What Are The Miraculous Health Treasures Of Ancient Royal Families?
Mar 06, 2025
The mysterious veil of Cistanche deserticola
In the vast and boundless depths of the desert, there is a plant that grows tenaciously, and it is Cistanche deserticola. As a parasitic plant that parasitizes the roots of the desert plant Salix, Cistanche deserticola does not have high requirements for soil and water but prefers the Gobi desert environment with extreme drought, strong sunshine, annual precipitation less than 250mm, drastic changes in temperature and heat, strong winds and sand, poor soil development, medium-fine sand, thin soil layer, and coarse texture, neutral or slightly alkaline, high salt content and lack of organic matter. In such a harsh environment, Cistanche deserticola strives to absorb the nutrients of life, and its existence is like a miracle in the desert, earning it the reputation of "desert ginseng".

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From the appearance, Cistanche deserticola plants are 40-160cm tall, with fleshy stems that are single or consist of 2 or 3 branches from the base. The lower part is 5-15cm wide, and the upper part gradually becomes thinner, with a width of 2-5cm. Leaves are numerous, scaly, arranged in a spiral pattern, pale yellow-white, without petioles; The lower leaves are arranged tightly, with a wide or triangular ovate shape, measuring 0.5-1cm in length and 1-2cm in width. The upper leaves are sparse, linear-lanceolate, measuring 1-4cm in length and 0.5-1cm in width. In May and June, the spike-like inflorescence blooms with one bract, linear-lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, measuring 2-4 cm in length and 0.5-0.8 cm in width, covered with sparse or nearly hairless hairs; 2 bracteoles, ovate-lanceolate, equal or slightly longer than sepals, sparsely hairy or hairless; Calyx bell-shaped, 1-1.5cm long, 5-lobed, lobes nearly ballpoint pen shaped; Corolla cylindrical bell-shaped, 3-4cm long, with 5 lobes, unfolded, nearly semi-circular; The flower is yellow-white, light purple, and turns brown after drying. There are two vertical bright yellow protrusions inside the tube.
Cistanche deserticola is not only a unique plant, but also an extremely precious traditional Chinese medicine, occupying a pivotal position in ancient health preservation culture. It was first recorded in the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and is listed as a "top-grade" medicine. In the long river of history, Cistanche deserticola carries countless stories and legends, witnessing the changes of time and providing unique assistance for the health and wellness of ancient royal families.
Cistanche deserticola in historical records
The medicinal history of Cistanche deserticola is long and rich. As early as the "Shennong Bencao Jing", it was recorded as a top-grade herb, known as "sweet in taste, slightly warm. It is known for its five functions and seven injuries, tonifying the middle, removing cold and hot pain in the stem, nourishing the five organs, strengthening yin, nourishing essence and qi, having many children, and treating women's ailments. Long-term consumption can lighten the body." In just a few words, it accurately summarizes the main effects of Cistanche deserticola, fully demonstrating its important position in the field of ancient medicine.

Cistanche deserticola
In the Compendium of Materia Medica, Li Shizhen also gave high praise to Cistanche deserticola. He wrote, "Cistanche deserticola has a sweet taste, a slight warmth, and is non-toxic. This substance is nourishing but not steep, so it is called calm and gentle. It has a calm and gentle appearance." He further elaborated on its therapeutic effects, "Five works and seven injuries, tonifying the middle, removing cold and hot pain in the stem, nourishing the five organs, strengthening yin, nourishing essence, and qi, having many children, treating women's symptoms, and taking it for a long time to lighten the body." The record in the Compendium of Materia Medica not only elaborates on the nature, taste, and efficacy of Cistanche deserticola but also emphasizes its gentle and nourishing properties, which make people feel light. I have gained a deeper understanding of Cistanche deserticola.
In addition to the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and "Compendium of Materia Medica", there are many ancient medical texts that record Cistanche deserticola. The processing method of Cistanche deserticola is recorded in the "Lei Gong Pao Zhi Lun". "For any envoy (Cistanche deserticola), they must first soak it in clear wine overnight until it is bright, then brush off the sand and floating armor with a brown brush, break the center, remove the white film like bamboo silk grass, and steam it. From noon to the end of the day, it is then baked again." The detailed processing method provides a more standardized operating procedure for the medicinal use of Cistanche deserticola, which helps to improve its medicinal effect.
