Products Featuring This Herb:
Super Yang Jing Drops
Women's Jing
Imperial Garden
Endocrine Health

More Information:

Other Common Names
Goat Sex Herb and The Herb for the Man Who Likes Sex Too Much, Like a Goat

Page Number In Radiant Health
162

Pharmaceutical Latin
Herba Epimedii

Pinyin
Yin Yang Huo

Treasures
Yang Jing and Qi

Treasure Rating
****

Atmospheric Energy
Warm

Taste
Acrid and Sweet

Organ Meridian Systems
Kidney and Liver

Part Used and Form
The leaves

Primary Functions
To tonify the Kidney, strengthen Yang, eliminate dampness, dispel wind and fortify the defenses

Qualities
Epimedium is a very powerful yang tonic herb. It's power as a yang tonic ranks almost with the animal yang tonics like Gecko, Male Silkworm Moth, Sea Horse, Sea Dragon and Deer Antler. This is very unusual for a plant. Its name can literally be translated, revealingly, as "the herb for the man that likes sex too much, like a goat," or more simply "goat sex herb." In general this is what Epimedium is famous for and the most common purpose for using it. It is worth noting that women often take this herb as well to increase their sexual drive, but usually in smaller quantities than men and combined with women's herbs, which are usually more yin. I have seen it used in a number of women's fertility formulas in China. However, Epimedium has been shown to have no estrogen-like activity.

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.

But the sexual strengthening effects of Epimedium are only the beginning. This remarkable herb has been found to have significant ability to lower high blood pressure, without reducing it below normal if used by people with normal blood pressure. It does not influence the blood pressure of people with low blood pressure unless combined with red ginseng, in which case blood pressure can be elevated. In China, Epimedium is combined with Curculiginus and Morinda to treat climacteric hypertension.

Perhaps even more important has been the recent discoveries that Epimedium is a powerful immune enhancing agent. Many recent studies have confirmed that Epimedium has powerful immune modulating activity which can support the immune functions of healthy and significantly immune enhance the immune systems of immune-compromised individuals. Recent confirmed studies have shown that Epimedium has significant anti-HIV activity. Epimedium is officially listed in China as an herb that can help prevent the growth of cancer and has been listed by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences as one of an elite group of herbs that slow down aging and promote longevity.

What a remarkable herb! Relaxing, yet sexually invigorating. Not only safe, but an incredible health aid for people concerned about their cardiovascular and immune systems. The only drawback to Epimedium is that it is drying, so it should be used very carefully by those who are too dry or who are otherwise significantly yin deficient. First, build up yin. If you are only slightly yin deficient or wish to protect your yin, it may be taken with yin herbs. People who are in good health may use Epimedium safely and regularly to enhance sexual power and to build their immune systems. HIV-infected individuals or other people with weakened immune systems may use Epimedium regularly as long as they are getting a full spectrum of Yin tonics, Qi tonics and Blood tonics.

Epimedium is also beneficial for anyone suffering from Kidney deficiency with symptoms like lower back pain, weak or painful knees, dizziness, forgetfulness, frequent urination, irregular menstruation, etc. It will also be found in formulas designed to aid in the recovery from sports injuries (fractures, tears, spasms), combined with other yang tonics like Drynaria, blood tonics like Tang Kuei and with blood vitalizing herbs.

Preparation and Utilization
An excellent and simple formula that one can make at home is to combine Epimedium with Schizandra and Lycium, with several leaves of Epimedium being combined with an ounce each of the other two herbs. Simmer this in a quart of water until half is boiled away (as described in the section on Schizandra, add the Schizandra for only the final 20 minutes of cooking). This will strengthen the body by building both the Yin and Yang of the Kidneys and Liver. Those who are Yin deficient may double the Schizandra and Lycium (or reduce the amount of Epimedium to one half) and add other Yin nourishing herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum, Dendrobium, steamed Rehmannia, Tang Kuei, Glehnia, Asparagus root, Ophiopogon and/or American Ginseng, etc. Such a brew, if most of these herbs were used, would be superb for those who are experiencing deep exhaustion. Those who want more yang action may add herbs like Eucommia, Cistanches, Cynomorium, Psoralea, Cordyceps, Cnidium, Sea Horse, etc. If blood pressure is a problem, increase the amount of Eucommia.

Primary Combinations
Epimedium is always combined with other herbs. Combine with:

1. Deer Antler, Morinda, Ginseng Cynomorium, Cistanche and Cuscuta to tonify Kidney yang and promote sexual energy
2. Rehmannia (steamed) and Curculigo rhizome for impotence
3. Eucommia bark and Cinnamon twigs to relieve low back pain due to an invasion of wind-cold-damp.

Varieties and Grading
There are a number of varieties of Epimedium. Fundamentally, most are equally effective. However, each species will come in several grades, depending on its growing conditions. The better grades are prepared with much more care and will cost a little more. Epimedium is not a very expensive herb, so it is better to get the best you can get. High quality Epimedium will always be trimmed. There are little prickly points at the edge of the leaves and these are considered to be slightly toxic. So better quality Epimedium will have the edges trimmed off. If you buy some Epimedium that still has the little points, you can cut them off yourself, but the herb will probably be of lower quality. Excellent quality Epimedium will traditionally tied into bundles a couple of inches thick, and this is the way you should purchase it.

Preparations of Epimedium have a marked inhibitory effect against the polio virus and Staphylococcus aureus.

Contraindications
Not to be used by men with hyperactive sexual drive. Not to be used over a long period of time by people who are yin deficient and suffer from dryness.