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More Information:
Other
Common Names
Ligustrum
Page
Number In Radiant Health
190
Pharmaceutical
Latin
Fructus Ligustri lucidum
Pinyin
Nu Zhen Zi
Treasures
Yin Jing
Treasure
Rating
****
Atmospheric
Energy
Cool
Taste
Bitter and Sweet
Organ
Meridian Systems
Kidney and Liver
Primary
Functions
Tonifies Kidney and Liver Yin, enhances immune
functions, clears heat, brightens the eyes
Qualities
Ligustrum is a very good Yin essence tonic. It's action
is very similar to that of Polygonum, except that it is
a cool herb. It is used for all the same purposes as
Polygonum, including blackening the hair or preventing
premature graying. Thus it is considered to be an
antiaging, rejuvenative herb. It strengthens the back
and relieves soreness in the lower back and knees, and
helps relieve aching in other joints. It is said to
improve hearing and sharpen vision.
Ligusticum has gain quite a reputation in the past
decade due to the discovery that it has powerful immune
enhancing effects. In a study done in the United States,
supported by the National Institutes of Health, it was
found to prevent break down of the immune system when
cancer patients were given chemotherapy and radiation
therapy. Subsequent studies around the world have
supported this action. It is now used clinically for
this purpose in Japan and China.
Preparation
and Utilization
It may be used in Kidney and Liver tonics.
Primary
Combinations
Combine with:
1. Lycium fruit, Polygonum or Rehmannia (steamed) to
build blood, to tonify Kidney yin, and to prevent
premature aging
2. Lycium fruit, Raw Rehmannia and Moutan for deficient
yin and heat
3. Astragalus, Ganoderma and Gynostemma to counteract
the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, provided
the doctors involved agree. Fairly large doses are more
effective in building and/or protecting the immune
system
Varieties
and Grading
All Ligusticum sold in the United States is of
approximately equivalent quality and is generally quite
good.
Contraindications
Do not use when you have diarrhea due to cold. In cases
of Yang deficiency it is often better to use Polygonum.
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Ligustrum
is a Yin Kidney tonic which is said by the Chinese to
prolong life. It has been found to be a significant
immune enhancing agent. It is also used as a blood
tonic.