Herba Cistanches
Source
The fleshy stem of Cistanche deserticoja Y.C. Ma, family Orobanchaceae.
Characteristics
Stem
flat-terete, slightly curved, 3-15 cm, long, 2-8 cm in diameter. Surface
brown, with remnants of small lamellate scale leaves in imbricate arrangement
Prepared by cross-cutting, section showing undulate and annular vascular
bundles. hard but somewhat soft in texture. Sweet and salty in taste,
warm in nature, and attributive to kidney and large intestine channels.
Indication
1. Invigorate the kidney and supplement essence: For deficiency of kidney-yang
and insufficiency of essence and blood manifested as impotence, emission,
praecox ejaculation, sterility, flaccidity of extremities and cold pain
of the waist and knees.
2. Moisturize the intestine and relax bowels: For constipation due to
dryness of the intestine in the aged, and the diseased, and the puerperant
with deficiency of blood and consumption of body fluid.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Hypotensive.
2. Promoting saliva secretion.
Administration Decoction: 9-18g.