The efficacy of Cistanche deserticola was also analyzed in depth in the "Compendium of Materia Medica". "Cistanche deserticola is an essential medicine for nourishing the kidneys and replenishing essence and blood. The qi is slightly warm, and it is said that those who think it is hot are mistaken. Gan can remove heat and replenish the middle, acid can enter the liver, salt can nourish the kidneys and liver, and the kidneys and liver are yin. When yin qi grows, the heat and fatigue of the five organs will naturally subside, and the cold, heat, and pain in the penis will heal on their own. When the kidneys and liver are full, the essence and blood will increase daily, and when the essence and blood are abundant, there will be more children. When a woman's illness is in the blood division, when the blood is abundant, it will be cured, and when the disease is cured, it will disappear on its own The mechanism of nourishing essence and blood provides a solid theoretical basis for its clinical application.
The records in these ancient books are like keys, opening the door for us to understand the medicinal value of Cistanche deserticola. They not only show us the ancient people's emphasis and in-depth research on Cistanche deserticola but also provide valuable historical data and a theoretical basis for modern medical research on Cistanche deserticola.
The inseparable bond between Cistanche deserticola and ancient royal families
The Legend of Genghis Khan and Cistanche deserticola
In the long river of history, the story of Cistanche deserticola and Genghis Khan is full of legendary colors. In the first year of the Jin Mingchang era (1190 AD), a crucial battle called the "Battle of the Thirteen Wings" broke out between Temujin (Genghis Khan) and the leader of the Zadakhlan tribe, Zhamuhe. At that time, Zhamuhe, jealous of Temujin's power, joined forces with 13 troops including Taichiwu, totaling 30000 people, and launched a fierce attack on Temujin. Temujin quickly gathered 30000 troops and divided them into thirteen wings, ready to take action. However, the situation of the war was constantly changing, and Temujin unfortunately suffered a defeat in this battle. He and his troops were trapped on a sandy mountain covered in red willow forests.
During the days of being trapped, the troops faced enormous difficulties, with unbearable hunger and thirst, exhaustion, and low morale. And Zhamuhe's behavior made matters worse. He publicly divided the prisoners into seventy large pots for cooking and killing. This cruel act not only failed to defeat Temujin's troops but also aroused their anger and determination to resist. At the same time, Zhamuhe's behavior also angered the gods, who sent a divine horse to help Temujin.

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The divine horse descended in front of Temujin, and it roared up to the sky, spraying its essence and blood onto the roots of the red willow tree. Then, with its hooves, it vigorously dug out a thick plant root block, which was the Cistanche deserticola. Upon witnessing this miraculous scene, Temujin's heart surged with hope, firmly believing that it was a treasure bestowed upon them by the God of the Grassland. So he immediately distributed the roots and stems of Cistanche deserticola to the soldiers to eat. A miracle happened. After the soldiers ate Cistanche deserticola, their spirits quickly rose as if they had gained infinite divine power. Fatigue and hunger disappeared instantly. Encouraged by this magical power, Temujin led his soldiers to charge down the sand mountain and launched a fierce counterattack against the Zhamuhe tribe. In the end, they defeated the Zhamuhe tribe in one fell swoop and successfully turned the tide of the war.
The victory of this battle laid a solid foundation for Temujin to unify Mongolia. Afterward, with outstanding leadership skills and powerful military power, Temujin embarked on a great journey to conquer the Eurasian continent and establish the vast Mongol Empire. As a mysterious aid in this crucial battle, Cistanche deserticola was endowed with a sacred color, leaving behind a legendary story that has been passed down through the ages on the Mongolian grasslands.
The Secret to the Longevity of Emperor Qianlong
Emperor Qianlong, the longest reigning and longest-lived emperor in Chinese history, has always been highly regarded for his longevity secrets. Emperor Qianlong ascended to the throne at the age of 25 and reigned for sixty years, effectively holding the highest power in China for sixty-three years. During his reign, he employed both literary and military strategies to govern the country in an orderly manner, ushering in the prosperous era of the Qianlong reign. At the same time, he also has unique insights into health preservation and understands that the body is the foundation of governing the country, so he attaches great importance to maintenance.
Experts studying the medical records of the Qing Dynasty have found that Emperor Qianlong's longevity is closely related to the anti-aging medicine he took daily. Among these medical formulas, Cistanche deserticola occupies an important position. Qianlong often took tonics such as Changshou Ji, Changshou Tang, Songling Taiping Spring Wine Formula, Chunling Yishou Medicinal Wine Formula, Jianpi Zishen Zhuangyuan Formula, and Secret Transmission Guben Xian Formula. These prescriptions mostly use Cistanche deserticola as the main ingredient, combined with other precious Chinese medicinal materials, to jointly exert the effects of tonifying the kidneys, strengthening the yang, invigorating the spleen and stomach, and prolonging life.
