Health Benefits and Effects of Drinking Water Infused with Ligustrum Fruit (Nüzhenzi) and Cistanche (Roucongrong)
Disease description:
My kidneys have always been somewhat weak. Recently, a friend suggested soaking Ligustrum lucidum (Nüzhenzi) and Cistanche deserticola (Roucongrong) in hot water to make a herbal infusion for drinking. I find this recommendation somewhat questionable and would like to know: What are the purported benefits of drinking an infusion made from Ligustrum lucidum and Cistanche deserticola?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
Cistanche (Cistanche deserticola) is a sweet and warm herb that enters the Kidney channel. With its moist and nourishing nature, it effectively tonifies Kidney Yang. Its mild medicinal properties allow it to tonify Yang without damaging Yin. Ligustrum (Ligustrum lucidum), by contrast, is a sweet and cool herb that enters both the Liver and Kidney channels, offering benefits such as nourishing the Liver and Kidneys, improving vision, promoting dark, lustrous hair, nourishing Yin, and supporting longevity. Since Cistanche tonifies Yang while Ligustrum nourishes Yin, their combined use achieves balanced tonification of both Yin and Yang: warming Yang without depleting Yin, and nourishing Yin without impairing Yang. Thus, Cistanche and Ligustrum may be safely taken together. Moreover, many traditional Chinese patent medicines and herbal formulas—such as Guben Huinyuan Oral Liquid and Jiwei Shenrong Capsules—commonly include both herbs. Nevertheless, although these two herbs may be used concurrently, their application must be guided by a qualified TCM practitioner based on individual pattern differentiation; self-medication with Cistanche, Ligustrum, or related patent medicines is not recommended. We hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you good health!
