These include glycosides (also called verbascosides), echinacea (found in echinacea), and cistanche (named after Cistanche deserticola). Interestingly, these same glycosides are also present in Rehmannia glutinosa, another kidney tonic, as well as in the natural iridoid glycoside catalpol.

Cistanche deserticola has been used for centuries to help support health. In ancient times, it was believed that "five taxes and seven losses" are helpful, which refers to various factors that can cause the consumption of important elements such as blood, yin, and essence.

Minced meat is also considered to be a tonic for nourishing yang, replenishing internal organs, fixing essence, and strengthening yin. Although Cistanche deserticola has a long history of use, it does not appear often in ancient recipes. However, it appeared in some major tonic prescriptions developed in the Ming Dynasty and later.