Also known as privet, ligustrum is a small, evergreen-like tree native to China and eastern Asia. It is used mostly as a form of decoration and source of shade in the United States. The shrub contains large clusters of white flowers with bluish-purple berries that are used medicinally. The berries contain a variety of nutrients, including calcium, fructose, glucose, iron, magnesium and potassium.
Since ancient times, ligustrum has been used as a yin tonic in traditional Chinese medicine. It was often used in combination with astragalus to treat various conditions, including tinnitus and premature aging. Recent studies conducted in China suggest that ligustrum stimulates the immune system, fights inflammation, and helps protect the liver. Some studies suggest it improves vision and can relieve the symptoms of rheumatism and pneumonia.
Patients eating powdered berries should take between 5-15 grams per day. Alternatively, some herbalists recommend 3-5 millileters of ligustrum tincture three times per day.
Ligustrum berries are widely available in dried, crushed and powdered forms. Ligustrum tinctures are also available; powdered berries can be added to boiling water to make a ligustrum-based tea.
At this time, no adverse effects have been reported in patients taking ligustrum. There are no well-known drug interactions with ligustrum.
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