Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed)
Epimedium brevicornum / sagittatum
淫羊藿
Pinyin: Yín Yáng Huò
Plant Family
Berberidaceae
Part Used
Aerial parts (leaves and stems)
Origin
Shaanxi, Sichuan, Hubei provinces of China, Korea, Japan
Safety Level
Caution
Overview
Epimedium is a perennial ground cover plant with heart-shaped leaves and small yellow flowers. It is one of the most famous and controversial Chinese herbs, known in the West as "horny goat weed." The Chinese name Yin Yang Huo literally means "licentious goat weed," named for the observation that goats grazing on the plant showed increased sexual activity. Icariin is the primary active compound.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
warm
Flavors (五味)
acrid / pungent, sweet
Meridians (归经)
kidney, liver
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Tonifies kidney yang and strengthens bones
- Dispels wind-damp (bi syndrome)
- Impotence, low libido, and male infertility
- Frequent urination and incontinence
- Lower back pain and weakness of legs
- Rheumatic pain with coldness
- Menopausal symptoms (when combined with yin tonics)
- Amenorrhea and infertility (women)
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used in decoctions, tinctures, capsules, tablets, and as an extract. Very popular in the West as a "natural Viagra" type supplement, although the effects are much milder than pharmaceutical drugs. Standardized extracts are common.
Suggested Dosage
Decoction: 6-15g daily. Standardized extract: 250-1000mg daily (standardized to icariin content, typically 5-20%). Capsules: 500-1500mg daily. Tincture: 2-5ml 2-3 times daily.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Summer and autumn, when leaves are fully grown. Aerial parts are harvested and dried in the shade.
Quality Indicators
Yellowish-green leaves with visible veins. Standardized extracts should list icariin content (5-60%). Higher icariin = more potent but also more potential side effects. The species Epimedium brevicornum is considered the best quality in TCM.
Storage
Store dried herb in airtight container in cool, dark place. Shelf life: 1-2 years. Extracts: follow manufacturer directions.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Kidney yin deficiency with heat signs (too warming and drying)High blood pressure (may lower BP - monitor)Heart disease or arrhythmiaHormone-sensitive cancers (estrogenic/testosterogenic effects)Bipolar disorder or mania (may worsen)Pregnancy and breastfeedingChildren and adolescentsLow blood pressure (hypotension)Bleeding disorders or upcoming surgery
Possible Side Effects
- Generally safe for short-term use at recommended doses
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea and vomiting (high doses)
- Nosebleed (rare)
- Insomnia or restlessness (in sensitive individuals)
- Rapid heart rate (in high doses or sensitive individuals)
- Long-term safety not well established - limit to 3-6 months
Drug Interactions
- Blood pressure medications (may enhance lowering)
- Nitrates (nitroglycerin) - may cause severe hypotension (similar to sildenafil interaction)
- ED medications (sildenafil, tadalafil - additive effect)
- Anticoagulants / blood thinners (increased bleeding risk)
- Hormone therapies (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
- Immunosuppressants (may stimulate immune function)
- Blood thinners
- Important: Significant interaction potential - use with caution!
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
Related Herbs
Eucommia Bark
Eucommia ulmoides
Eucommia is a deciduous tree native to central China, and the only member of its family. The bark is distinguished by the white, rubbery filaments that stretch between broken pieces. It is a primary kidney and bone tonic in Chinese medicine. Eucommia is also known as the "hardy rubber tree" because its sap contains natural rubber.
Dodder Seed
Cuscuta chinensis / australis
Dodder is a parasitic vine that wraps around other plants and absorbs nutrients from them. The small seeds are an important kidney and essence tonic in Chinese medicine. Despite being a parasite that harms its host plant, dodder seed has a nourishing, tonifying effect on the human body. It is classified as a superior herb in the Shennong Bencao Jing.
Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong)
Cistanche deserticola
Cistanche is a parasitic plant that grows on the roots of desert shrubs (saxaul trees) in the arid deserts of northwest China. The thick, fleshy stems are dug in spring before they emerge from the ground. Known as "desert ginseng," it is a primary yang tonic in Chinese medicine, valued for its ability to tonify kidney yang without being too warming or drying.
Morinda Root (Ba Ji Tian)
Morinda officinalis
Morinda officinalis is a climbing vine with small white flowers and fleshy, tuberous roots. It is one of the four major kidney yang tonics in Chinese medicine (along with cistanche, epimedium, and eucommia). The roots are typically steamed with licorice or salt water to enhance their medicinal properties. Morinda is known for being a relatively gentle yang tonic suitable for long-term use.