What are the functions and effects of Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong)?

Dec 03, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Generally, Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong) has functions of nourishing the kidney, enhancing yang, moistening the intestines to relieve constipation, regulating endocrine, boosting immunity, and improving sexual dysfunction. It has high nutritional value and is rich in dietary fiber, alkaloids, amino acids, polysaccharides, and other nutrients, which are beneficial for maintaining health and physiological functions. However, due to its medicinal properties, Cistanche should be taken under medical supervision.

Generally speaking, Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong) is a plant that parasitizes on the roots of Haloxylon ammodendron, a desert plant, and is a common traditional Chinese medicinal herb. The main functions and benefits of Cistanche include nourishing the kidneys and strengthening yang, moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, regulating endocrine function, enhancing immunity, and improving sexual dysfunction. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Tonify the Kidneys and Strengthen Yang

Cistanche helps nourish the kidneys and strengthen yang energy, enhancing kidney function and alleviating symptoms caused by kidney-yang deficiency, such as weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, cold intolerance, and cold limbs.

2. Moistens the Intestines and Promotes Bowel Movements

Cistanche is rich in dietary fiber. Consuming an appropriate amount can stimulate gastrointestinal motility, support intestinal health, and relieve discomfort caused by indigestion, such as constipation and abdominal distension.

3. Regulate Endocrine Function

Alkaloids, amino acids, and other nutrients in Cistanche can stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the body, promoting the secretion of sex hormones and improving symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances, such as enlarged pores and dull skin.

4. Enhance Immunity

Cistanche is nutritionally rich, containing polysaccharides, amino acids, and more. When ingested, it can help boost the body's immune system and improve resistance to bacterial and viral infections.

5. Improve Sexual Dysfunction

Active substances in Cistanche can promote blood circulation, improve penile blood flow, assist in enhancing sexual quality, and alleviate symptoms of sexual dysfunction such as premature ejaculation and erectile difficulties.

Cistanche has medicinal value and should be taken under the guidance of a physician, especially for individuals with special conditions. Additionally, attention should be paid to the dosage to avoid excessive consumption that may lead to discomfort.

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Can Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong) be steeped in water for consumption?

Under normal circumstances, Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong) can be steeped in water for consumption. As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Cistanche has various effects including warming and tonifying kidney yang, moistening the intestines, and relieving constipation. For individuals experiencing symptoms such as kidney yang deficiency and dry intestinal constipation, moderate consumption of Cistanche steeped in water may help in regulation. Meanwhile, Cistanche also helps improve immunity and promote blood circulation; moderate consumption is beneficial to health.

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Can Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong) be steeped in water for long-term consumption?

Under normal circumstances, Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong) is not recommended for long-term consumption as a herbal tea. Prolonged and excessive intake may affect the normal peristaltic function of the intestines, leading to dependency and weakening of the body's natural bowel movement capability. In addition, it may cause dysfunction of the spleen and stomach, resulting in symptoms such as indigestion, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain. Furthermore, individuals have different body constitutions and varying tolerances to herbal medications.

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What are the benefits of drinking water infused with Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong)?

Under normal circumstances, the efficacy of soaking Herba Cistanche (Cao Congrong) in water and drinking it includes lubricating the intestines and relieving constipation, improving sleep quality, enhancing physical health, nourishing the kidneys and strengthening yang, and anti-aging. Herba Cistanche has the function of nourishing yin and moistening dryness. Drinking an appropriate amount of its infusion can lubricate the intestines, accelerate bowel movements, and alleviate symptoms of constipation. It is suitable for treating constipation caused by deficiency of kidney yang and insufficiency of essence and blood in elderly patients, characterized by dryness of body fluids and intestinal dryness.

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What combinations of herbs can be used with Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong) to replenish both Yin and Yang?

Under normal circumstances, Cistanche can be combined with Lycium barbarum (goji berries), ginseng, Chinese yam, Cornus officinalis, and Polygonatum sibiricum to achieve simultaneous nourishment of both Yin and Yang. Goji berries have functions of nourishing the liver and kidneys, improving vision, and moistening the lungs. When used together with Cistanche, they can enhance the effect of nourishing the liver and kidneys, while balancing the warm and hot nature of Cistanche, thereby achieving the goal of harmonizing Yin and Yang. If combination use of Cistanche is required, it should be used properly under the guidance of a physician.