Cynomorium, Suo Yang, 锁阳

Scarlet Mushroom
Suo Yang (TCM)
Tarthuth (Unani)
Cynomorium coccineum
Kerner von Marilaun, Hansen, & Pflanzenleben:
Erster Band: Der Bau und die Eigenschaften der Pflanzen (1887-1891)

Whole Suo Yang root (Adam, 2017)

Botanical name:
Cynomorium songaricum (syn. Cynomorium coccineum var. songaricum); C. coccineum

Parts used:
fleshy stem

Temperature & Taste:
Warm, dry. Sweet.

Classifications:
N. Tonics

Uses:
1. Tonifies Kidneys, Increases Yang:
-Impotence, Infertility (TCM, Unani)
-Urinary frequency, Spermatorrhea, Premature ejaculation

2. Nourishes Liver Yin, Nourshes Essence and Blood:
-Weakness and Atrophy disorders
-pain and weakness of the Lower Back and Knees
-Nourishes and increases Sperm
-Apoplexy, Hypertension (Unani)
-Uterine Bleeding and other types of Bleeding (Unani)

3. Moisten the Intestines:
-Constipation from Blood or Qi deficiency, or from dryness
-in Unani for obstruction of the Bile duct

4. Externally:
-for Itchiness (Unani)
-Hemorrhoids (Unani)
-used topically in tooth powders

DOSE:
5–15 grams in decoction
It has occasionally been used int he West in doses of 1 dram, primarily as an astringent.

Main Combinations:
1. Infertility and Impotence:
i. Cynomorium Suo Yang with Cistanches Rou Cong Rong.
ii. Cynomorium Suo Yang with Ginseng, Deer Horn, Rehmannia Shu Di Huang, Eucommia Du Zhong, Epimedium Yin Yang Huo, Dang Gui, Cinnamon, Licorice (as in Nan Bao)
iii. Cynomorium Suo Yang with Withania (Unani)
2. Weakness, Atrophy, Paralysis, Motor Impairment, Cynomorium Suo Yang with Achyranthes Niu Xi, Rehmannia Shu Di Huang.
3. Weakness and wasting of the Sinews and Bones, Cynomorium Suo Yang with Mistletoe (Sang Ji Sheng), Dang Gui
4. Premature Ejaculation, Incontinence, frequent Urination from Yang deficiency, Cynomorium Suo Yang with Praying Mantis Egg Case (Sang Piao Xiao)

Cautions:
1. Not used for Kidney Yin deficiency with Heat signs (Yin-deficient Heat)
2. Not for Diarrhea from Spleen deficiency or Constipation from excess Heat.

Main Preparations used: