Witnessed by: TCM
Cynomorium (Cynomorium songaricum), of the Cynomoriaceae family. Leafless red-brown parasite on the roots of desert shrubs; native range: arid saline deserts of north-west China and Mongolia. Globally recognized as suo yang (锁阳) in Chinese. The part used is fleshy stem. Club-shaped succulent stem, dark red-brown, sweet with a slightly astringent finish.
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.
CYNOMORIUM
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- cynomorium
- Scientific name
- Cynomorium songaricum Rupr.
- Family
- Cynomoriaceae
Form
- Part used
- fleshy stem
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet
Temperature
- TCM
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Kidney · Large Intestine
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- tonifies Kidney yang, augments essence and blood, moistens the intestines, unblocks the stool
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in yin-deficient heat, damp-heat, and loose stools
- Toxicity
- none of note
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