Chinese Privet (Ligustrum)

[Michelle KochStudent]

Also known as “Glossy Privet,” I’m seeing some conflicting reports in my research.  A couple of sites say “it’s poisonous, don’t touch it!,” while several other sites list an exhaustive inventory of traditional uses for this shrub/tree in Chinese medicine.  The “yes, it’s medicinal” reports say the berries and leaves are antiviral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, anti-tumor, and can help protect the eyes from the effects of aging, and help clear up ear congestion and sinus infections.  There are a lot of these growing near me.  Does anyone else have any personal experience or first hand knowledge of the properties of Chinese Privet?  Is it worth collecting and trying?  Or do you think it would be too risky?

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Julianne Maldonado

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I’ve never seen or used it and am in the same boat as you. Because of the multiple references to toxicity, I’d need corroboration from an herbalist I respected who’d used it A LOT before I’d choose it over other alternatives.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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