- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia
- Other names
- Geile geitenwiet
Asia · Herb · № 585
Epimedium grandiflorum
Herb · Asia
Horny goat weed
Epimedium grandiflorum
Traditionally attributed effects: aphrodisiac, diuretic, tonic; increases libido, helps with erectile problems and fertility, strengthens the bladder sphincter and kidney function.
Safety notes
Not with benign prostate enlargement. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Western herbalism: Not with benign prostate enlargement.
- Chinese materia medica: Not with yin deficiency with heat; not for long periods. Can cause dizziness, dry mouth and nosebleed.
Preparation
Tea: 1–2 tsp per cup, 10–12 min, 1–2 cups a day; tincture 5–30 drops 1–3 times a day.
Use in traditions
Described in Western herbal medicine. In China the herb is called yin yang huo, 'lustful goat herb', because a herdsman noticed that billy goats became eager to mate after eating it. It is used as a tonic for kidney yang, for impotence and weak bones; it contains icariin.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Aphrodisiac, diuretic, tonic; increases libido, helps with erectile problems and fertility, strengthens the bladder sphincter and kidney function.
Preparation and amount
Tea: 1–2 tsp per cup, 10–12 min, 1–2 cups a day; tincture 5–30 drops 1–3 times a day.
Caution: Not with benign prostate enlargement.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- sweet, pungent, warm
- Meridians
- kidney, liver
Attributed effects
Yin yang huo strengthens the kidney yang in impotence, frequent urination and a cold, painful lower back, expels wind, cold and dampness in joint pain and numbness, and is used in chronic bronchitis.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 6–12 g a day, usually in a decoction.
Combinations
- With ba ji tian and xian mao in er xian tang for hot flushes
Caution: Not with yin deficiency with heat; not for long periods. Can cause dizziness, dry mouth and nosebleed.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionTincture
- Formulas
- Er xian tang