Rou Cong Rong (Cistanches Herba)

Rou Cong Rong (肉蓯蓉), the stem of Cistanche, gently and moistly tonifies Kidney yang and essence and moistens the Intestines to relieve constipation in the deficient and elderly.

Ròu Cōng Róng  ·  肉蓯蓉

Latin / Pharmaceutical Name

Cistanche deserticola (Herba Cistanches)

Common English Name

Cistanche

Taste

Sweet, salty

Temperature

Warm

Channels Entered

Kidney, Large Intestine

Actions & Functions

  • Tonifies Kidney yang and the essence and blood (gently, without dryness)
  • Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels

Indications

Kidney yang and essence deficiency with impotence, infertility and weak lower back; and constipation from dryness in the elderly or those with qi and blood deficiency.

Dosage

6-15 g in decoction.

Common Combinations

With Huo Ma Ren and Dang Gui for constipation in the deficient elderly.

Cautions & Contraindications

Avoid in yin deficiency with heat and in diarrhoea or loose stools.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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