Cistanche

Ingredient Name: Cistanche, Herba cistanche

Traditional Chinese Name: (rucngrng)

What is this?

• This ingredient is considered as part of the Chinese medicine repertoire (although more specifically, it is the Cistanche deserticola)
• It is a desert plant (shrub like which grows from 2-6 feet tall) with an usual behavior in that it extracts nutrients and water from plants around it (in order to grow)
• The plant is harvested in the Spring (before it is able to sprout) by slicing its stem and it is dried and processed for Chinese medicine
• The plant that produces this ingredient is labeled as endangered and harvesting is being monitored
• Cistanche is actually commonly found in many western sold health supplements (ie: search online and youll see bottled, ground or pilled Cistanche for sale)

Howdo Iprepare it?

• Soak in warm water and rinse before using in soups
• You can cut it up into small pieces (slices) for soups as well

Where can I buy this?

• You can purchase this in most wet marts in Hong Kong who sell herbs
• Chinese medicine shops will definitely have this in various forms a well (such as powdered, whole & dried, sliced, or little pieces)

What is the cost?

• It will vary depending on size and condition of the Cistanche
• In general, not overly cheap, but not extremely expensive

Any benefits?

• It has clinically proven to slow aging, improves the memory, and enhance antibody production within the body
• Cistanche helps dissipate wind and cold from the body
• It helps with boosting appetite and the kidneys and large intestines and moistens the body
• It is! also sa id that this ingredient helps elderly who are always cold
• Some say that this ingredient is a mild aphrodisiac

Any precautions?

• Take caution when serving to children (use in moderation as with all Chinese medicine)
• If youve got a naturally warm body, use with caution as sometimes warm ingredients or soups will make you heated
• Good quality Cistanch is dark, large and slightly moist (see enclosed picture)
• Be sure to purchase from a reputable source

Additional Information

• Store in a dry and cool place (up to 6 months)