Cistanche Deserticola, A Natural Remedy For Constipation

1, The association between Cistanche deserticola and constipation
Cistanche deserticola, as a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, has a unique effect in treating constipation. Cistanche deserticola has the effects of tonifying kidney yang, nourishing essence and blood, moistening intestines and promoting bowel movements. Its warm nature and taste have significant effects on constipation caused by deficiency cold, especially kidney yang deficiency.

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Common symptoms of kidney yang deficiency include soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, fear of cold, dizziness and tinnitus. When these symptoms are accompanied by constipation, Cistanche deserticola often has a good therapeutic effect. The commonly used dosage of Cistanche deserticola is 6-10 grams. Its moisturizing and laxative mechanism mainly promotes small intestine peristalsis, inhibits large intestine water absorption, and shortens defecation time. For example, Cistanche deserticola can significantly improve the propulsion speed of the small intestine, shorten the defecation time [specific time can be supplemented with authoritative data], and also have a significant inhibitory effect on the water absorption of the large intestine, thereby promoting the wetting and excretion of feces.
When using Cistanche deserticola to treat constipation in clinical practice, it is necessary to distinguish the types of constipation, that is, the traditional Chinese medicine's syndrome differentiation and treatment. For constipation patients with intestinal dryness and fluid deficiency, if they also have kidney yang deficiency, Cistanche deserticola has the best effect. These constipation patients often have symptoms such as long and clear urine, sore waist, and cold back, in addition to dry stools. In the Jichuan decoction of Ming Dynasty physician Zhang Jingyue, there is Cistanche deserticola, which can be combined with other traditional Chinese medicines to form a formula for treating constipation and achieve better results.
However, it should be noted that if there is loose stool and diarrhea, it is not suitable to take Cistanche deserticola. Due to its laxative effect, Cistanche deserticola is suitable for patients with constipation, but may worsen symptoms for those with loose stools. When using Cistanche deserticola to treat constipation, medication should be selected under the guidance of a doctor based on the different symptoms of one's own condition. Do not use medication without authorization to avoid adverse effects on the body.

effects of cistanche-treat constipation

2, Symptomatic treatment for constipation

(1) Symptoms of Kidney Yang Deficiency Constipation
In addition to common symptoms such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, fear of cold, dizziness and tinnitus, patients with kidney yang deficiency and constipation may also present with fewer bowel movements, dry and hard stools, and difficulty in defecation. Some patients may experience lower abdominal distension and pain, as well as decreased appetite. In addition, male patients may experience symptoms of impotence and premature ejaculation, such as long and clear urine, mental fatigue, and pale complexion.
Cistanche deserticola has a significant effect on constipation caused by kidney yang deficiency. Its main functions are to tonify kidney yang, nourish essence and blood, moisten the intestines and promote bowel movements. Cistanche works by promoting small intestine peristalsis, inhibiting water absorption in the large intestine, and shortening defecation time. For example, studies have shown that Cistanche deserticola can significantly increase the speed of small intestine propulsion, shorten defecation time (specific time to be supplemented), and also have a significant inhibitory effect on water absorption in the large intestine, thereby promoting the wetting and excretion of feces. For patients with kidney yang deficiency and constipation, Cistanche deserticola can be combined with other traditional Chinese medicines to form a prescription, such as the Jichuan decoction by the Ming Dynasty physician Zhang Jingyue, which can achieve better therapeutic effects.

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(2) Not suitable for other types of constipation
The use of Cistanche deserticola for other types of constipation such as heat constipation, qi stagnation constipation, qi deficiency constipation, and blood deficiency constipation may not be symptomatic and may even have opposite effects. Heat induced constipation is usually caused by excessive heat pathogens, manifested as symptoms such as dry stools, dry mouth, bad breath, and yellow and dry tongue coating. Qi stagnation and constipation are often caused by poor qi circulation, and patients often experience symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and belching. Patients with Qi deficiency and constipation often feel weak, shortness of breath, and weak bowel movements. Blood deficiency constipation often presents with symptoms such as pale complexion, dizziness, palpitations, and insomnia.
Cistanche deserticola is warm in nature and has the effect of nourishing the kidneys and promoting yang. It is particularly effective for constipation caused by deficiency cold, especially for constipation caused by kidney yang deficiency. But for thermal constipation, the warm nature of Cistanche deserticola may exacerbate the heat pathogen, making constipation symptoms more severe. For constipation caused by qi stagnation, qi deficiency, and blood deficiency, Cistanche deserticola does not treat these causes, so the effect is not good and may even have a counterproductive effect.
When using Cistanche deserticola to treat constipation, it is important to first identify the type of constipation and apply traditional Chinese medicine based on syndrome differentiation and treatment. If you are unsure of your constipation type, you should choose the appropriate treatment method under the guidance of a doctor. Do not use Cistanche deserticola without authorization to avoid delaying the condition or worsening symptoms.
3, Formula and consumption method of Cistanche deserticola for treating constipation

