Cistanche Herb / Broomrape (Cistanche deserticola; Rou Cong Rong) Powder: 1 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.