Cuscuta seeds (Dodder) As Aphrodisiac

Cuscuta is the name of a group of plants in the morning glory family. Cuscuta is more often called "dodder" in English-speaking countries; and its species are found almost everywhere in the world. Other names include hellweed, devil's gut, beggarweed, strangle tare, scaldweed, dodder of thyme, greater dodder, and lesser dodder. Cuscuta seeds are called Tu Si Zi in Chinese. These seeds are from the species Cuscuta Japonica (although some refer to it more as Cuscuta Chinensis).

Despite being considered as a destructive weed by western agriculturists, some western herbalists use the C. epithymum (the one that grows in thyme) to treat and support liver function, spleen, and gallbladder disorders such as jaundice. It is also considered as a mild laxative and diuretic and can be used to treat pains in the hip, buttocks, lower back, and other adjacent parts, and scurvy. It can be gathered fresh and applied externally to the skin to treat scrofuladerma (tuberculosis of the skin).

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cuscuta seeds are often used in a long term medication, wherein constant use improves and strengthens the sexual functions of both male and female users. It has been known to balance and tonify the kidney yin and yang, and helps nourish and consolidate chi in the kidney. Its constant use nourishes the sperm production thereby reducing the possibility of impotence. It also strengthens sexual functions, eliminating premature ejaculation, frequent urination, and leucorrhea or leukorrhagia which is an unusual white or yellowish discharge (usually foul smelling) from the vagina or cervical canal.

Chinese herbalists describe Tu Si Zi or Cuscuta seeds as neutral in nature with a sweet pungent taste which can also be used to treat diarrhea, and constipation. Since it strengthens the liver and kidney meridians it also helps remove ringing in the ears, aching lower back areas, dizziness, and weak eyesight which, according to traditional Chinese belief, are indications of a weak kidney yin.

Cuscuta also helps in nourishing the marrows and strengthening of the bone and sinews which clears away back, knee, and other joint pains. It also helps build the overall Yin essence and thus it is considered to be an anti-aging herb and prevents loss of bodily fluids. Other applications include the treatment of sore heads and inflamed eyes which involve a lotion made from the herb’s stems.

Cuscuta are often used with either Yin or Yang tonic herbs depending on the specifics of the person's condition. Cuscuta is almost always combined with Cnidium seed because they enhance one another.

Cuscuta is one of nine herbs included in the manufacture of Equiguard, a Chinese herbal medicine recommended for kidney and prostate disorders. Research performed at New York Medical College indicates that the combination of ingredients in Equiguard may well be effective in the treatment of prostate cancer. The preparation inhibited the growth of cancer cells, increased the rate of self-destruction (apoptosis) of cancer cells, and prevented the surviving cells from forming colonies.

Cuscuta is also used in the Indian system of Ayurvedic healing to treat jaundice, muscle pain, coughs, and problems with urination.

Little scientific research has been done in the West on cuscuta. A purgative compound has been isolated from the herb; however, that supports its traditional use as a liver and gallbladder tonic. Other research done at Asian universities indicates that cuscuta seeds contain a complex carbohydrate that stimulates the immune system and has some antioxidant properties as well.