Ligustrum tree is an evergreen large shrub or small tree, which grows up to 10 meters. Berry-like drupe grown on this tree is oblong, 6 to 12mm long and green when young and blue-black when ripe. Seeds are from 1 to 2 and oblong. It comes from a genus of about forty different species and is commonly known as glossy privet. This herb is found across the globe, especially in its different forms. This herb can be taken like a powder, a tincture, tablet or even encapsulated powder.


The crushed flowers can also be brewed like a tea. A typical dose is 5 milligrams of berries every day. You can also get a host of readymade health products which have lingustrum. Today this herb is also a very popular ornamental plant in the United States of America. The herb in its different forms can help many types of various ailments which result from chronic infection and inflammation.

Glossy Privet Herb

Glossy Privet Herb

The leaves have astringent properties and can help cleanse wounds as they have detergent actions too. As well as assist in wound healing, if they are bruised. Glossy privet is used for promoting growth and darkening of hair, reducing facial dark spots, rapid heartbeat (palpitations), achy joints (rheumatism), swelling, tumours, dizziness (vertigo), common cold, congestion, constipation, deafness and fever. Also known to nourish and tone the blood, liver and kidneys, benefit the skin, and act on conditions such as dizziness, spots in front of the eyes, lower back pain and tinnitus.


In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ligustrum is often combined with astragalus root to combat long term weakness, chronic illness or deficiency, and many degenerative ailments such as general immune weakness. Privet is a slightly sweet bitter herb that acts as a tonic for the kidneys and the liver. It is also an anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, anti-viral and a diuretic.