Epimedium, Yin Yang Huo 淫羊藿

'Horny Goat Weed', Epimedium
Yin Yang Huo (TCM)
Epimedium sagittatum
(Photo by Qwert1234) (Wikimedia)

Epimedium koreanum
Photos by Dalgial

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Botanical name:
Epimedium spp.
Several species are used:
  1. E. brevicornum
  2. E. sagittatum
  3. E. pubescens
  4. E. koreanum
  5. E. wushanensis
There are several species in the West which may have similar properties including the above-pictured E. alpinum.

Parts used:
Herb

Temperature & Taste:
Warm, dry. Pungent, Sweet

Classifications:
N. Yang Tonic

Uses:
1. Strengthen Kidneys, Tonifies Yang:
-Impotence, Infertility

2. Clears Wind-Cold-Damp, Opens Obstructions:
-painful obstruction of the muscles or joints


Dose:
Powder: 500mg–2 grams

Preparation:
... available in PRO version

Comment:
... available in PRO version

Main Combinations:
1. Impotence:
i. Epimedium Yin Yang Huo with ... available in PRO version
ii. Epimedium Yin Yang Huo with ... available in PRO version
iii. Epimedium Yin Yang Huo with ... available in PRO version
iv. Epimedium Yin Yang Huo with ... available in PRO version
2. Chronic lower back pain from Kidney weakness:
i. Osteoarthritis and lower back pain, Epimedium Yin Yang Huo with ... available in PRO version
ii. Kidney weakness with Impotence, Lower Back Pain, Epimedium Yin Yang Huo with ... available in PRO version
3. Menopause, Epimedium Yin Yang Huo with ... available in PRO version
4. Paralysis and painful obstruction of the extremities, Epimedium Yin Yang Huo with ... available in PRO version

Major Formulas:
Er Xian Tang
Wen Yang Bu Gan Jian
Zhuang Gu Guan Jie Wan

Cautions:
1. Fire from Yin deficiency
2. Should not be used in full doses over a long period of time
3. Side effects may include dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, nose-bleeding and abdominal distention

Main Preparations used:

Of European Barrenwort (E. alpinium and others):

Paulus Aegineta, 7th Century

'Epimedium, Barrenwort: its powers are moderately refrigerant, with a watery humidity. When applied in the form of a Cataplasm it preserves the Breasts in a right state. It is also said to prevent conception when taken in a draught'. (The Seven Books of Paulus Aeginata, 1847)

Botanologia, Salmon, 1710:

'... appropriated to the Joints.
'... Parkinson says, it is without any special property, more than to keep Womens Breasts from growing over great.

'The Virtues.
IX. The Juice. Whether it is taken out of the Roots or Leaves, it is good to cool Inflammations, and is profitable to bath with in an Erysipelas.
X. The Powder. It may be made of the Roots or Leaves, for of either the Virtue is the same, tho if made of the Root it is thought to be stronger; Parkinson says it is reported, that being taken inwardly for some time, it makes Women Barren: from whence possibly the Name
might come.
XI. The Cataplasm. The Leaves made into a Poultice, by beating them up with Oil, and applied to Womens Breasts, keeps them from growing great; and is good to discusses a slight Contusion.'

The Family Herbal, John Hill, 1812:

'The people in the north give milk in which the roots have been boiled, to the females of the domestic animals when they are running after the males, and they say it has the certain effect of stopping the natural emotions. Plain sense leads these sort of people to many things. They have from this been taught to give it to young women of robust habits, subject to violent hysteric complaints, and I am assured with great success; they give the decoction of the root made strong and sweetened. 'Twas a coarse allusion that led them to the practice, but it succeeds in cases that foil all the parade of common practice. It is said that, if they take it in too large quantity, it renders them stupid for some hours, but no ill consequence has attended this'.