Name: Epimedium
Latin Name: Epimedium Grandiflorum
Pin Yin: Yin Yang Huo
Location: Asia and the Mediterranean region

Overview: Epimedium herb or, as it is known throughout the herbal marketplace "Horny Goat Weed" is a small ground bearing shrub with broad heart shaped leaves that resemble ground ivy. Commonly found in Asian medical communities and street side markets, it is often referred as a "Yang Tonic" producing a warm almost euphoric effect on the body. Not much study has been documented and because of recent popularity we can expect more investigation and coverage of this unique botanical. Epimedium is commonly used as an aphrodisiac and assists in relieving sexual dysfunction in both men and women.

History: The use of epimedium as a medicinal herb dates back to at least 400 A.D., where it has been used as a tonic for the reproductive system (boosting libido and treating impotence) and as a rejuvenating tonic (to relieve fatigue). Epimedium is thought to work via modulation of cortisol levels (the primary stress hormone). Under conditions of high stress, the increased cortisol levels are known to cause fatigue and depress sex drive - so bringing cortisol levels back into normal ranges is also thought to help restore normal metabolism, energy levels and libido.

Primary Uses:

• For impotence
• For white patches of vagina
• For neurasthenia
• For coronary disease
• For viral infections of the heart muscle
• For chronic bronchial infection and asthma
• For treating the decrease of white cells
• For treating inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord

Parts Used: Leaves Only

Safety: Contraindicated in patients with fire from yin deficiency. This herb should not be taken as a decoction, over prolonged periods. This herb can damage the yin. In some people, ingesting it can lead to dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth, thirst, and nose bleeding.

Supporting Research:

• As a kidney yang tonic, Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed) offers effective support in conditions that result from kidney yang deficiency, such as impotence and chronic prostatitis in males, and irregular menses,infertility and menopause in females. Epimedium(Horny Goat Weed,Icariin) ’s glycosides help to tonify and regulate both androgenic and estrogenic reproductive functions. The herb has been found to have aphrodisiac properties in males, increasing the production of sperm, filling the testes, thereby stimulating the sensing nerves,and indirectly promoting sexual desire.¹
• This herb has been extensively studied in both the laboratory and in clinics in modern China, Korea and Japan. It has been clearly shown that Epimedium does increase sexual activity in animals and humans. It stimulates the sensory nerves throughout the body, and in particular in the genital region. Epimedium also increases sperm production in men. It has been shown to have a moderate androgen-like influence on the testes, prostate gland and anal muscles, which will influence sexual desire and activity.²

¹Michael Derrida, “Best Horny Goat Weed Extracts standardized to icariin — Sexual Enhancement materi”, September 25, 2003.

²http://www.qualitychineseherbs.com/herbal_ingredients/epimedium.htm, Quality Chinese Herbs.