Epimedium Grandiflorum (Horny Goat Weed)

1 Gram of Dried herb

This is cut and sifted herb. We also have powdered herb for sale.

Epimedium Grandiflorum is also known as Yin Yen Ho, Bishop’s hat or with the common name of Horny Goat Weed. It is a hardy perennial plant with large, delicate, creamy white to dark pink flowers. The flowers have the shape of a bishop’s mitra, hence the name Bishop’s hat. Endemic to China and the Mediterranean, Horny goat weed is one of sixty species belonging to the Berberidaceae family.

Folklore: Epimedium Grandiflorum earned the name of Horny White Goat or Horny Goat weed from an ancient Chinese tale. According to Chinese folklore, a sheep’s herder noticed an increase in sexual activity of his goat’s herd after ingesting the weeds.

Medicinal use: Epimedium Grandiflorum has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as an aphrodisiac. The tea made with Horny goat weed leaves is credited to relieve both male and female sexual dysfunction. According to Western medical studies, Horny Goat Weed seems to increase levels of nitric oxide in the blood. Nitric oxide helps muscles to relax leading more blood flow to the penis and the clitoris. Horn goat weed also appears to inhibit PDE enzymes similarly to prescription erectile dysfunction drugs. Although many studies have been conducted, there is not enough clinical information to recommend Horny Goat weed for erectile dysfunction. Horny Goat weed has shown to restore low levels of both testosterone and thyroid hormones, therefore slowing down osteoporosis and bone degeneration. The active ingredient in Epimedium is Icariin, which in studies conducted in 2005 by “Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior” showed that Icariin demonstrated potent antidepressant-like properties. In Traditional Chinese medicine, Horny Goat weed is combined with other herbs to treat symptoms of menopause, asthma, bronchitis, cervical dysplasia, and congestive heart failure. The Chinese Academy of Medical science lists the herb as a leading medicine to control aging and promote longevity.

Uses: Horny goat weed is commonly found as a tea, or in capsules.

Side effects: Excessive use of Epimedium Grandiflorum can cause rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure. Studies conducted on animals have also shown that high doses of Icariin may be toxic to the Kidney.