Epimedium Leaf (Horny Goat Weed)

Epimedium Leaf (yin yang huo, 淫羊藿), also known as Horny Goat Weed, comes from a large, leafy plant native to China. This plant has short, thin stems and large, shovel-shaped green leaves that are harvested during the Summer and Fall. Some species of Epimedium also have green or purple flowers.

It was said that Epimedium Leaf got its nickname ‘Horny Goat Weed’ because in the past, a Chinese goat herder noticed that his flock of goats experienced heightened sexual activity after consuming this plant. This then led to the discovery of the plant’s aphrodisiac-like sexually stimulating properties.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Horny Goat Weed falls under the category of ‘Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency’. Such herbs are used for patterns of Deficiency to replenish the ‘Four Treasures’ (qi, yin, yang, blood). Warm in nature, the herb can help individuals who have too much Cold in their body, such as those experiencing a Yin Excess or a Yang Deficiency, to restore a healthy yin-yang balance. 

Pungent and sweet in taste, the herb can promote the circulations of qi and body fluids. Also, it can slow down acute reactions, detoxify the body and has a tonic effect on the body. In particular, Horny Goat Weed targets the Kidneys and the Liver.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows that Horny Goat Weed has the following health benefits.

Horny Goat Weed can tonify the Kidneys to relieve symptoms caused by a Deficiency of Kidney-yang. Examples of such symptoms include impotence, male sterility, female sterility caused by Cold in the womb, enuresis, frequent urination and dyspnea. 

Horny Goat Weed can strengthen tendons and bones by dispelling Wind-Dampness. This makes it a great herb for chronic arthralgia, weak tendons and bones caused by Liver, Kidney diseases or Wind-Damp arthralgia. Also, Horny Goat Weed can boost Lung-qi to assist in expectoration.

Some men consume Horny Goat Weed as they believe that it is a natural alternative to drugs for erectile dysfunction. Modern studies have found that Horny Goat Weed contains active components that can increase blood flow, improve sexual function, and act as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, similar to some drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction. Thus, Horny Goat Weed is a great treatment for sexless marriages.

Horny Goat Weed has plenty of benefits for women too. For example, this herb can be taken for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopausal symptoms. Examples of these symptoms include mood swings, fatigue, irritability, tender breasts, sleep problems like insomnia, vaginal dryness, low libido, anxiety, brain fog, hot flashes and night sweats.

Horny Goat Weed contains phytoestrogens, which are plant-based chemical compounds that have estrogen-like effects. As low estrogen levels in the body after menopause can cause bone loss, Horny Goat Weed may be able to help treat bone loss. Also, Horny Goat Weed may help to slow down the breakdown of cartilage in the joints that cause osteoarthritis. 

Horny goat weed has also been studied as a treatment for other conditions, like osteoporosis and hardening of the arteries. The results from studies conducted abroad show promise, however better clinical studies are still needed.

As Horny Goat Weed may have the ability to reduce blood cholesterol levels and oxidative stress levels, this herb may also protect the heart and maintain heart health. In addition, Horny Goat Weed may help to increase your stamina levels.

The recommended daily dosage of Horny Goat Weed is 5 – 15g. To treat impotence or sterility, you can stir-bake Horny Goat Weed with suet oil to enhance its actions in warming the Kidneys and tonifying yang.

The herb can also be decocted in water for oral consumption, macerated in wine for an infusion, simmered into a soft extract or mashed into a powder.

Dried Epimedium Leaves can be found at many Asian markets and specialty health food stores. Epimedium Leaves are also available in forms such as powder, extract, capsule or tea.

Horny Goat Weed should not be consumed by individuals with Yin Deficiency with Heat signs. This herb also should not be used for extended periods of time.

Some common side effects associated with the usage of Horny Goat Weed include dizziness, dry mouth, thirst, vomiting, nosebleed, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure and mood changes. High doses of Horny Goat Weed have been associated with spasms and respiratory failure as well.

Horny Goat Weed may interact with certain drugs, such as some blood thinners, aspirin, birth control pills, antidepressants, and medicine prescribed for high blood pressure. In particular, using Horny Goat Weed with nitroglycerin can be extremely dangerous, causing fatal consequences due to the potential for severe drops in blood pressure levels.

Individuals with bleeding disorders should avoid Horny Goat Weed as well. For individuals who have scheduled surgeries, do avoid this herb at least two weeks before surgeries to prevent unwanted consequences.

Here is a summary for Epimedium Leaf (Horny Goat Weed):

• Herb name (Chinese): 淫羊藿
• Herb name (Pin Yin): yín yáng huò
• Herb name (English): Epimedium Leaf
• Herb name (Botanical): Folium Epimedii
• Origin of species: Epimedium brevicornum Maxim.; Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim.; Epimedium pubescens Maxim.; Epimedium koreanum Nakai
• Part(s) of herb used: Leaf
• Geo-specific habitat(s): Shaanxi, Liaoning, Shanxi, Hubei, Sichuan
• Taste(s) & Properties: Pungent, sweet; Warm; Administrates the Kidney and Liver Meridians
• Actions: Relieves symptoms relating to erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation; Soothes chronic back pain and weak knees; Eases rheumatic pain and limb numbness

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