Songaria Cynomorium Herb (Suo Yang)

Songaria Cynomorium Herb (suo yang, 锁阳), also known as Herba Cynomorii, refers to the fleshy stem of Cynomorium Songaricum Rupr, which is a member in the family Cynomoriaceae. In China, Songaria Cynomorium Herb is mainly produced in Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang. This herb is usually harvested in spring, where its inflorescence is removed, buried half in sand and dried under the sun for medicinal usage.

Regarded by many as ‘the true elixir of youth’, Songaria Cynomorium Herb has long been prized as a tonic for sexual potency and fatigue. In fact, its chinese name can be literally translated as ‘locking up yang’. As a renowned Chinese herb, particularly for male health, it is frequently used in erectile dysfunction and nocturnal emission treatments.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Songaria Cynomorium Herb falls under the category of ‘Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency’. Such herbs can be used for patterns of deficiency to replenish one’s ‘Four Treasures’ (qi, blood, yin, yang). Warm in nature, Songaria Cynomorium Herb can help individuals with too much Cold in their body, such as those experiencing a Yin Excess or a Yang Deficiency, to restore a harmonious yin-yang balance.

Sweet in taste, Songaria Cynomorium Herb can slow down acute reactions, detoxify the body and has a tonic effect on the body by replenishing qi and blood. In particular, Songaria Cynomorium Herb targets the Kidneys, the large intestines and the Liver.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows that Songaria Cynomorium Herb has the following health benefits.

Songaria Cynomorium Herb can tonify one’s Kidneys, nourish jing (essence), Liver yin and blood, as well as strengthen yang, sinews and bones. Thus, Songaria Cynomorium Herb is often indicated for Kidney Yang Deficiency symptoms such as spermatorrhea, erectile dysfunction, nocturnal emission and frequent urination. Songaria Cynomorium Herb can also help to treat weak sinews caused by Jing Deficiency and Blood Deficiency, and relieve atrophy disorders caused by damaged Liver and Kidney yin.

As Songaria Cynomorium Herb can moisten the intestines, unblock the bowels and nourish blood, the herb can also help to relieve constipation caused by deficient qi and blood.

The recommended daily dosage of Songaria Cynomorium Herb (Suo Yang) is 5 – 15g, when used as a decoction. 

Songaria Cynomorium Herb is available in forms such as pills, powders and extracts. You may find Songaria Cynomorium Herb and its supplements in herbal stores and Asian specialty markets.

Songaria Cynomorium Herb should not be used by individuals experiencing Yin Deficiency with effulgent Fire, diarrhoea caused by Spleen or stomach Deficiency or constipation caused by excess Heat. 

The herb is strictly prohibited for hypertensive individuals, those who experience internal body heat symptoms such as night sweating, hot flushes, or constant thirst or those with chronic bowel constipation problems.

We strongly encourage you on consulting your healthcare provider before deciding to add Songaria Cynomorium Herb to your healthcare routine!

Here is a summary for Songaria Cynomorium Herb (Suo Yang):

• Herb name (Chinese): 锁阳
• Herb name (Pin Yin): suǒ yáng
• Herb name (English): Songaria Cynomorium Herb
• Herb name (Botanical): Herba Cynomorii
• Origin of species: Cynomorium songaricum Rupr.
• Part(s) of herb used: Succulent Stem
• Geo-specific habitat(s): Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai, Xinjiang
• Taste(s) & Properties: Sweet; Warm; Administrates the Liver, Kidney and Large Intestine Meridians
• Actions: Nourishes and supports the liver and kidney systems in infertility treatments or weak back and joint issues; Eases constipation due to lack of intestinal fluids leading to hard dry stools

Cui, J. L., Gong, Y., Xue, X. Z., Zhang, Y. Y., Wang, M. L., & Wang, J. H. (2018). A phytochemical and pharmacological review on Cynomorium songaricum as functional and medicinal food. Natural Product Communications, 13(4), 1934578X1801300428. [Accessed on 26th June 2023]

Qiu, H., Li, J. H., Yin, S. B., Ke, J. Q., Qiu, C. L., & Zheng, G. Q. (2016). Dihuang yinzi, a classical Chinese herbal prescription, for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a 12-year follow-up case report. Medicine, 95(14).[Accessed on 26th June 2023]