Common Name: |
Glossy Privet |
Other Names: |
Chinese Privet |
Botanical Name: |
Ligustrum lucidum |
Genus: |
Ligustrum |
Family: |
Oleaceae |
Location: |
China, Japan, Korea. |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained soil in sun or shade. Variegated cultivars are best in sun. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in winter (species only); by semi-ripe cutting in summer, by hardwood cuttings in winter. Leaf spot may damage leaves. |
Harvest: |
Fruits are collected when ripe, and dried, then usually mixed with honey and steamed before further drying for use in decoctions, powders, and pills. |
Warning: |
Harmful if eaten |
Height: |
10m (3ft) |
Width: |
10m (3ft) |
Variations: |
Excelsum Superbum Has yellow-edged, bright green leaves with pale green markings. |
Tricolor Has narrow leaves, variegated gray-green, with white margins, pink-flushed when young. |
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Hardiness: |
Z7-10 |
Parts Used: |
Berries |
Properties: |
A bitter, slightly sweet herb that acts as a tonic for the kidneys and liver. It has diuretic, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and possibly anti-viral effects. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for complaints associated with weak kidney and liver energy, such as menopausal problems, (especially premature menopause), blurred vision, cataracts, tinnitus, graying of hair, rheumatic pains, palpitations, backache, and insomnia. |
Bibliography: |
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp 261-262
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