Cistanche - root of life from Kazakhstan desert (PHOTOS)

According to Zhambyl entrepreneur and Herbalist Sergazy Kylyshbayev, studying Cistanche root for 16 years, it is a unique natural remedy that helps from many diseases and prolongs life. The plant is the primary source of the Chinese herbal medicine cistanche. "Cistanche is called in the Kazakh language as "Kaskyr zhemi" (Wolf's prey). According to the observations of hunters, wolves after a harsh winter eat the roots which make them feel more healthy and stronger. Cistanche is used in traditional Chinese medicine for over two thousand years. Tea made from the root of Cistanche cures impotence, diseases of the joints and kidneys, strengthens memory, calms the nerves," said S. Kylyshbayev. Sergazy Kylyshbayev's project was approved under the program "Business Road Map 2020". The entrepreneur has received 3 million tenge to purchase equipment and materials for the production of packaged herbal tea. According to recent studies of the Institute of Botany of the Republic of Kazakhstan, endemic desert plant Cistanche has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory and estrogenic activities. With increased consumption of cistanche, the population of the species has decreased and its area of distribution has shrunk. Aside from over-collection or indiscriminate collection, an important factor in the diminished supply of cistanche is a loss of the saxaul host, Haloxylon ammodendron, which is widely used for firewood.