Cistanche

Cistanche is a traditional Chineese herb with adaptogenic properties that have been used for centuries for supporting immune function and brain health, as well as helping healthy aging.

Cistanche stem (and sometimes the root) is used to strengthen the Yang energy and is famous in Asia as a sexual tonic that has long been used by Chinese royalty. It is not hormonal. It has been used since ancient times by Qi Gong practitioners. Cistanche builds deep strength and is quite vitalizing when used continuously for a period of time. It also promotes healthy colon function.

More about Cistanche?

Cistanche Tubulosa (a.k.a. Cistanche deserticola) is an unusual parasitic flower that grows in the Taklimakan Desert Region of Chinga. It can’t produce chlorophyll like most plants; instead it extracts water and nutrients from host plants for energy

Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have historically prized Cistanche Tubulosa for

• Increasing longevity
• Improving stamina
• Boosting sexual vigor

The plant has also been known as a remedy for renal disease since 100 BC.

In the yellow flowers of Cistanche, one can see a contrast with the dry landscape. These ancient healers and herbalists likely found them unusual in appearance and sought them out for their medicinal properties, considering they were used like ginseng when it could not be obtained elsewhere.

Cistanche tubulosa is considered endangered because the conditions to grow it are difficult to create.

Why Cistanche Tubulosa?

Cistanche Tubulosa (肉苁蓉 Rou Cong Rong) is a fantastic herb for whole body health. The herb has been the subject of numerous research studies since the 1980s. The herb has been found to support improvement in even more conditions than the ones initially discovered. It has been shown to:

• Enhance immunity
• Provide antioxidants
• Protect against neurodegenerative disorders
• Remedy digestive issues
• Ulcers
• Gastritis
• Treat neurological problems
• Lower blood pressure
• Treat diabetes
• Enhance sexual function

It has often been called “desert ginseng“ because it energizes the body like ginseng.

This herb has been widely researched as a treatment option for Alzheimeimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. It also shows promise in the reduction of cancer cells.

Researchers have found over 100 phytochemical compounds in the plant, including phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs), lignans, alditols and iridoids.

In traditional Chinese medicine, cistanche is used to replenish blood and strengthen kidney yang. It is most commonly used to treat impotence and premature ejaculation (as part of a formula containing rehmannia root, dadder seed and schisandra); pain in the lower back and knees (as part of a formula containing morinda root and eucommia bark); and constipation (as part of a formula containing hemp seed). Some studies suggest cistanche can treat some cases of infertility and lower blood pressure.

Taste

Cistanches has a taste of sweet, warm and salty

Dosage

Standard dosage is around 1000mg (1g), up to 2x daily.

Side effects

Cistanche extracts have been reported to have sedative activity in laboratory animals, so caution should be used when taking cistanche and operating automobile or heavy machinery.

Discontinue if allergy occurs.

Cistanche has been reported safe in recommended doses.