Witnessed by: TCM
Cistanche (Cistanche deserticola), of the Orobanchaceae family. Root-parasitic succulent herb of arid dunes; native range: desert sands of Inner Mongolia and northwestern China. Globally recognized as rou cong rong (肉蓯蓉) in Chinese, and desert broomrape, desert-ginseng in English. The part used is fleshy stem. Heavy scaly fleshy stem, oily and softly sweet with a light salty note.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
CISTANCHE
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- cistanche
- Scientific name
- Cistanche deserticola Y.C.Ma
- Family
- Orobanchaceae
Form
- Part used
- fleshy stem
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet · salty
Temperature
- TCM
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Kidney · Large Intestine
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- tonifies Kidney yang, benefits the essence and blood, moistens the intestines and unblocks the stool
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in yin deficiency with heat, in loose stool or diarrhea, and in damp-heat constipation
- Toxicity
- no significant toxicity at usual doses
- Sourcing status
- cites-ii
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