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Herbal Glossary | Medicinal Glossary | Herbal Preparations | Ayervedic Formulas | Chinese Formulas PrivetContents:Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Scientific Names
Common Names
Parts Usually UsedLeaves, bark
Description of Plant(s) and CulturePrivet is a deciduous shrub; grows to 15 feet in the natural state, the stems bear dark green, opposite, oblong-ovate to lanceolate leaves 1 or 2 inches long and about 1/2 as wide. The small, white, funnelform flowers grow in dense, pyramidal panicles during June and July. The fruit is a shiny black berry.
Where FoundGrows wild in southern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia and is commonly cultivated as a hedge plant in parks and gardens in North America.
Medicinal PropertiesAstringent, bitter
Biochemical InformationOleanolic, palmitic, linoleic and ursolic acids, mannitol and glucose, starch, bitter resin, bitter extractive, albumen, salts, and a peculiar substance called ligustrin
Legends, Myths and StoriesThe genus Ligustrum, of the olive family (Oleaceae) comprises approximately 50 species.
UsesA decoction of leaves or bark is helpful for diarrhea, chronic bowel problems, and as a vaginal douche, mouthwash or gargle, a wash for skin problems, and its bitter properties make the tea useful for improving appetite and digestion.
Formulas or DosagesDecoction: boil 1 tsp. leaves or bark in 1 cup water. Take 1 to 2 cups a day. WarningThe berries are poisonous; children have died from eating them.
Bibliography
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Prim
American Folk Medicine
, by Clarence Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, 1973
, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.Copyright © 1996-2010 Lynn DeVries, all rights reserved.