Cistanchis are usually decocted and not recommended to be eaten directly.
Cistanchis is a yang tonic with the effects of tonifying kidney yang, benefiting essence and blood, moistening the intestines and relaxing the bowels. Clinically, it is often used for impotence and infertility caused by kidney yang deficiency (lack of yang in the kidneys), lumbar and knee soreness (feeling of soreness and weakness in the lumbar and knee areas), weakness in the sinews and bones and intestinal dryness and constipation.
It should not be taken by people with yin deficiency (deficiency of yin and essence in the body, resulting in hyperactive fire) and loose stools (thin and unformed feces) and diarrhea. It is not suitable for those with solid heat in the stomach and intestines, or those with constipation due to heat. Clinically, Cistanchis is usually taken by decoction, and its medicinal effect can be effectively utilized by combining with other medicines.
If you need to take Cistanchis, it is recommended to use it under the guidance of a professional Chinese medicine practitioner to avoid blind medication.