- Common Names Epimedium , horny goat weed, xian ling pi, and yin yang huo
- Botanical Name Epimedium grandiflorum
- Family BERBERIDACEAE
Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Epimedium
Medicinal Uses: * Aphrodisiac * Asthma * Bronchitis * Cardiovascular * Chinese * Libido * Longevity Tonics * Menopause
Properties: * Aphrodisiac * Diuretic * Hypertensive * Tonic
Parts Used: Leaf Extract
Constituents: fats, saponins, and essential oil, with trace amounts of epimedins, epimedosides, icariin, magnflorin, and quercetin
How to Use: Epimedium
The name “Horny goat weed” is based
on a colorful Chinese legend
Epimedium, also known as Yin Yang Huo or Horny Goat Weed, is a powerful remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used for thousands of years to promote male potency, libido, and as an aphrodisiac. Modern Chinese herbal medicine uses epimedium (usually in combination with other herbs) not just to treat impotence, but also for asthma, bronchitis, cervical dysphasia, congestive heart failure, leucorrhoea, leukopenia, and viral infections of the heart. 1
Epimedium is used to treat menopause in women often combined with Morinda. It is officially listed by the Chinese Academy of Medial Sciences as one of an elite group of herbs that slow down aging and promote longevity. Perhaps even more important have been the recent discoveries that Epimedium has powerful immune-modulating activity. 2
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Teas, tinctures, encapsulations
Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM practitioners use this herb used to increase the Yang energies, for instance, it would be used to enhance male sexual performance. Recent research has confirmed that Yin Yang Huo can increase sperm production and stimulate sexual desire.
Epimedium Side Effects: Do not exceed recommended dose. Overdoses can cause rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure.
History and Traditions & Folklore
The name of the herb in Mandarin, yin yang huo, roughly corresponds to “weed for licentious goat.” Legend has it that a goat herder discovered the properties of epimedium by observing his billy goats uncontrollable sexual appetites after they grazed on the herb.
