Nu Zhen Zi - Privet Fruit
TCM Materia Medica
Nu Zhen Zi TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "nu zhen zi" which in english is 
"privet fruit", is categorized within the "herbs that tonify yin" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the kidney and liver channels and exhibits bitter (ku), neutral (ping) and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 4-15g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Liver and/or kidney yin deficiency - dizziness, floaters, weak knees and back, tinnitus, premature graying of hair.
- Clears deficient heat.
- Improves vision in patients with liver and/or kidney deficiency.
A single herb is not often thought of as an empirical way to influence a TCM diagnostic pattern. Nu Zhen Zi, however, is a strong candidate to be considered when needing to influence kidney yin deficiency and/or liver yin deficiency.
Nu Zhen Zi may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: dizziness (vertigo) and/or tinnitus
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, nu zhen zi is generally included in the following 4 formulas:
ViewAn Shen Bu Xin Wan (Calm the Shen and Supplement the Heart Pills)
Insomnia and palpitations Anxiety, possible difficulty with concentration Irritibility and restlessness Tinnitus
ViewQi Xue Da Bu Wan (Nourish Qi & Blood Pills)
Fatigue, lethargy, sensation of feeling heavy or cold. Low appetite, bloating, borborygmus, loose bowels. Impotence, infertility, low libedo. Insomnia, night sweats, vivid dreams, nightmares.
ViewShou Wu Wan (Polygonum Multiflorum Pills)
Coming Soon...
ViewZhuang Yao Jian Shen Wan (Strengthen The Back And Benefit The Kidney Pills)
Weakness in the lower parts of the body from kidney yang and kidney qi deficiency - low back pain, weak back, hips, knees, leg, weak tendons.
As noted above, nu zhen zi is within the herbs that tonify yin functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... yin tonics are generally sweet, cold, enriching and cloying. they are inappropriate for spleen or stomach deficiency, internal dampness or phlegm, abdominal distension, and/or diarrhea. general symptoms by system: lung yin defic…)".
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