Epimedium -Horny Goat Weed (Yin Yang Huo)

淫羊藿
Epimedium (Yinyanghuo) /Horny goat weed

Pharmaceutical Name: Herba Epimedii

Botanical Name: 1. Epimedium koreanum Nakai. 2. Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim.. 3. Epimedium brevicornum Maxim.. 4. Epimedium pubescens Maxim.

Common Name: Epimedium

Source of Earliest Record: Haiyao Bencao

Part Used: The aerial part of the herb is gathered in spring and autumn, dried in the sun and cut into pieces.

Natural Properties & Taste: Pungent, sweet and warm

Meridians: Liver and kidney

Therapeutic Effects:
• Excellent herbal aphrodisiac
• Increases sexual desire
• Strengthens the Yang-energy.
• Invigorates the kidneys to stop impotence, female sterility and frequent urination.
• Strengthens the tendons and bones.
• Expels wind-dampness.
• Eliminates phlegm.
• Relives cough and asthma.

Indications:
1. Deficient kidney yang manifested as impotence, weakness of the lower back and knees and frequent urination. Epimedium (Yinyanghuo) is used with Curculigo rhizome (Xianmao) and Prepared rehmannia root (Shudihuang).

2. Cold pain in the lower back and knees and numbness of limbs due to obstruction by invasion of wind-cold-damp. Epimedium (Yinyanghuo) is used with Clematis root (Weilingxian), Eucommia bark (Duzhong) and Cinnamon twigs (Guizhi).

Dosage: 10-15 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with deficiency of yin with excessive fire.