Botanical Overview
Cistanche deserticola (family Orobanchaceae) is a parasitic herb native to arid regions of northwestern China, including Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and Xinjiang provinces. Commonly known as Desert Cistanche or Rou Cong Rong in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the dried stems are the medicinal part used. It is a valued tonic herb with a long history of use in TCM for its restorative properties.
Common names include Desert Cistanche, Rou Cong Rong, and Sandy Morinda.
Energetics
The herb is considered warming and moistening in nature. Its taste is described as sweet and salty, contributing to its tonifying qualities. Directionally, it exhibits both ascending and descending actions, supporting the kidney and essence. It is primarily tonifying and nourishes qi and essence, particularly kidney essence.
Primary Actions
- Aphrodisiac and sexual tonic
- Immunomodulatory
- Anti-inflammatory
- Neuroprotective
- General tonic supporting kidney yang and essence
Indications
Western
- Fatigue
- Erectile dysfunction
- Chronic constipation
- Kidney deficiency
- Low libido
Syndromes
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Sexual dysfunction related to kidney deficiency
TCM
- Impotence
- Premature ejaculation
- Chronic constipation
- Cold limbs
- Lower back pain
Syndromes
- Kidney Yang deficiency
- Kidney Essence deficiency
Ayurveda
No well-documented traditional uses or syndromes found for this species.
Unani
No documented traditional uses or syndromes found for this species.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The main chemical constituents include phenylethanoid glycosides, iridoids, mannitol, and polysaccharides, which underlie its aphrodisiac, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 9-15 grams daily
- Extract powders: 300-600 mg, 1-3 times daily
- Tincture standardized to phenylethanoid glycosides
Safety & Contraindications
Generally regarded as safe when used appropriately. Caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. May lower blood pressure; individuals on antihypertensive medications should use under supervision.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable traditional data on planetary or elemental rulers for Cistanche deserticola.
Selected References
- Pharmacological effects and therapeutic potential of Cistanche deserticola (Phytotherapy Research, 2017)
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 Edition (Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission, 2020)
- Immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties of Cistanche deserticola (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2018)
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Bensky, Clavey & Stöger, 2004)