Cistanche Deserticola, The Magical Charm Of Desert Treasures

Origin of Cistanche deserticola

The authentic production areas of Cistanche deserticola are Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Xinjiang, Qinghai, and other places, among which the Cistanche deserticola produced in Inner Mongolia has better quality and is known as the "Desert Ginseng".
Inner Mongolia, especially Alxa League, is a traditional and high-quality production area for Cistanche deserticola. Inner Mongolia Cistanche deserticola is generally slender in shape, with scales on the surface and chrysanthemum patterns on the cut surface. It is soft and resilient in texture. The Cistanche deserticola here has thick meat, high oil content, excellent texture, and high value, and can be called the leader of the Cistanche deserticola family. Its growth environment is unique, belonging to the arid and extremely arid climate zone of the northern temperate zone. It has less rainfall, dry air, strong evaporation, sufficient sunshine, strong wind and sand, large temperature difference between day and night, with an altitude of 800-2365 meters. The soil is sandy, brown calcareous, or gray desert soil, which is very suitable for the growth of Cistanche deserticola. Inner Mongolia Cistanche has extremely high medicinal value and is one of the most frequently used tonics in kidney tonifying and yang-strengthening prescriptions throughout history. It is highly favored in both domestic and international markets.

Benefits of cistanche tubulosa

Gansu is also one of the main production areas of Cistanche deserticola. The quality of wild Cistanche deserticola produced in the Gansu region is far inferior to that in Inner Mongolia, but compared to Cistanche deserticola produced in the Xinjiang region, its quality is relatively better. Gansu Cistanche deserticola is relatively cheap, currently priced at around 100 yuan per kilogram. For netizens who want to try it out, they can purchase it in small quantities. 
Xinjiang also produces Cistanche deserticola, mainly Cistanche tubulosa. Compared to Inner Mongolia, the quality of Cistanche deserticola produced in Xinjiang is much worse, and even wild Xinjiang Cistanche deserticola is inferior to that produced in Inner Mongolia. Moreover, in recent years, most of the Cistanche deserticola produced in the Xinjiang region has been artificially cultivated. Xinjiang Cistanche is generally short and thick, with a smooth appearance and a hard texture. The cut surface is dotted, and the price is usually less than 100 yuan per kilogram. 

Harvest of Cistanche deserticola

Qinghai is also one of the production areas of Cistanche deserticola, but there is currently relatively little information on the specific characteristics of Cistanche deserticola produced in Qinghai. However, overall, in terms of the quality of Cistanche deserticola, it is generally believed that Inner Mongolia has better quality, followed by Gansu, and Xinjiang is relatively poor. Qinghai's Cistanche deserticola also has its characteristics and value waiting to be further explored.
In summary, when choosing Cistanche deserticola, if pursuing higher quality Cistanche deserticola, priority should be given to those produced in Inner Mongolia, especially those from Alxa League. Consumers with limited budgets or who want to try, can consider choosing Cistanche deserticola from the Gansu region based on their own situation, but it is not recommended to choose Cistanche deserticola produced in the Xinjiang region.
The planting method of Cistanche deserticola
(1) Choose a place
One should choose desert hilly areas with abundant sunshine, low rainfall, good drainage, and large temperature differences between day and night. It is better to have neutral or slightly alkaline soil with a salt content of 2-3 grams per kilogram. Cistanche deserticola is not suitable for growing on gray-brown desert soil, brown desert soil, sticky, compacted, dry, and hard soil. Sand or semi-flowing sand desert areas with thick surface sand and good soil irrigation conditions are ideal planting sites.

Cistanche deserticola flower

(2) Host selection
Suitable hosts include Haloxylon ammodendron, Salix chinensis, and Eucommia ulmoides. The distribution of wild host plants should be even, and if it is uneven, adjustments can be made manually. Artificial Haloxylon ammodendron forests can be created through processes such as seed collection, seedling cultivation, and afforestation based on the cultivation techniques of Haloxylon ammodendron. Choosing artificial Haloxylon ammodendron forests with a height of 1.5 meters or more and a vigorous growth of 2-3 years as hosts, with a density of 90-110 plants per acre, is the key to successful cultivation. Natural hosts or artificially planted hosts can be used to inoculate Cistanche deserticola.
(3) Vaccination method
When planting Cistanche deserticola in conjunction with afforestation, place the seed paper horizontally at one end of the afforestation pit, with the absorbent paper facing upwards, then backfill with an appropriate amount of soil, plant the host on the other end of the afforestation pit, and compact the backfill with soil.
Inoculate on the original host in the root-dense area outside the wild host, dig a 40cm long, 30cm wide, and 40-80cm deep pit, place seed paper, raise the suction surface upwards, and backfill soil to about 10cm along the edge of the pit to facilitate the storage of snow or rainwater.

Host of Cistanche deserticola - Red Willow

Artificially cultivated Haloxylon ammodendron and Salix matsudana plants inoculated with artificial hosts have a plant spacing of 1.5m, a row spacing of 3m, and a density of 140 plants/667 square meters or more. Ditches can be made on both sides of the plant as seedbeds, and after inoculation, the seedbeds can be kept moist to induce the host to extend onto the seedbeds. Cistanche deserticola is usually inoculated in spring and autumn and begins to grow after inoculation. A few are unearthed in the second year, while most are unearthed and bloom within 2-4 years.

