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Knowledge baseHerbs

Rou Cong Rong肉苁蓉

Herba CistanchesBroomrape Stem

Also known asFleshy Broomrape Herb · Cistanche · Desert-Living Cistanche

Category
Herbs that tonify Yang
Nature
warm
Taste
sweet, salty
Channels entered
Large Intestine, Kidney
Secondary channels
Ren Mai, Dai Mai
Dosage
6–21 g

Usual doses

Dosage
6–21 g
Tincture
2–4 ml

Actions & indications

Tonifies the Kidneys, strengthens *Yang, benefits Jing and marrow and warms the Womb*
  • Kidney Yang Deficiency with impotence, spermatorrhea, urinary incontinence, post-urinary dripping and Cold pain in the lower back and knees
  • Cold from Deficiency of the Womb with infertility, excessive uterine bleeding or vaginal discharge
Moistens the Intestines and facilitates the passage of stool
Constipation due to dry Intestines from inadequate fluids in elderly or debilitated people or people with Deficient Qi or Blood (with a large dosage, it can be used as a stand-alone herb)

Contraindications

  • Contraindicated for diarrhea from Spleen and Stomach Deficiency.
  • Contraindicated for Yin Deficiency with Heat signs, or for those prone to premature ejaculation with easy arousal.
  • Contraindicated for Excess Heat.

Interactions

By increasing hypothalamic activity of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, this herb may interact with sympathomimetics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants.

Combinations

  • Impotence with Cold and discomfort in the lower back.

  • Impotence, spermatorrhea, and weak lower back and legs from severe Kidney Deficiency.

  • Kidney Deficiency causing lower back pain and weakness, with a sense of weakness in the sinews and bones.

  • Infertility from exhausted Jing and Blood.

  • Constipation from Qi and Blood Deficiency, particularly in the elderly.

  • Constipation from Kidney Qi and Yang Deficiency, with clear, copious urine and a cold sensation in the back.

  • Elevated blood pressure.

  • Constipation from Intestinal Dryness, where Blood Deficiency fails to nourish the Intestines' sinews and impairs peristalsis; constipation in the elderly from insufficient Yin and Blood (use with caution where Yin Deficiency Heat is present).

  • Tonifies Yang without harming Yin; constipation in the elderly.

  • Forgetfulness and hearing loss; impotence, spermatorrhea, and infertility (requires a large dose of Rou Cong Rong).

  • Reduced sexual desire.

  • Joint soreness and weakness.

Notes

  • It tonifies Yang without drying.
  • Its action is gentle and slow.
  • Unlike other tonics, it does not cause stagnation.
  • It is among the herbs most commonly used to treat impotence.
  • The stem, not the tops, is the part used.
  • Rou Cong Rong and Hb. Cynomorii Suo Yang are both sweet, salty, and warm, and both tonify Yang, moisten the Intestines, and relieve constipation. Rou Cong Rong is more effective at augmenting Jing and Blood, making it better for infertility, though it warms the Kidney Yang less. Suo Yang moistens Dryness and nourishes the sinews, and is used for impotence and for atrophy of the sinews and bones.
  • Rou Cong Rong and Testes et Penis Callorhini Hai Gou Shen are both salty and augment the Jing, tonifying Kidney Yang to treat impotence. Rou Cong Rong additionally enters the Large Intestine to treat constipation, while Hai Gou Shen strengthens the lower back and knees, being more warming but less nourishing for Jing and Blood.
  • Wine-prepared Cistanches, Jiu Cong Rong, tonifies Kidney Yang more strongly but moistens the Intestines less.

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