Cistanches Herba
Aliases：Rou Song Rong、Hei Si Ling、Zong Rong、Di Jing、Ma Zu、Ma Zhi、Cong Rong、Da Yun、Cun Yun
Roucongrong (Cistanches Herba) is a Chinese medicinal herb that tonifies kidney yang. It is the dried fleshy stem covered with scale‑like leaves of Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma or Cistanche tubulosa (Schrenk) Wight (family Orobanchaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Tonify Kidney Yang, supplement Essence and Blood, moisten the Intestines to unblock the bowels.
Indications
Deficiency of Kidney Yang, insufficiency of Essence and Blood, impotence and infertility, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, weakness of the sinews and bones, constipation due to intestinal dryness.
Modern Pharmacology
This product has sex hormone-like effects, as well as regulating gastrointestinal function, enhancing immunity, and anti-fatigue effects, among others.
Ingredients
Main chemical constituents of Cistanche deserticola / Cistanche tubulosa: Phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs): Core active components. Echinacoside and acteoside are the quality markers in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Also contain cistanoside, tubuloside, salidroside, etc. Iridoids and iridoid glycosides: About 30 compounds, e.g., 8-epiloganic acid, geniposidic acid, etc. Lignans and lignan glycosides: e.g., (+)-syringaresinol-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, (+)-pinoresinol-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. Polysaccharides: Neutral polysaccharide (CLP1) and acidic polysaccharide (CLP2). The monosaccharide composition mainly includes glucose, galactose, mannose, etc. Others: Mannitol, β-sitosterol, succinic acid, allantoin, as well as various amino acids and trace elements.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 10–15 g in decoction; or used in pills or powders; or steeped in wine.
Contraindications
It is not suitable for use in cases of Yin deficiency with blazing fire, loose stools due to Spleen deficiency, or constipation due to heat accumulation.
Selected Formulas
1. For kidney deficiency impotence and consumptive conditions (five overstrain and seven injuries) Indicated for impotence and residual urine after urination due to various consumptive conditions in men. Often combined with Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen), Xuduan (Dipsaci Radix), and Duzhong (Eucommiae Cortex) – as in Roucongrong Wan (Cistanche Pill) from Yixin Fang (Medical Secrets from the Heart). Alternatively, it can be combined with Duzhong, Bajitian (Morindae Officinalis Radix), and Ziheche (Placenta Hominis) to treat kidney deficiency with bone flaccidity and inability to move – as in Jingang Wan (Diamond Pill) from Zhangshi Yitong (Zhang’s Comprehensive Medicine). 2. For constipation due to fluid depletion or kidney deficiency For constipation caused by consumption of body fluids, often combined with Chenxiang (Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum) and Maziren (Cannabis Semen) – as in Runchang Wan (Intestine‑Moistening Pill) from Jisheng Fang (Formulas for Universal Relief). For constipation due to kidney qi deficiency (presenting with large dry stools, profuse clear urine, lower back soreness, and cold back), it is often combined with Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), and Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma) – as in Jichuan Jian (Jichuan Decoction) from Jingyue Quanshu (Jingyue’s Complete Works).
Daily Consumption
Tea: 6–9g dried slices, steep in boiling water for 5–10 min. Avoid iron utensils. Soup/Stew: 6–15g dried, simmer with meat for 1–2 hours. Wine infusion: Soak slices in high‑proof liquor for 10–15 days. Take 10–15ml daily. Contraindicated during pregnancy, hypertension, alcohol allergy. Congee: Cook with rice and lamb. Precautions: Avoid in yin deficiency with blazing fire, constipation due to heat accumulation, or loose stools. Use with caution during pregnancy. Do not exceed recommended dosage. Avoid iron containers.
Medicinal Parts
dried fleshy stem with scale leaves
Selection & Storage
Storage: Store in a dry container. For wine-processed Roucongrong and black bean-processed Roucongrong, keep in airtight containers and store in a cool, dry place. Protect from insects.