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Nv Zhen Zi女贞子

Ligustri Lucidi Fructus · Glossy Privet Fruit · Ligustrum Fruit

Herbs that Tonify the Yin 补阴药《神农本草经》

Overview

The ripe fruit of glossy privet, picked in winter and dried. Sweet, bitter and cool, it nourishes Liver and Kidney yin gently and slowly — there is nothing dramatic about it, and it is taken over months rather than days. It is the other half of Er Zhi Wan 二至丸 with Mo Han Lian 墨旱莲. Wine-processing takes the edge off its coolness, strengthens its tonifying reach and makes it easier on the stomach, which is why the wine-prepared fruit is usual for long courses.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet, bitter · Cool

Channels

Liver · Kidney

Typical Dosage

6–12 g in decoction
女贞子Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

4 core actions

  • Nourishes Liver and Kidney yinDizziness, tinnitus, a sore weak lower back and knees, and weak legs.
  • Brightens the eyes, darkens the hairBlurred or dim vision and premature greying attributed to depleted Liver and Kidney.
  • Clears deficiency heatLow-grade afternoon fever, night sweats and a dry mouth on a background of yin deficiency.
  • Processed form Nv Zhen ZiWine-steaming reduces the coolness and its tendency to loosen the stool, and is the usual choice when it is taken for months at a time.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Nv Zhen Zi

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Dizziness, tinnitus and blurred vision from Liver and Kidney yin deficiency
    - Sore, weak lower back and knees
    - Premature greying of the hair
    - Low-grade fever and night sweats of deficiency heat

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

TinnitusBlurred visionMenopausal symptomsPremature greying

Contraindications

Cautions

Cool and slightly laxative: not suitable where the Spleen is weak with loose stools, or in yang-deficiency cold patterns. It works slowly and is not a remedy for acute complaints; the wine-processed fruit is better tolerated when it is taken over long periods.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.