Suǒ Yáng (锁阳) — Cynomorium
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto — registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner (BAcC, RCHM) with over 25 years’ clinical experience.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Cautions
- Treatment at my clinic
- Frequently asked questions
1. Overview
Suǒ Yáng (锁阳) — the fleshy stem of Cynomorium songaricum — is a sweet, warm Chinese herb that tonifies Kidney Yang, strengthens the sinews and bones, and moistens the Intestines. It is similar in action to Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche) and the two are commonly paired. It is particularly useful where the dual indication of Kidney Yang deficiency AND dry constipation is present — common in elderly men.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Suǒ Yáng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 锁阳 |
| Latin name | Herba Cynomorii / Cynomorium songaricum |
| English name | Cynomorium |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Liver, Kidney, Large Intestine |
| Category | Tonify Yang |
| Dosage | 5–15 g, decocted |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang and benefits Essence — for impotence, infertility, premature ejaculation, weak lower back and knees.
- Strengthens sinews and bones — for weakness and atrophy of the legs in chronic Kidney deficiency.
- Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels — for constipation due to Blood deficiency or Yang deficiency, especially in the elderly.
4. Key formulas
- Hu Qian Wan — for Liver and Kidney deficiency with weakness and atrophy of the lower limbs.
- Pairs naturally with Rou Cong Rong in geriatric tonics.
5. Cautions
Contraindicated in Yin deficiency with Heat signs, and in loose stools or diarrhoea. Caution in patients with strong digestive fire.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Suo Yang in Yang-tonifying granule formulas, particularly for older male patients with combined Kidney Yang deficiency and dry constipation. Online Chinese herbal consultations are available. See prices for costs.
7. Frequently asked questions
What is Suo Yang used for?
Suo Yang is a warming tonic used to strengthen Kidney Yang and augment Essence and Blood — traditionally for weak, cold, aching lower back and knees, reduced libido and impotence, and for constipation from dryness in older or depleted people.
What are the benefits of Suo Yang?
It both warms the Kidney Yang and moistens, so unlike some hot Yang tonics it can gently ease dryness of the intestines while it tonifies. It is often paired with Rou Cong Rong for these purposes.
How is Suo Yang taken?
Typically 9–15g in decoction, within a tonic formula matched to the individual by a qualified herbalist.
Who should not take Suo Yang?
It is not suitable where there is Yin deficiency with Heat signs, loose stools, or damp-heat, as its warming, moistening nature would not fit those patterns.