Taking Changshou Jifang as an example, it is carefully composed of a large number of kidney tonifying medicines such as ginseng, deer antler, sparrow's brain, wolfberry, Cistanche deserticola, Rehmannia glutinosa, Achyranthes bidentata, Eucommia ulmoides, etc. These medicinal herbs complement each other and work synergistically, effectively replenishing the body's vitality, enhancing kidney function, and improving the body's weakened state. It has significant therapeutic effects on symptoms such as muscle weakness, dizziness, night sweats, nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, vaginal cold, and abdominal pain. Emperor Qianlong took these medicinal formulas containing Cistanche deserticola for a long time, which allowed him to maintain energy and physical strength despite busy government affairs.

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The news of Emperor Qianlong's longevity reached the British royal family, arousing their great interest. The British royal family specially sent envoys to China to explore the longevity secrets of Emperor Qianlong. When it was discovered that Emperor Qianlong's health secret recipe included Cistanche deserticola, the British royal family developed a strong curiosity about this mysterious Chinese medicinal herb. They were amazed by the profoundness of traditional Chinese medicine and also full of longing for the magical effects of Cistanche deserticola. This incident not only made Cistanche deserticola famous internationally but also further highlighted its important position in ancient health culture.
Wu Zetian's Secret Formula for Beauty Preservation
Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history, not only possessed outstanding political talent, but her stunning beauty and youthful appearance were also astonishing. Wu Zetian passed away at the age of 81, which was undoubtedly a symbol of longevity in that era. And even after reaching the age of sixty, she can still maintain her hair black, shiny, smooth, and full of luster; Her skin is fair and rosy, full of elasticity, as if time has not left too many traces on her body, and the secret lies in her unique beauty formula.
It is said that Wu Zetian had a strong interest in traditional Chinese medicine from a young age and advocated the principles of health preservation. Ye Fashan, a famous health master of the Tang Dynasty and imperial physician of the Six Dynasties, was well aware of Wu Zetian's emphasis on maintaining her appearance, so he carefully presented a "secret formula for beauty preservation". This secret recipe uses saffron as the main herb, combined with precious medicinal herbs such as Dendrobium officinale, Ganoderma lucidum, and Cistanche deserticola. Among them, Cistanche deserticola plays an important role in nourishing kidney yang and nourishing essence and blood. It can regulate the endocrine system of the human body, promote blood circulation, and enhance the body's metabolic function, thereby providing sufficient nourishment to the skin, and maintaining elasticity and radiance.
Wu Zetian highly praised this beautiful secret recipe and persisted in taking it for up to 50 years. For these 50 years, she took it on time every day without interruption. Under the nourishment of this secret recipe, Wu Zetian was radiant and radiant every day. Even in her later years, she remained beautiful and charming, with an ageless appearance. This ancient formula is therefore known by experts as the "first method of ancient beauty preservation" and has become an important reference for later generations to study ancient beauty preservation. It not only showcases the unique beauty and skincare benefits of Cistanche deserticola but also reflects the profound and extensive health culture of ancient Chinese medicine.
Empress Dowager Cixi's hair care prescription
Empress Dowager Cixi, as the actual ruler of the late Qing Dynasty, attached great importance to her appearance and health. In her life, Cistanche deserticola also played a special role and became her capable assistant for hair care.
As she grew older, Empress Dowager Cixi gradually developed symptoms of kidney deficiency, which had a significant impact on her hair. Her hair became dry, yellow, and lost its former shine, and a large amount of hair loss caused great distress to Empress Dowager Cixi, who valued her appearance. To solve this problem, the imperial doctors of Taikang Hospital racked their brains and after some research and discussion, finally came up with a prescription for "tonifying the kidneys and nourishing the blood".
In this prescription, Cistanche deserticola has become a key medicinal herb. Cistanche deserticola has the effects of tonifying kidney yang and nourishing essence and blood, which can fundamentally improve the kidney deficiency condition of Empress Dowager Cixi. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the kidneys are responsible for storing essence, and their vitality lies in the hair. If the kidney essence is sufficient, the hair will be black and shiny. Otherwise, problems such as hair dryness, yellowing, and shedding may occur. Cistanche deserticola provides sufficient nutrition for hair by supplementing kidney essence, effectively improving the condition of hair. At the same time, other medicinal herbs that nourish blood and promote hair growth, such as Angelica sinensis and Polygonum multiflorum, are also included in the prescription. These herbs work together to enhance the hair care effect.
