Chinese Herb (single item): Ligustrum lucidum Ait. / Nv Zhen Zi / NvZhenzi / glossy privet

Medicinal Overview:

Chinese herb Ligustrum lucidum, commonly known as Ligustrum, is a tonic herb belonging to the Oleaceae family, derived from the dried mature fruits of Ligustrum lucidum.

Therapeutic Effects:

Ligustrum lucidum is known for its effects in nourishing the liver and kidneys, and improving vision and hair color.

Usage:

Ligustrum lucidum is typically used in the form of Ligustrum lucidum fruit slices, suitable for both internal consumption and external application. Specific usage should be based on medical advice.

Precautions:

Although Ligustrum lucidum is nourishing and not greasy, it has a cool nature. Therefore, it is contraindicated for those with spleen and stomach deficiency cold, diarrhea, and kidney yang deficiency.

Manufacturer: Nanjing Tongrentang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Nanjing Tongrentang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (formerly Nanjing Tongrentang Pharmaceutical Factory) is located at the western foot of the beautiful Yuhuatai Scenic Area in Nanjing. It is the only large-scale traditional Chinese medicine enterprise in Nanjing that integrates modern technology to produce ancient formula traditional varieties and comprehensive new dosage forms, integrating science, industry, and trade. In 1995, it was honored with the title of "China Time-honored Brand" by the Ministry of Domestic Trade. Nanjing Tongrentang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has a long history, originating from the Nanjing branch of the Beijing Tongrentang Kyoto Lejia Old Shop, which opened in Nanjing in 1929. In 1955, it was renamed Nanjing Tongrentang National Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a joint venture between public and private sectors, and in 1957, it was renamed Nanjing Tongrentang Pharmaceutical Factory. In 1998, it was restructured into Nanjing Tongrentang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

### Recipes

**1. Old Duck Soup with Chinese Yam and Ligustrum**
- **Ingredients:** 30g Chinese yam, 20g Ligustrum fruit, 2g ginseng, 10g stemona root, 1 duck, green onions, ginger, salt, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and cooking wine.
- **Preparation:** Kill the live duck, remove feathers and entrails, and wash it clean. Place the duck in boiling water to remove blood, then take it out and cut it into pieces. Put Chinese yam, Ligustrum fruit, ginseng, stemona root, and duck pieces into a clay pot. Add green onions, ginger, salt, MSG, and cooking wine. Add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat.
- **Usage:** Eat the meat and drink the soup. It can be eaten as a meal in divided portions.
- **Effects:** Nourishes yin and replenishes qi, and is anti-tuberculosis. Suitable for those with pulmonary tuberculosis, presenting symptoms such as coughing, thin and white sputum or sputum mixed with blood, fatigue, shortness of breath, poor appetite, dry mouth, and tidal fever.

**2. Ligustrum and Eclipta Paste**
- **Ingredients:** 500g processed Ligustrum fruit, 500g eclipta, and an appropriate amount of sugar.
- **Preparation:** Wash Ligustrum fruit and eclipta, put them into a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and boil for 4 hours. Filter to obtain the medicinal liquid. Boil the residue with water for another 3 hours and filter again. Combine the filtrates and simmer over low heat until a thick paste is formed. For every 100g of the paste, add about 200g of sugar, mix well, and boil to thicken. Seal and refrigerate. Take 15g each time, twice daily, dissolved in warm water on an empty stomach in the morning and evening.
- **Effects:** Nourishes the liver and kidneys. Suitable for elderly individuals with symptoms such as lower back pain, osteoporosis, premature graying hair, night sweats, low-grade fever, fatigue, insomnia, palpitations, bleeding gums, and hematuria. It also benefits those with hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.

**3. Ligustrum Porridge**
- **Ingredients:** 20g Ligustrum fruit, 50g goji berries, 50g crushed Chinese yam, and 100g rice.
- **Preparation:** First, boil Ligustrum fruit and goji berries with an appropriate amount of water and filter to obtain the juice. Then, add the crushed Chinese yam and rice to the juice and cook into porridge. It can be eaten as breakfast and is effective in treating lower back pain caused by kidney yin deficiency.

**4. Ligustrum and Longan Pork Soup**
- **Ingredients:** 60g pork, 60g Ligustrum fruit, and 20g longan pulp.
- **Preparation:** Wash and slice the pork, and wash the Ligustrum fruit and longan pulp. Put them all into a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 2 hours. Add seasoning according to taste. This medicinal dish nourishes the liver and kidneys, benefits the heart and spleen, and darkens hair. It is suitable for people with hyperlipidemia, obesity, and liver and kidney deficiency.

**5. Ligustrum and Black Sesame Lean Pork Soup**
- **Ingredients:** 60g lean pork, 40g Ligustrum fruit, and 30g black sesame.
- **Preparation:** Wash and slice the lean pork, and wash the Ligustrum fruit and black sesame. Put them all into a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 1 hour. Add seasoning according to taste. This medicinal dish has the effects of nourishing the kidneys, darkening hair, benefiting essence, and beautifying the skin. It is suitable for those with liver and kidney weakness and deficiency of essence and blood.