Cynomorium Songaricum, also known as Cynomorium coccineum var. songaricum, has long been prized as a tonic for sexual potency and fatigue. No wonder its Chinese name is called "Suo Yang", which, literally translated, means "locking up Yang". As a renowned Chinese herb particularly for male health, it is frequently used in the treatment of ED (erectile dysfunction) and nocturnal emissions in Chinese herbal remedies. It grows wild in the desert and preferably at the temperature of -20°C. And it is said that it will be the best tonic if it is dug out in the third nine-day period after the winter solstice, the coldest days of a year, when the snow around it is melted by its emitted Yang energies. As a result, many people regard this Yang tonic as "the true elixir of youth".

It refers to the fleshy stem of Cynomorium Songaricum Rupr., which is a member in the family Cynomoriaceae. Other common name of it include Herba Cynomorii, Herba Cynomorii Songarici, tarthuth, cynomorium fleshy stem, red thumb, Chinese cynomorium, "the treasure of drugs", and desert thumb. In addition, it is also falsely called as Maltese mushroom and Maltese fungus sometimes. In China it is mainly produced in Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang. It is usually harvested in spring. The following steps are to remove the inflorescence, bury them half in the sand, and dry in the sun and scald by the very hot sand. Medicinally it is used raw and sliced.

CYNOMORIUM BENEFITS 
Cynomorium herb was first recorded in Ben Cao Yan Yi Bu Yi (Additions to the Dilations on the Materia Medica). In terms of medicinal uses, it resembles to Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche), or even to the legendary Ganoderma. However, the legendary thousand-year fungus seems so wise that it always grows between the cliffs that are unattainable. 
 
The primitive way of thinking plays an important role in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Cynomorium is no exception and the "Doctrine of signatures" tells that this is not only a lovely plant, but also highly related to man health since it resembles a phallus. If it makes sense to eat the things that have similar appearance to acquire their strength, no doubt this is one of the best options. Hence, even the most unimaginative person would know what to do next when he sees it. So to speak, this is literally a terrific wild sex toy, even with visible corona of glans penis. At that moment, you might just want to worship it instead of eating it. Inexplicably it does have the above-mentioned functions medicinally.

Cynomorium Songaricum

CYNOMORIUM RECIPES ON HERBAL REMEDIES
The Chinese Materia Medica concludes that it is sweet in flavor and warm in nature. It goes to meridians of kidney, liver, and large intestine. Essential functions are invigorating the kidney, strengthening Yang, and relaxing bowel. Main cynomorium uses and indications include impotence due to kidney deficiency, nocturnal emission, premature ejaculation, weak lower limbs, and deficiency-type constipation. Recommended cynomorium songaricum dosage is from 5 to 15 grams in decoction. Besides, it is also available in other forms like cynomorium coccineum supplements, extract, pills, and powder.

1) Hu Qian Wan from Dan Xi Xin Fa (Dan Xi's Experiential Methods). It is formulated with Huang Bai (Amur Cork Tree Bark), Gui Ban (Fresh Water Turtle Shell), Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia Root), Hu Gu (Tiger Bone), Chen Pi (Citrus Peel), etc. to treat flaccid paralysis.

2) Ning Xia Zhong Cao Yao Shou Ce (Ningxia Herbal Handbook). It works with Long Gu (Dragon Bones), Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche), Sang Piao Xiao (Ootheca Mantidis), and Fu Ling (Poria) to cure nocturnal emission and impotence due to kidney deficiency.

3) Shan Gan Ning Qing Zhong Cao Yao Xuan (Herbs Elected from Shan, Gan, Ning, and Qing). It joins with Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), and Fu Pen Zi (Raspberry fruit) to heal impotence and premature ejaculation.