Epimedium aka Horny Goat Weed

Archived from 5elements4animals.com
originally posted on Jan 7, 2011

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Epimedium = Yin Ying Huo aka ( Horny goat weed/rowdy lamb herb/Bishop's Hat/Fairy wings) is a herbaceous flowing plant common in Southern China. Legend has it, the origin of the common name is because a goat herder noticed increase sexual activity in his herd after they grazed on the plant. It has been used extensively in Asia as an aphrodisiac and is called the" herbal viagra". The compound icariin has been isolated from epidmedium which has shown to increase blood pressure, increase levels of nitric oxide and increase testosterone levels. Icariin also has antioxidant properties and increases osteoblast activity so future therapeutic uses may include treatments for osteoporosis.

It is a common ingredient in Chinese herbal formulas for Kidney yin and kidney yang deficiencies ie, infertility, lower back pain, arthritis and geriatric conditions.

Epimedium is also a popular garden plant used for ground cover in shady damp areas. It has young leaves are tinted in copper and red and it flowers profusely in spring.

insert is from the book "Chinese Herbal Medicine" by Daniel P. Reid