Empress Dowager Cixi persisted in taking this prescription as instructed by the imperial physician. After some time, she was pleasantly surprised to find that her hair was no longer as dry and yellow as before, but gradually became black and shiny, restoring its former radiance. The magical effect of Cistanche deserticola successfully saved Empress Dowager Cixi's "three thousand troubles", allowing her to maintain an elegant image in her later years. This incident also made Cistanche deserticola famous in the court and became a highly respected hair care medicine.
The ancient praise for Cistanche deserticola
Praise in medical classics
In ancient times, Cistanche deserticola was highly praised by medical experts, and many medical classics left praises for it. The evaluation of Cistanche deserticola in the "Compendium of Materia Medica" is particularly classic: "This is a calming and nourishing agent. It is warm but not hot, nourishing but not steep, warm but not dry, smooth but not leaking, and has a calm and soothing appearance, hence the name Cistanche deserticola." This evaluation elaborates on the medicinal properties of Cistanche deserticola from multiple perspectives. Its mild and nourishing nature is not as strong as other drugs, and it does not bring dryness, heat, or other discomfort to the human body. This calming characteristic makes Cistanche deserticola widely used by people with various constitutions, becoming a good product for health and wellness.
There is also a record in the "Compendium of Materia Medica" that "Cistanche deserticola is a medicine that nourishes the gate of life, nourishes kidney qi, and replenishes essence and blood. Men's Dan Yuan is weak and cold, and the Yang Dao has been sinking for a long time. Women's Chong Ren is imbalanced and Yin Qi is not treated. This is a tonifying medicine that is warm but not hot, firm but not steep, warm but not dry, smooth but not leaking, hence it is called calm." This further emphasizes the efficacy of Cistanche deserticola in tonifying the kidney and strengthening yang, regulating Chong Ren, and pointing out that it is a good medicine that can nourish the gate of life and nourish essence and blood. It has a good regulating effect on male kidney yang deficiency, female Chong Ren imbalance, and other problems.
The Cistanche deserticola in poetry
In ancient poetry, Cistanche deserticola has also become a frequent guest in the writings of literati, embodying their emotions and thoughts. The famous poet of the Southern Song Dynasty, Wang Shipeng, once wrote a poem titled "Ding Huian presents Cistanche deserticola": "Laozi's Danggui is already thriving, why should you send Cistanche deserticola to me? I am about to build a lake in front of the divination tower, and I will be the old farmer with bamboo hats and morning glories." In this poem, Wang Shipeng humorously mentioned Cistanche deserticola. At that time, the poet may have been in a state of seclusion, and the Cistanche deserticola sent by his friend Ding Huian surprised him greatly. Although the poem does not directly praise the efficacy of Cistanche deserticola, the act of a friend intentionally sending it as a gift, as well as its status as a precious medicinal herb can indirectly reflect the important position of Cistanche deserticola in people's hearts at that time. It is not only a nourishing medicine, but also a precious gift that conveys friendship and carries a deep bond between friends.
Cistanche deserticola, a precious medicinal herb highly respected by ancient royal families, has left a strong mark in historical records, legends, medical classics, poetry, and songs. It has witnessed the glory of ancient health preservation culture and provided a valuable reference for modern people to explore the ways of health preservation. In the future, Cistanche deserticola will continue to exert its unique value and safeguard people's health.
The health benefits and modern applications of Cistanche deserticola
Health benefits
As a precious traditional Chinese medicine, Cistanche deserticola has many health benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, Cistanche deserticola has a sweet and salty taste, a warm nature, and belongs to the kidney and colon meridians. It has significant effects in tonifying kidney yang, nourishing essence, and blood, moisturizing the intestines, and promoting bowel movements. For people with insufficient kidney yang and deficiency of essence and blood, Cistanche deserticola is a rare good medicine. It can effectively improve symptoms such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, cold limbs, impotence, and premature ejaculation caused by insufficient kidney yang, enhance kidney function, and improve the body's yang energy. At the same time, Cistanche deserticola can nourish essence and blood, making the circulation of qi and blood smoother. It also has a certain regulating effect on menstrual disorders and amenorrhea caused by insufficient essence and blood in women.
