Cistanche (Roucongrong)
| Pharmaceutical Name: | Herba Cistanches |
| Botanical Name: | Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma |
| Common Name: | Cistanche |
| Source of Earliest Record: | Shennong Bencao Jing |
| art Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: | The fleshy stems are gathered in spring, dried in the sun and cut into slices. |
| Properties and Taste: | Sweet, salty and warm |
| Meridian: | Kidney and large intestine |
| Functions: | To tonify the kidneys and strengthen yang To moisten the intestines and move feces |
| Indications and Combinations: | 1. Deficiency of the kidneys manifested as impotence. *Use with Prepared rehmannia root (Shudihuang), Dadder seed (Tusizi) and Schisandra fruit (Wuweizi) in the formula Roucongrong Wan. 2. Frigidity and infertility. *Use with Antler glue (Lujiaojiao), Human placenta (Ziheche) and Prepared rehmannia root (Shudihuang). 3. Pain in the lower back and knees and fragile bones and tendons due to kidney deficiency. *Use with Morinda root (Baijitian) and Eucommia bark (Duzhong) in the formula Jingang Wan. 4. Constipation due to dryness in the intestines. *Use with Hemp seed (Huomaren) in the formula Runchang Wan. |
| Dosage: | 10-20 g |
| Cautions: | This herb is contraindicated in cases with deficiency of yin with excessive fire, diarrhea or constipation due to excessive heat in the stomach and intestine. |