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Rou Cong Rong肉苁蓉

Cistanchis Herba, Cistanches caulis · Cistanche · Desert Broomrape

Herbs that Tonify the Yang 补阳药《神农本草经》

Overview

The fleshy stem of a parasitic desert plant, and one of the gentler yang tonics. Sweet, salty and warm, it supplements Kidney yang while enriching essence and blood at the same time, so it warms without the dryness of the harsher yang herbs. Its second action follows from that moistness: it lubricates the intestines, which makes it a standard choice for dry constipation in the elderly, after childbirth, or wherever the bowel is dry from deficiency.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet, salty · Warm

Channels

Kidney · Large Intestine

Typical Dosage

10–15 g in decoction
肉苁蓉Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

2 core actions

  • Tonifies Kidney yang, boosts essence and bloodCold, sore, weak lower back and knees, impotence, infertility, frequent urination at night.
  • Moistens the intestines, frees the stoolDry, difficult stool in the elderly, after childbirth, or with yang and blood deficiency — moistening rather than purging.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Rou Cong Rong

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Kidney-yang deficiency: cold weak lower back and knees, impotence, infertility
    - Frequent night urination
    - Dry constipation in the elderly, postpartum, or from deficiency

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

ConstipationErectile dysfunctionLow libidoNocturia

Contraindications

Cautions

It moves the bowels, so it is unsuitable for loose stools or diarrhea, and its warm richness is wrong for yin deficiency with heat signs or for damp-heat patterns. Reduce the dose if the stool turns loose.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Use with caution in pregnancy — it loosens the stool; take it only if a practitioner directs it.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.