In addition to tonifying kidney yang and nourishing essence and blood, Cistanche deserticola also performs well in moisturizing the intestines and promoting bowel movements. It is rich in dietary fiber, which can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, increase the volume of feces, make feces more smooth, and effectively alleviate symptoms of intestinal dryness and constipation. For people who are prone to constipation, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and office workers who sit for long periods, Cistanche deserticola is a natural and gentle laxative that does not have any adverse effects on the body.

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Modern medical research has further revealed more health benefits of Cistanche deserticola. Research has found that Cistanche deserticola contains various active ingredients, such as polysaccharides, alkaloids, phenylethanoid glycosides, etc. These ingredients have antioxidant, anti-aging, immune enhancing, and anti-fatigue effects. The polysaccharides in Cistanche deserticola can enhance the body's immune function, increase the activity of white blood cells and macrophages, enhance the body's resistance to pathogens, and thus prevent the occurrence of diseases. The antioxidant substances it contains, such as phenylethanolic acid glycosides, can eliminate free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative stress damage to cells, delay cell aging, and maintain a youthful state of the body. In addition, Cistanche deserticola can promote the secretion of pituitary-gonadal hormones, regulate the endocrine system, improve the body's stress response, relieve fatigue, and make people energetic.
Cistanche deserticola also has a certain role in protecting the liver, reducing blood lipids, and anti atherosclerosis. It can reduce the metabolic burden on the liver, protect liver cells, and prevent the occurrence of liver diseases. At the same time, Cistanche can also reduce the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, inhibit platelet aggregation, reduce the formation of atherosclerosis, and play an active role in protecting cardiovascular health.
Modern applications
With the increasing emphasis on health, the application of Cistanche deserticola is becoming more and more widespread in modern society. In the field of clinical medicine, Cistanche deserticola is widely used to treat various diseases. Due to its effects of tonifying kidney yang and nourishing essence and blood, Cistanche deserticola is often used to treat male sexual dysfunction, infertility, as well as female reproductive system diseases such as menstrual disorders and infertility. Meanwhile, Cistanche deserticola also has good therapeutic effects on symptoms such as soreness, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, and forgetfulness caused by kidney deficiency in elderly people. In the treatment of constipation, Cistanche deserticola has played an important role, and many laxatives containing Cistanche deserticola have been widely used in clinical practice, bringing good news to constipation patients.
In the field of health preservation, Cistanche deserticola is also highly favored. There are various health products made from Cistanche deserticola in the market, such as Cistanche deserticola puree, Cistanche deserticola capsules, Cistanche deserticola lozenges, etc. These health products are convenient to carry, easy to take, and deeply loved by consumers. Taking the original slurry of Cistanche deserticola as an example, it adopts modern advanced extraction technology to fully extract the effective ingredients in Cistanche deserticola, preserving its original nutritional value. Cistanche deserticola extract has various effects such as tonifying the kidneys and strengthening the yang, delaying aging, improving immunity, moistening the intestines, and promoting bowel movements. It can comprehensively nourish the body and improve various health problems. For middle-aged and elderly people, taking Cistanche deserticola extract can enhance physical fitness, delay aging, and improve quality of life; For office workers, it can relieve fatigue and improve work efficiency; For individuals with sexual dysfunction, Cistanche deserticola extract can improve symptoms of kidney deficiency and fear of cold, and enhance the quality of sexual life.
Cistanche deserticola is also used in the field of dietary therapy. People match Cistanche deserticola with other ingredients to make various delicious and healthy Tonic diets. Stewed lamb with Cistanche deserticola is not only delicious, but also has the effects of nourishing the kidneys, strengthening yang, warming the middle, and nourishing qi. It is suitable for winter consumption and can help people resist the cold. It is also a common way to cook Congee with Cistanche deserticola. Boiling Cistanche deserticola and rice together into Congee can moisten the intestines, relieve constipation, and nourish the body. It is suitable for breakfast. It can not only provide nutrition but also promote intestinal motility. In addition, Cistanche deserticola can also be used to make wine. Cistanche deserticola wine has the effects of tonifying kidney yang, nourishing essence and blood, and strengthening muscles and bones. Moderate consumption can promote health and wellness.
Cistanche deserticola plays an important role in modern society with its unique health benefits and wide range of applications. Whether in the fields of medicine, healthcare, or wellness, Cistanche deserticola provides strong support for people's health. I believe that in the future, with the continuous advancement of technology and in-depth research, Cistanche deserticola will make greater contributions to human health.






