Cistanchis and Leodan are mainly different in terms of drug source, efficacy and main treatment.
1. Origin: Cistanche is the dried herb of Cistanches (Cistanchia sinensis), a plant in the family of Ledebouriidae; Ledebouri is the dried herb of Ledebouri, a plant in the family of Ledebouriidae.
2. Effects: Cistanchis has the effects of warming the kidney and yang, moistening the dryness, and relaxing the bowels; in addition to the above effects, Lei Dang also has the effects of strengthening the muscles and bones.
3. Indications: Cistanchis can be used to treat constipation, cold pain in the waist and knees, and infertility due to uterine cold. Lei Dang can also treat the above diseases, but it is better than Cistanchis in treating lumbago and lumbar pain, and weak and aching knees.
The adverse effects of the above two medicines are not yet known. People with yin deficiency and internal heat and those with spleen deficiency and diarrhea should avoid using Cistanchis; and it is recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse and pay attention to keeping warm during the period of use.
If you need to use the above medicines, you should use them under the guidance of a Chinese medicine practitioner and should not use the medicines on your own.