Cistanche Herb / Broomrape (Cistanche deserticola; Rou Cong Rong) Cut & Sifted: 500 gm (1.17 lb): V

According to one Chinese researcher, Cistanche deserticola is one of the commonly used drugs in Chinese traditional medicine. It is used to reinforce the vital function of kidney and to influence fertility, leukorrhea and metrorrhagia in women. Several compounds have been isolated from Cistanche deserticola including cistanosides, beta-sitosterol, tubuloside, daucosterol, succinic acid, triacontanol, acteoside, betaine phenylethanoid glycosides, and polysaccharose. Studies in rodents show that administration of cistanche improves energy levels. Mice given cistanche are able to swim for longer periods. Many of the compounds found in cistanche have antioxidant properties and protect the liver from toxins. Cistanche is not frequently included in ancient formulas. It mainly appears in large tonic formulas that were described during the Ming Dynasty or later. One of the oldest formulas containing cistanche that comes down to us today is a 14-herb combination called Huan Shao Dan (Youth Returning Pill), designed to restore kidney essence and, thereby, help restore youth and prevent further degeneration with aging. In general, cistanche is utilized in formulas for tonifying the kidney and used for disorders associated with aging and decline of kidney essence. Though classified as a yang tonic, it has yin nourishing qualities. These attributes are also associated with cuscuta seed, which is classified with the yang tonics but has yin nourishing qualities and mild action. Cistanche and cuscuta are frequently combined in formulas. This is Plum Flower brand\'s nitrogen-flushed vacuum pack. Plum Flower is one of the most distinguished herb houses in the world. Sulfur Free, Chlorine Free, Aluminum Phosphate Free. Sulfites are used to give herbs the appearance of freshness. As with dried fruit, unsulfured herbs look different than those that are adulterated with preservatives. Herbs that are preservative free are more natural looking and are generally darker. The brightness of the herbs may be appealing, but it indicates the presence of harmful additives. Despite their appearance, unsulfured herbs are more fresh and safer than regular commercially available products. The use of sulfur, chlorine and aluminum phosphate was made unnecessary through the establishment of Plum Flower processing stations in China. Herb harvesters slice and process the herbs fresh, avoiding the need to rehydrate dried herbs later to process. This first step is crucial, as rehydration leads to decomposition and thus the need for preservatives. The herbs are then packed and the packages vacuum-packed, injected with nitrogen, and sealed. The nitrogen process combined with the lack of sulfur treatment inhibits the growth of anaerobic organisms, resulting in safer, higher quality herbs. After opening, store in a cool dry place. The facilities in Lanzhou and Guang Zhou, China, scientifically test each batch of herbs before, during and after the p