tbw

Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum Fruit)

Nu zhen zi is the dried fruit of glossy privet. It is a traditional Chinese herb.

Updated . Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Chinese herbal pharmacies in Chinatown districts sell it loose by weight. Licensed acupuncturists can order granules from trade suppliers. Some trade suppliers sell only to practitioners.

Professional insight

Herbal pharmacists confirm the species, then judge color and dryness. Testing for contaminants matters too.

  • Ligustrum lucidum is not the same as Chinese privet.
  • Good fruit is dark purple-black and wrinkled.
  • Ask for heavy metal and pesticide test results.
  • Granules and raw fruit are used differently.

Check the label

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Nu zhen zi names

Plant
Ligustrum lucidum
Common name glossy privet.
Pharmaceutical name
Fructus Ligustri Lucidi
Used in herbal monographs.
Part used
Ripe dried fruit
Leaves are a separate product.

Safe use

  • Follow the label or a licensed practitioner's directions.
  • Tell your doctor about every herb you take.
  • Ask a pharmacist about interactions with your medicines.
  • Stop if you notice an allergic reaction.

Red flags

  • Listing gives no Latin name.
  • Product claims to cure cancer or other diseases.
  • Moldy, dusty or very pale fruit.
  • Seller cannot name the origin or lot.

Storage

  • Keep in a sealed jar away from damp.
  • Store out of direct sunlight.
  • Check for insects in loose herbs before use.

Common questions

Is nu zhen zi the same as privet hedge berries?
Not every privet. Only Ligustrum lucidum fruit is sold as nu zhen zi.
Can I pick it from a garden tree?
Not advised. Privet species are easy to confuse without expert identification.
Why will some suppliers not sell to me?
Several trade houses sell only to licensed practitioners. Try a retail herbal pharmacy.