Can Ligustrum lucidum fruits be steeped directly in water for consumption?
Apr 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Ligustrum fruit (Nuzhenzi) can be steeped directly in water for consumption, but attention should be paid to moderation. Nuzhenzi is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the dried ripe fruit of the Ligustrum lucidum plant in the Oleaceae family. It has a sweet and bitter taste, a cooling property, and is associated with the liver and kidney meridians. It functions to nourish the liver and kidneys, improve vision, darken hair, and clear heat while reducing internal fire. Drinking an appropriate amount of Nuzhenzi steeped in water may help alleviate symptoms such as yin deficiency of the liver and kidneys and dizziness with tinnitus to some extent.
Generally speaking, Ligustrum lucidum (Nuzhenzi) can be directly steeped in water, but attention should be paid to moderate consumption. A detailed explanation is as follows:
Ligustrum lucidum is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the dried ripe fruit of the Ligustrum plant, which belongs to the Oleaceae family. It has a sweet and bitter taste, a cool nature, and acts on the liver and kidney meridians. It has functions including nourishing the liver and kidney, improving vision and darkening hair, clearing heat, and reducing internal heat. Drinking an appropriate amount of Ligustrum lucidum-infused water may help alleviate symptoms such as yin deficiency of the liver and kidney, dizziness, tinnitus, weakness and soreness of the waist and knees, premature graying of hair, dim eyesight, and declining vision to a certain extent.
High-quality Ligustrum lucidum without mold or impurities should be selected. After washing the Ligustrum lucidum thoroughly to remove surface dust and dirt, it can be air-dried or dried appropriately to ensure its quality during storage and usage. The quantity used each time should not be excessive; overconsumption may lead to adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal discomfort.
Due to its cool nature, Ligustrum lucidum is contraindicated for individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency cold, kidney yang deficiency, or diarrhea. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and patients with chronic diseases should use it cautiously under the guidance of a physician. If discomfort symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea occur during consumption, usage should be stopped immediately, and medical advice should be consulted.