(1) Formula example
Formulas containing Cistanche deserticola for treating constipation include Jichuan decoction and Cistanche laxative oral liquid. Jichuan decoction is composed of Danggui, Achyranthes, Cistanche, Alisma, and Fructus Aurantii. It has the effects of warming the kidneys, nourishing essence, moistening the intestines, and promoting bowel movements. It is mainly used to treat constipation caused by weak kidney yang and insufficient essence and fluid. Cistanche Tongbian Oral Liquid is composed of Cistanche deserticola, Polygonum multiflorum, Fructus Aurantii (stir fried with bran), and honey. It has the effect of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, and is used for elderly constipation and postpartum constipation.
(2) Multiple ways of consumption
There are various ways to consume Cistanche deserticola. It can be boiled in water and consumed. Take an appropriate amount of Cistanche deserticola and boil it in water. Drinking it daily can help alleviate constipation symptoms. It can also be combined with food ingredients to make Congee, which can not only nourish and nourish the body, but also play a therapeutic role in constipation. It can also be made into dishes, such as cooking with other nourishing ingredients, to improve constipation problems while enjoying delicious food. In addition, Cistanche deserticola can also be made into ointment formulas, which are carefully boiled and easy to consume with significant effects.

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However, not everyone is suitable for consuming Cistanche deserticola. Patients with damp heat constitution, yin deficiency and excessive fire, diarrhea, gastrointestinal heat, qi stagnation and constipation should not consume Cistanche deserticola. For example, people with yin deficiency and excessive fire generally experience symptoms such as restlessness in the five hearts, dry mouth and tongue, or night sweats. Eating Cistanche deserticola can worsen these symptoms and is not conducive to physical recovery. Cistanche deserticola has the effect of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, and is often used to treat constipation caused by yang deficiency. If constipation is caused by qi stagnation or gastrointestinal dampness, Cistanche deserticola should not be taken. If there is diarrhea or enteritis in daily life, it is not suitable to take large doses of Cistanche deserticola, because Cistanche deserticola has the effect of tonifying yang and promoting bowel movements, which may worsen the symptoms of diarrhea. Pregnant women, children, the elderly, and the weak should consume Cistanche deserticola reasonably under the guidance of a doctor.
4, The principle of treating constipation with Cistanche deserticola

(1) Regulating intestinal function
The key reason why Cistanche deserticola can play an important role in treating constipation is its regulation of intestinal function. Cistanche deserticola can effectively enhance intestinal activity and promote the restoration of normal physiological functions in the intestine. When the function of the large intestine is disrupted, it can lead to irregular bowel movements and the inability to properly excrete waste from the body. And Cistanche deserticola can stimulate the vitality of the intestines, allowing them to better regulate the rhythm of bowel movements.
Meanwhile, Cistanche deserticola can also inhibit the excessive absorption of water by the large intestine. Under normal circumstances, the large intestine absorbs some of the water in feces to maintain the body's water balance. But when the large intestine absorbs too much water, feces become dry and hard, making it difficult to excrete. Cistanche deserticola inhibits excessive absorption in the large intestine, maintaining the wetness of feces and alleviating difficulty in defecation. Studies have shown that after consuming Cistanche deserticola, the absorption of water by the large intestine can be reduced by [X]% (specific data can be supplemented here), greatly improving the moisture content of feces and making it easier to excrete from the body.
(2) Dosage and Attention to Population
For constipated patients, a dosage of 6-9 grams of Cistanche deserticola per consumption is appropriate. Although Cistanche deserticola has a certain therapeutic effect on constipation, it is still a traditional Chinese medicine with strong nourishing effects. If consumed in large quantities for a long time, it may worsen constipation, and its medicinal properties are warm. Eating too much at once can also cause internal heat. Therefore, it is not recommended to directly eat Cistanche deserticola. Drinking the water brewed from Cistanche deserticola already has the effect of treating constipation.

effects of cistanche-treat constipation

However, not everyone is suitable for consuming Cistanche deserticola. People with kidney yin deficiency should not consume it. These people are already hot and prone to internal heat, so there is no need to excessively nourish the kidneys. Cistanche deserticola is a warm medicine that can nourish kidney qi. After consumption, it is likely to worsen the symptoms of kidney yin deficiency, such as excessive heart fire, insomnia, and indigestion. People with spleen deficiency and diarrhea should not eat Cistanche deserticola because it has the function of promoting bowel movements and moistening the intestines. Patients with spleen deficiency are prone to diarrhea, and consuming it can worsen malnutrition and diarrhea symptoms. Minors are also not suitable for eating Cistanche deserticola. Although it may promote growth in the early stages, it can slow down development in the later stages and affect normal physical development.
In short, when using Cistanche deserticola to treat constipation, it is necessary to use it reasonably under the guidance of a doctor according to one's own situation to ensure safety and effectiveness.