Herbs & Botanicals
What is epimedium? What is it used for?
Epimedium is a large, leafy plant native to China which has been given
the humorous moniker of "horny goat weed" for its alleged sexual
potency. The plant has short, thin stems and large, shovel-shaped green
leaves that are harvested during the summer and fall.
Some species of
epimedium also contain green or purple flowers, but they all have the
same medicinal properties. The above-ground portions of the plant, including
the stems, are used in herbal remedies.
Epimedium is used for a variety of disorders. It is sometimes used alone
or with rehmannia to treat impotence and frequent urination, and as an
aphrodisiac. It is also used to treat arthralgia, rheumatic conditions,
back pain and muscle spasms. In traditional Chinese medicine, epimedium
is believed to tonify the kidney by strengthening kidney yang, dispelling
wind and eliminating dampness.
How much epimedium should I take?
Most practitioners recommend 6-12 grams of epimedium depending on the
condition being treated. The herb can be decocted in water for an oral
dose; ormacerated in wine for an infusion; simmered into a soft extract,
or mashed into a powder.
What forms of epimedium are available?
Dried epimedium leaves can be found at some Asian markets and specialty
health food stores. Epimedium powders and extracts are also available.
What can happen if I take too much epimedium?
Are there any interactions I should be aware of? What precautions should
I take?
Because epimedium has a "drying" effect in traditional Chinese
medicine, it should not be used in cases of hyperactivity of fire due
to yin deficiency, or by people who are otherwise yin-deficient. As of
this writing, there are no known drug interactions with epimedium. As
always, make sure to consult with a qualified health care practitioner
before taking epimedium or any other dietary supplement or herbal remedy.
References
- Dong X, et al. Effects of sichuan herb epimedium on
the concentration of plasma middle molecular substances and sulfhydryl
group of yang-deficiency [in Chinese.] Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih
Apr 1995;20(4):238-9, 254.
- Hiltunen R, et al. Isolation and immunomodulatory
effect of flavonol glycosides from epimedium hunanense. Planta Med
1997 Aug;63(4):316-9.
- Liao HJ, et al. Effects of epimedium sagittatum on
quality of life and cellular immunity in patients of hemodialysis maintenance
[in Chinese.] Chung Kuo Chung His I Chie Ho Tsa Chin Apr 1995;
15(4):202-4.
- Shen CC, et al. New prenylfiavones from leaves of
epimedium sagittatum. J Nat Prod Apr 1996;59(4):12-4.
- Wang J, et al. Effects of epimedium sagittatum on
soluble IL-2 receptor and IL-6 levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis
[in Chinese.] Chung Hua Nei Ko Tsa Chin Feb 1995;34(2):102-4.
