Cistanche deserticola is a desert plant that grows on another plant for survival. The stem is used for supplements and medicine. This article highlights cistanche benefits and side effects.
Almost everything has been modernized in today’s lives, from food to drugs. People nowadays have more synthetic products, unlike before when products were more natural.
Allopathic medication has become the order of the day, but if you find a better herbal alternative, the better. This is because herbal products are natural and have fewer side effects.
These herbal supplements help boost immunity with fewer side effects and are more effective in providing symptomatic relief, especially when fighting allergies.
This brings us to our topic today on Cistanche, which is used to treat many conditions we will discuss.
What is Cistanche?
It is a genus of holoparasitic desert plants. They lack chlorophyll and hence obtain nutrients and water from host plants whose roots they parasitize.
The stem of this plant is used as medicine.
Many cultures also use it for constipation, tetanus, and infertility, but further scientific research is needed to prove this.
Research shows it contains compounds that fortify the kidney. It also boosts immunity, brain health, and anti-oxidants.
How To Take Cistanche
This dietary supplement comes in powder form or tablets.
The recommended dosage is 200mg of the powder once every day.
This dosage is, however, for extracted powder. If you take raw powder, the recommended dosage is 3-5g daily.
You should be consistent for at least a month to see its results.
How Does Cistanche Work?
It contains chemicals that work as antioxidants.
Cistanche has chemicals that might decrease swelling, slow the breakdown of bones and modify levels of hormones.
When cistanche is taken consistently for 2-3 weeks, its results are noticeable after 10 days.
When To Take Cistanche
Cistanche can be taken at any time of the day as it has a stimulating effect on some people.
Some users of Cistanche say it improves the quality of your sleep so it is better taken before bed.
Who Cannot Take Cistanche?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be careful when using Cistanche supplements as there isn’t enough information to prove its safety to the baby.
It is advisable to stay safe or consult a doctor before using it.
Ingredients in Cistanche
The following are the contents found in Cistanche;
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Verbascoside
Verbascoside is a plant-based metabolite that has anti-tumor properties. This compound increases the survival rate of cells in your body.
It’s also a polyphenol. Studies show that it is antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
It also boosts wound healing and protects brain health.
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Echinacoside
This compound is responsible for increasing the protein content. Studies show it can also reduce the duration of the common cold, the flu, sore throat, and fever.
In addition, it has anti-depressant properties.
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Cistanche glycosides
The compound is responsible for inhibiting the production of malondial dehyde.
It also inhibits cell apoptosis.
Studies show that it also protects brain health.
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Phenylethanoid glycoside
It is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and neuroprotective compound in Cistanche.
Plant glycosides also play an important role in metabolism, biosynthesis, and cell function.
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Flavonoid
Flavonoids are phytochemicals also found in fruits and vegetables. They protect your body from diabetes, microbes, cancer, viral infections, and inflammation.
Furthermore, this compound is an antioxidant that is very useful to the body in keeping your body’s immunity in check.
Flavonoids protect your cells from oxidative damage that increases the risk of disease.
Benefits of Cistanche
As discussed above, this article mainly discusses the cistanche benefits and side effects.
Some of the benefits of taking Cistanche include the following:
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It improves your immunity
The echinacoside in it is responsible for boosting your immunity. This is the system responsible for protecting the body from disease.
With improved immunity, your body can resist more disease infections, making you live a healthy life.
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It has anti-aging advantages
Another Cistanche benefit is that it increases human growth hormone production.
This reduces aging symptoms and physical signs.
A study showed Cistanche contains anti-aging agents.
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It improves your memory
Improved memory is also another Cistanche benefit. Cistanche prevents neuron loss and this leads to better memory.
A study conducted shows that Cistanche can help improve your memory.
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It prevents Alzheimer’s Disease
Cistanche benefits you also by preventing you from a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions called Alzheimer’s disease.
This is because of the flavonoids in it that are very useful antioxidants.
A study shows it prevents you from getting Alzheimer’s disease.
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It promotes hormonal health
The Echinacoside in it effectively improves sperm quality and generally increases sex hormone levels.
This eventually yields an active sex life.
A study conducted shows that Cistanche promotes hormonal growth.
Side Effects of Cistanche
The article focuses on the cistanche benefits and side effects. The following are the possible side effects of using the product.
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Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is a Cistanche side effect.
Taking this powder for the first time might give you stomach cramps.
Make sure that you take the right dosage to avoid unnecessary side effects.
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Dizziness
This is also another Cistanche side effect.
You might experience a light head spinning as you take it for the first time, but the dizziness goes away with time.
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Nausea
Another possible Cistanche side effect is nausea. This powder might leave you nauseated because it is slightly bitter.
You can add it to any beverage of your choice to avoid nausea.
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Vomiting
Vomiting is a possible Cistanche side effect.
You might get nauseated and vomit after taking it.
To avoid this, add the powder to a beverage or follow your drink with water.
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Diarrhea
Another possible Cistanche side effect is it can worsen your diarrhea.
Cistanche has the benefit of moisturizing the intestines and laxatives. This can worsen your situation if you already have a bad stomach.
A study shows that Cistanche causes mild side effects like nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
Reviews
Positive reviews
Some of its positive reviews include;
- It works effectively.
- It is a high-quality product.
- Moreover, it has nice flavors.
- It improves your sexual function.
- It improves your memory
Negative reviews
Some of its negative reviews include;
- It gives you stomach aches.
- It doesn’t work.
- Also, it tastes horrible.
- It is not good value for your money.
- It makes you throw up.
Conclusion
Considering everything, we can confidently say that cistanche is one of the best options if you are looking for a supplement to improve your immunity and sexual function, an anti-aging supplement, improve your memory, and generally promote your hormonal health.
The users of Cistanche have mostly recommended it for its effectiveness in its benefits.
However, Cistanche might cause mild side effects like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and stomach pains, especially if you use it over a long period.
If these side effects persist, you should stop using the Cistanche supplement immediately and consult with a doctor.
You should also note that pregnant women and lactating mothers are advised against using Cistanche.
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