbs.
2.Place all the ingredients in a pot with an adequate amount of water, bring to a rolling boil and simmer over a low fire for 1 hour. Add seasoning and serve.