Are it safe to take Bajitian (Alpinia oxyphylla Miq.), Nuzhenzi (Ligustrum lucidum Ait.), and Shanzhuyu (Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc.) together?

Apr 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, it is acceptable to take Yizhiren (Alpinia oxyphylla Miq.), Nvzhenzi (Ligustrum lucidum Ait.), and Cornus officinalis Siebold & Zucc. together. These three herbs respectively have the functions of nourishing the kidneys and enhancing intelligence, nourishing yin and replenishing the liver, and warming and tonifying the liver and kidneys. For symptoms such as memory loss and dizziness with tinnitus caused by kidney deficiency, if the individual's constitution is suitable and there are no other contraindications, these three Chinese herbs, when appropriately combined under the guidance of a TCM practitioner, can produce a synergistic and enhanced therapeutic effect.

Generally speaking, it is acceptable to take Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia oxyphylla seeds), Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum lucidum fruits), and Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus officinalis fruits) together, but they should be used in combination under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Yi Zhi Ren, Nu Zhen Zi, and Shan Zhu Yu are all commonly used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), each having effects of nourishing the kidneys and enhancing cognitive function, nourishing liver Yin, and warming and nourishing the liver and kidneys, respectively. For symptoms caused by kidney deficiency, such as memory loss and dizziness and tinnitus, if the individual's constitution is suitable and there are no other contraindications, these three herbs may be appropriately combined under the guidance of a TCM practitioner to achieve a synergistic and enhanced therapeutic effect.

However, they are not suitable for all constitutions and conditions. Yi Zhi Ren has a pungent and warm nature and may easily cause excessive internal heat; therefore, it is not recommended for patients with heat-related vomiting, Qi stagnation with hiccups, or Yin deficiency with internal heat. Nu Zhen Zi has a slightly cold nature and should not be taken by patients with deficiency-cold syndromes of the spleen and stomach or kidney Yang deficiency. Shan Zhu Yu might affect blood pressure, so patients with hypertension or hypotension should use it cautiously and monitor blood pressure changes. When taking these three herbs, one should also avoid adverse interactions with other medications and should seek advice from a professional physician or pharmacist.

During the period of consumption, it is advisable to avoid eating pungent and irritating foods such as scallions, ginger, and garlic, as well as raw, cold, cooling, or excessively greasy foods, to prevent interference with the herbal effects or worsening of symptoms.

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Can Ligustrum lucidum fruit be steeped in water for drinking?

Under normal circumstances, Ligustrum fruit (Nuzhenzi) can be steeped in water for consumption. Nuzhenzi has a sweet and bitter taste with a cool property, and it is associated with the liver and kidney meridians. It functions to nourish the liver and kidneys, improve vision, and darken hair. It may help alleviate symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, and hearing loss caused by yin deficiency of the liver and kidneys. Additionally, it may help protect the eyes and relieve eye fatigue. However, it should be consumed in appropriate amounts under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

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Can Ligustrum lucidum fruits be steeped in water for consumption?

Under normal circumstances, Ligustrum fruit (Nuzhenzi) can be steeped in water for consumption, but it should be taken in moderation. Nuzhenzi has the effects of improving vision and darkening hair, and may help alleviate symptoms such as dim or blurred vision, declining eyesight, and premature graying of hair caused by yin deficiency of the liver and kidneys. It also nourishes the liver and kidneys, helping to relieve symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, and tinnitus caused by liver and kidney yin deficiency.

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Can Ligustrum lucidum fruits be steeped directly in water for consumption?

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.

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What are the benefits of drinking water infused with Ligustrum lucidum fruit (Nvzhenzi) and Cuscuta chinensis seeds (Tusizi)?

Under normal circumstances, soaking Ligustrum fruit (Nuzhenzi) and Cuscuta seed (Tusizi) in water for consumption may help improve sleep, delay aging, enhance immunity, nourish the liver and kidneys, and benefit the eyesight. Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician. Both Ligustrum fruit and Cuscuta seed have a certain calming effect, which can help improve sleep quality and effectively alleviate symptoms such as insomnia and vivid dreams caused by deficiency of the liver and kidneys.