Market price of Cistanche deserticola
Due to differences in origin, specifications, and local consumption levels, prices range from 100-400 yuan per kilogram.
At present, there is a significant price difference for Cistanche deserticola in the market. Generally speaking, the price of Cistanche deserticola is influenced by various factors. Firstly, the place of origin is an important factor. The price of Cistanche deserticola produced in Inner Mongolia is usually higher, while the tube flower Cistanche deserticola produced in Xinjiang is relatively cheaper. For example, the Cistanche deserticola in Alxa League, Inner Mongolia, is priced at thousands of yuan per kilogram due to its good efficacy and rarity; However, the Turpan Guanhua Cistanche small commodity pharmaceutical factory in Xinjiang uses feed materials, with a purchase price of around 35-40 yuan from the place of origin. Dried Guanhua Cistanche large, medium, and small commodities are priced at around 45 yuan, while Soft Dayun (small commodity) is priced at 45 yuan per kilogram, and 100g -200g of Soft Cistanche is priced at 65 yuan.
Secondly, the year of Cistanche deserticola also directly affects its price. The longer the year, the higher the price. The price of wild Cistanche deserticola is much higher than that of artificial Cistanche deserticola. According to the survey, there are only 7 Cistanche deserticola plants per thousand parasitic plants of Haloxylon ammodendron, indicating the scarcity of wild Cistanche deserticola.
Furthermore, the mining season can also affect prices. The price of Cistanche deserticola harvested in autumn and winter is higher than that harvested in spring.
The consumption level in different regions can also lead to differences in the price of Cistanche deserticola. If the local consumption level is relatively low and you purchase ordinary quality Cistanche deserticola, it usually costs 100-150 yuan per kilogram; If the local consumption level is relatively high and high-quality Cistanche deserticola is purchased, the price may increase to 160-230 yuan per kilogram. The price of Cistanche deserticola in pharmacies is generally between 150 and 500 yuan per kilogram, and the specific price varies by region.
In addition, the daily average price of general soft hard Cistanche deserticola was 47.67 yuan per kilogram, which is relatively stable. The price of Cistanche deserticola in Boye County, Baoding City, Hebei Province is 32.62 yuan/jin, with a stable price; The price of Cistanche deserticola in Anguo City, Baoding City, Hebei Province is 48.66 yuan/jin, with a stable price; The price of Cistanche deserticola in Alxa Left Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia is 70.64 yuan/jin, and the price is stable.
In stock Chinese medicinal herbs, large quantities of 500g bulk cargo of various specifications of Cistanche deserticola, with high prices. The starting batch price for 2 pounds is 27 yuan/pound, the price for 50-99 pounds is 26.5 yuan/pound, and the price for 100 pounds and above is 26 yuan/pound.
In short, the price of Cistanche deserticola varies due to various factors. When purchasing, consumers should choose the appropriate Cistanche deserticola based on their own needs and economic strength. At the same time, it is necessary to purchase through formal channels to ensure the quality and safety of the product.

The efficacy and function of Cistanche deserticola

(1) Tonifying the kidney and promoting yang

cistanche deserticola ma-improve kidney function

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Cistanche deserticola has shown excellent performance in nourishing the kidneys and promoting yang. Deficiency of kidney yang often leads to symptoms such as impotence, premature ejaculation, chills in limbs, and soreness and weakness in the waist and knees in men, and Cistanche deserticola can effectively improve these problems. According to research, Cistanche deserticola contains various active ingredients that can regulate hormone levels in the body and enhance kidney function. For women, kidney yang deficiency may cause menstrual disorders, uterine coldness, and other problems, and Cistanche deserticola also has a certain therapeutic effect. For example, when combined with other traditional Chinese medicines that nourish kidney yang, such as Morinda officinalis and Eucommia ulmoides, it can better exert the effect of nourishing the kidney and promoting yang.
(2) Strong Yin and Beneficial Essence
As a traditional Chinese medicine that nourishes essence and blood, Cistanche deserticola has the effect of strengthening yin and nourishing essence. It can improve the quality of male sperm, and increase the vitality and quantity of sperm. At the same time, Cistanche deserticola can promote smooth circulation of qi and blood, nourishing the body. For people with a weak constitution and insufficient qi and blood, Cistanche deserticola is a good tonic. In clinical applications, it is often used in combination with Rehmannia glutinosa and Goji berries to enhance their nourishing effects.
(3) Moisturize the intestines and promote bowel movements
Cistanche deserticola is rich in dietary fiber, which plays an important role in moisturizing the intestines and promoting bowel movements. It can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, and reduce the absorption of food and water by the intestines, thereby softening stool and accelerating stool excretion. Especially suitable for elderly people, those with physical weakness and constipation, and those with postpartum constipation. According to statistics, the effective rate of using Cistanche deserticola to treat constipation in patients can reach over 80%. You can use Cistanche deserticola in combination with honey, black sesame seeds, etc. to enhance the effect of moisturizing the intestines and promoting bowel movements.
(4) Other functions
Improving immune function: Cistanche deserticola can stimulate pituitary-adrenal cortex hormones, thereby enhancing the body's immune function. It contains various nutrients such as polysaccharides, amino acids, etc., which can enhance the body's resistance and prevent the occurrence of diseases. Research has shown that people who take Cistanche deserticola for a long time have significantly increased immune cell activity.
Cold resistance, hypoxia resistance, and fatigue resistance: Cistanche deserticola has the effects of cold resistance, hypoxia resistance, and fatigue resistance. In cold environments, it can help the human body maintain body temperature and enhance cold resistance. Under hypoxic conditions, Cistanche deserticola can improve the efficiency of oxygen utilization in the human body and alleviate the damage of hypoxia to the body. Meanwhile, Cistanche deserticola can also alleviate physical fatigue, and improve endurance and anti-fatigue ability of the body.
Regulating endocrine system: Cistanche deserticola can regulate the endocrine system and maintain hormonal balance in the body. It has a certain therapeutic effect on various diseases caused by endocrine disorders, such as menstrual disorders, acne, etc. In addition, Cistanche deserticola can improve sleep quality and alleviate emotional problems such as anxiety and depression.
The consumption method of Cistanche deserticola

