Tonify Yang: Suo Yang

suo yang

锁阳 herba cynomorii songarici

suo = lock
yang = yang

Liver
Large Intestine
Kidney

WARM
Sweet

The functions of Suo Yang are very similar to the functions of Rou Cong Rong. They both warm the yang (or "excite" the yang), while also nourishing the essence and moistening the intestines. Therefore, they are often used together as a superpower combination that assists KD yang while not drying you out. Fine to use if you are constipated.

Suo Yang can also be used as a replacement for Rou Cong Rong -- good to know since Rou Cong Rong is on the CITES list and probably more expensive.

Suo Yang also has some additional functions -- in particular, it travels to the Liver and therefore augments the Liver yin and strengthens sinews (good for traumas).

Suo Yang is grown in the desert, where temperatures fluctuate a great deal between day and night, making it difficult to cultivate. It is also parasitic on other plants. And very phallic looking.

Summary of its functions:

A. Tonify Kidneys / Fortify yang:

1. infertility
2. impotence
3. urinary frequency
4. spermatorrhea
   

B. Nourishes Blood / Augments Essence / Augments Liver Yin / Strengthens Sinews:

1. motor impairment
2. atrophy
3. (FOR STROKE or TRAUMA)

C. Moistens Intestines and Unblocks Bowels

1. Constipation due to Qi and Blood deficiency (but is contraindicated for constipation due to heat)

Suo Yang is contraindicated for KD yin deficient heat, Spleen deficient diarrhea, and constipation due to heat.