In the present paper, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) combined with two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-IR) was used for the identification of Cistanche deserticola from its adulterants, Boschniakla rossica and Cynomorium songaricum. The results showed that these IR spectra showed their different macro-fingerprint feathers: the charactersistic peaks for Cistanche deserticola were located at -1 730 and 931 cm(-1). While absorption peaks at -1 510, 1 375 and 1 266 cm(-1) were only found in Boschniakla rossica. And the strongest peak of Cynomorium songaricum was at 1 614 cm(-1). Differences were more obvious in the second derivative IR spectra: the intensities of the four peaks of Cistanche deserticola at -1 453,1 336, 931, and 892 cm(-1) were strong, among which the peak at -931 cm(-1) was sharp and the strongest in intensity. There was the strongest peak at -1 509 cm(-1) for Boschniakla rossica. In addition, the shape of peaks at -1 633 and 1 161 cm(-1) was wider and the intensities were stronger. While the shape of peak at -1 682 cm(-1) was sharp, and also the intensity of peak at 1 605 cm(-1) was stronger. According to the features of the IR spectra of each kind, a quick and accurate method based on FTIR for the identification of Cistanche deserticola was established.