(1) Take decoction orally
Cistanche deserticola can be made into pills or powders with other medicines, exerting its effects of tonifying kidney yang, nourishing essence and blood, moistening intestines, and promoting bowel movements. For example, it can be used to make pills in combination with prepared rehmannia, Cornus officinalis, Chinese yam, etc., which can be used to treat waist and knee tenderness, dizziness, tinnitus, and other symptoms caused by kidney deficiency. In addition, Cistanche deserticola can also be soaked in alcohol for consumption. Generally speaking, take 50g of Cistanche deserticola, 100g of Epimedium, and 2kg of good Baijiu. Wash the first two medicines thoroughly and immerse them in wine, seal tightly, and drink them after 10 days, 3 times a day, 1 small cup each time. This wine-making formula has the effect of tonifying the kidney and strengthening the yang and can be used to treat erectile dysfunction caused by kidney yang deficiency, uterine cold infertility, waist and knee pain, and deficiency cold accompanied by lower body syndrome.
(2) Soak in water to drink
Soaking Cistanche deserticola in water is a relatively simple method of consumption. Cut the Cistanche deserticola into thin slices, place them in a cup, add an appropriate amount of boiling water, and soak for a few minutes before drinking. A single dose of Cistanche deserticola can be soaked 3 to 5 times in a row. Soaking Cistanche deserticola in water has the effects of tonifying the kidneys, promoting yang, moistening the intestines, promoting bowel movements, and nourishing essence and blood. According to research, after soaking Cistanche deserticola in water, its active ingredients such as phenylethanoid glycosides and sugars will gradually precipitate and be absorbed by the human body. It should be noted that although Cistanche deserticola is a yang tonifying medicine, it is sweet and moist but not dry. It is not suitable for people with yin deficiency and excessive fire, as well as those with diarrhea and constipation due to gastrointestinal heat.
(3) Make tea and drink it
Cistanche deserticola can be brewed with other herbs to make tea for consumption. For example, cooking it together with Huangqi, Danggui, etc. can have a better health effect. Huangqi has the effects of tonifying qi, promoting yang, stabilizing the surface, and stopping sweating, while Danggui has the effects of nourishing blood, activating blood circulation, regulating menstruation, and relieving pain. The combination of Cistanche deserticola and these two herbs can not only tonify kidney yang and nourish essence and blood but also nourish qi and blood. It is suitable for people with insufficient qi and blood and kidney yang deficiency. When boiling, put an appropriate amount of Cistanche deserticola, Astragalus membranaceus, and Angelica sinensis into a teacup, add an appropriate amount of boiling water, and wait for it to cool before drinking.
(4) Stew soup and cook rice
Cistanche can be stewed or cooked with other ingredients to achieve the purpose of nourishing the body. When stewing chicken, duck, meat, pork ribs, soup, etc., 10 grams of sliced Cistanche deserticola/2000ml soup can be added 30 minutes before the ceasefire, and consumed 50ml/day. Or shred lean pork and cook Congee with yam, jujube, and millet. Add dried pieces of cistanche to Congee 25 minutes before it is cooked until Congee is cooked. The soup or Congee cooked in this way is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients, which can provide rich nutrients for the human body and strengthen the body. For example, when making Cistanche lamb soup, cut 15 grams of Cistanche into small pieces in a sand pot, fry until the Cistanche is cooked to perfection, then take the juice. Cut 150 grams of lamb into small pieces and put them in a sand pot. Add the juice and an appropriate amount of water to bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat until the lamb is cooked to perfection. Add an appropriate amount of scallions, ginger, salt, and water starch to thicken the sauce. This product is suitable for elderly people who are weak or have been ill for a long time, and healthy people can also take it regularly.