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Knowledge baseHerbs

Yin Yang Huo淫羊藿

Herba EpimediiEpimedium

Also known asHorny Goat Weed Leaf

Category
Herbs that tonify Yang
Nature
warm
Taste
pungent, sweet
Channels entered
Kidney, Liver
Dosage
3–15 g

Usual doses

Dosage
3–15 g
Tincture
2–4 ml

Actions & indications

Tonifies the Kidneys, strengthens Yang and increases the libido
Kidney Yang Deficiency with impotence, infertility, urinary frequency, forgetfulness, withdrawal and painful, Cold lower back and knees
Dispels Wind-Cold-Dampness and warms and unblocks the flow of Yang Qi (strengthens the sinews and bones)
  • Wind-Cold-Damp Bi with spasms, or cramps in the hands and feet, joint pain and numbness in the extremities
  • Contractures, numbness or hemiplegia following Wind-Stroke

Contraindications

  • Contraindicated in Yin Deficiency with signs of Heat.
  • Contraindicated in Yin Deficiency with spermatorrhea or persistent erections.
  • Contraindicated where signs of Dryness are present.
  • Avoid prolonged use, as it can damage the Yin and cause dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth, thirst and epistaxis.

Combinations

Notes

  • Potent and fast-acting, its effects appear soon after administration.
  • Commonly combined with Rz. Curculiginis Xian Mao.
  • It relieves inflammation.
  • It serves as a key ingredient for treating menopausal hypertension.
  • It counteracts prednisone's immunosuppressive effects.
  • It is useful for sports injuries involving spasms or fractures.
  • Its edges are highly toxic and are therefore trimmed away.
  • Some sources credit it with resolving Phlegm and stopping wheezing.
  • It can be used as a topical wash for genital sores. For chronic numbness and pain in the limbs, the herb is soaked in grain liquor for at least four months, and a small amount of the resulting tincture is taken daily.
  • It has been a key component of many longevity formulas throughout China's history.
  • It tonifies the Du and Yin Qiao channels.
  • It is known to aid memory and address confusion in old age and forgetfulness in middle age.
  • Some sources hold that it tonifies both Yin and Yang and restrains Ascendant Liver Yang, treating Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency with Liver Yang Rising.
  • Yin Yang Huo, Rz. Curculiginis Xian Mao and Rx. Morindae Ba Ji Tian all reinforce Kidney Yang, strengthen the sinews and bones, and expel Wind-Dampness. Xian Mao, the hottest and most acrid of the three, strongly expels Cold-Dampness, though its mild toxicity limits it to short-term use. Ba Ji Tian is acrid, sweet and only mildly warming, with a soft, moistening quality that tonifies Yang without excessive dryness or cloying, and it also augments Jing. Yin Yang Huo is warmer still, more markedly strengthening Ming Men Fire while powerfully dispersing Wind-Dampness and unblocking Bi.
  • Dry-fried Epimedium, Chao Yin Yang Huo, has an enhanced capacity to tonify Yang and expel Wind-Dampness.
  • Wine-fried Epimedium, Jiu Chao Yin Yang Huo, has an enhanced capacity to expel Wind-Dampness.
  • Prepared Epimedium, Zhi Yin Yang Huo, has an enhanced capacity to warm Kidney Yang without injuring the Yin.

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