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

Mar 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, and its side effects may include heatiness, gastrointestinal discomfort, menstrual disorders, allergic reactions, and blood pressure fluctuations. Before taking Cistanche, one should first understand their own body constitution. If you have a hot constitution or yin-deficient constitution, use with caution and it is recommended to take under the guidance of a physician. At the same time, strictly control the dosage to avoid excessive intake that may cause discomfort.

Generally speaking, Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, and its side effects may include heatiness, gastrointestinal discomfort, menstrual disorders, allergic reactions, and blood pressure fluctuations. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Heatiness

Cistanche is warm in nature and has the effect of nourishing kidney Yang. If a person inherently has a heaty constitution or consumes excessive amounts of Cistanche, it may lead to an excess of internal Yang Qi, causing symptoms of heatiness. These may manifest as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen and painful gums, congestion, and, in severe cases, difficulty eating.

2. Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort after taking Cistanche. This is because it may interfere with normal digestive function, leading to indigestion, abdominal distension, a feeling of fullness and discomfort in the abdomen, and possibly diarrhea with increased frequency of bowel movements and loose stools, which can affect the body's absorption of nutrients.

3. Menstrual Disorders

For women, Cistanche may affect the balance of hormone levels in the body. Especially during menstruation, excessive consumption of Cistanche may disrupt the normal menstrual cycle, causing early or delayed menstruation, and abnormal changes in menstrual flow, such as increased or decreased bleeding.

4. Allergic Reactions

A small number of people may be allergic to certain components in Cistanche. After consumption, allergic symptoms on the skin may appear, such as itching, uncontrollable scratching, and interference with normal life. Skin rashes, redness, papules may also occur, and severe cases may be accompanied by respiratory allergic symptoms such as rapid breathing and wheezing, and even life-threatening conditions.

5. Blood Pressure Fluctuations

Cistanche may have a certain regulatory effect on blood pressure. However, for individuals with inherently unstable blood pressure, especially those with hypertension, excessive consumption may lead to elevated blood pressure, causing symptoms such as dizziness, headache, palpitations, and increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Before taking Cistanche, one should first understand their own constitution. Those with a heaty or Yin-deficient constitution should use it cautiously and are advised to take it under the guidance of a physician. At the same time, strictly control the dosage to avoid excessive intake that may cause discomfort.

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What are the types of tonic wines for enhancing male vitality?

There are various types of tonic wines for enhancing vitality and sexual function, commonly including deer antler wine, epimedium wine, cistanche wine, ginseng and lycium wine, and morinda root wine. These medicinal wines are prepared by steeping traditional Chinese herbs in alcohol, and they are known for their functions of nourishing the kidneys, enhancing vitality, strengthening the tendons and bones. They can also help alleviate discomforts such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, and general fatigue. However, it is important to consume them in moderation and be aware of related contraindications.

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What is the best drink for men to nourish the kidneys and enhance vitality?

Generally speaking, there is no specific drink that is considered best for enhancing kidney function or male vitality. Men who wish to strengthen their kidneys and enhance vitality may appropriately consume water infused with Lycium barbarum (goji berries), longan, Eucommia tea, Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong) infused water, or Epimedium (Yin Yang Huo) infused water. Additionally, medications such as Wuzi Yanzong Oral Liquid, Qianglong Yishen Granules, Bushen Ans Shen Oral Liquid, Tian'e Bushen Oral Liquid, and Shuangshen Bushen Oral Liquid may be used under the guidance of a physician.