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 Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs
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 rectal 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.
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