Cistanche
Cistanche deserticola · 肉苁蓉
Herbs & Roots. Chinese Medicine.
Also called Rou cong rong, Desert ginseng, Cistanche stem
Pinyin: Ròu Cōng Róng
Few human trialsThe fleshy stem of a desert parasitic plant. Chinese medicine uses it to warm the kidneys and soften dry stools.
Did you know? Cistanche is a parasite. It grows on the roots of desert shrubs and draws water and nutrients from its host.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Constipation. Traditional use for dry, hard stools. Some lab and animal studies. Few human trials.Traditional proof
- Sexual health. Traditional sexual tonic. Lab and animal studies only.Traditional proof
- Energy & tiredness. Traditional use for weakness. Mostly lab work.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Gut & intestines, Hormones & reproduction, Energy & metabolism
Traditional use
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses rou cong rong to tonify Kidney yang and essence, moisten the intestines for constipation and strengthen the lower back. It is a common ingredient in tonic blends for men and older adults.
How it is classified
How people take it
Traditional decoctions often use 6 to 15 g of dried stem. Capsules and powders are common. No good human dose data exist.
Decoction, powder, capsule and tea.
Where to get it
Grows as a parasite in desert areas of northwest China and Mongolia. Sold as dried stem slices, powder, capsules and tea.
Be careful
Usually mild. Its laxative effect can cause loose stools, belly pain or upset stomach. Use with care if you already have diarrhea.
Avoid if: pregnancy; loose stools.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Rou cong rong and ba ji tian are both used for kidney yang and lower back strength in tradition.
- Works well together
Rou cong rong and tu si zi are both used in Chinese tonic blends for kidney yang and essence.
- Works well together
Rou cong rong and du zhong are both used for the lower back and kidneys in tradition.
The honest take
Cistanche is a traditional kidney tonic supported mostly by lab and animal work. Its laxative effect is real, but its sexual and energy claims are unproven in people. It is generally well tolerated, though human trials are few.