Description
Details
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 ChinApr 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.
Advice to consumers
Some individuals may have adverse reactions to certain plants, herbs, and other natural products.
Just because something is natural does not mean it is safe for everyone.
On any issue where no specific advice is given to consumers please follow this general advice if you are currently taking the product:
you are advised to discontinue use and consult your pharmacist or herbal medical doctor.
when speaking to your doctor of pharmacist you may find it helpful to take a copy of this MHRA advice about the product with you
you should continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor.
Additional
Additional
| Health Benefits | sexual recovery, depressed mood, depression, diabetes, enhance body condition, enhance physical fitness, enhanced renal physiology, fatigue recovery, improve diabetes symptoms, improve physical weakling, infirm body, lack of energy, menopause |
|---|---|
| Directions | Bring hot water to a rolling boil and immediately pour over your tea bag. Steep for a good 3 to 5 minutes. Tea bag teas are usually one per cup (8 oz) of tea, though you can always double-up when you want it stronger! |
| Product Package | Paper sealed bag, Pouch, Pyramid Teabags |
| Good herbal formulation | No |
| Storage Temperature | room temperature |
| Country of origin | Korea |
Reviews
Health
Horny Goat weed (epimedium) has been renowned in China for ages, as an aphrodisiac, a kidney yang restorative, and a liver tonic herb. Epimedium is combined with a synergistic blend of potent Chinese herbs, traditionally used to help support the health function of kidney, liver and heart, and to promote healthy levels of natural energy. The Chinese believe that the kidney stores the essential energy (ching), which they regard as supporting the vitality of life and sexual vitality. Stress and the hectic modern lifestyle are considered to diminish the ching, and Chinese herbalists often recommend periodic restorative yang tonics to both men and women. Regular tonification of kidney and liver was believed to contribute to good health and longevity. It also was considered to help promote the healthy function of the back, bladder and joints and to help maintain healthy normal memory. The traditional time-tested way to use these beneficial herbs was brewed as a tea.
How To
How to make a Hot Tea
Start with fresh, cold water. (The better the water quality, the better the tea will taste.) Place a tea bag in your favorite cup or mug. Bring water to a rolling boil and immediately pour over your tea bag. Steep for a good 3 to 5 minutes. (Great taste can't be rushed—it really does take the full time to release the tea's entire flavor.) Remove the tea bag, relax and enjoy! (Serve it “clear” or try it with milk and sugar.)
Here's a coldwater method for clear, cloudless iced tea:
Fill a quart pitcher or container with cold tap water. Cover. Let stand at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Add 4 to 6 tea bags or 1 Family Size tea bag (remove tags). After at least 6 hours (or overnight), remove tea bags, squeezing against side of container. When ready to serve, pour into ice-filled glasses. Makes 1 quart. Recipe may be doubled.
DISCLAIMER
Some individuals may have adverse reactions to certain plants, herbs, and other natural products.
On any issue where no specific advice is given to consumers please follow this general advice; if you are currently taking the product;
you are advised to discontinue use and consult your pharmacist or herbal medical doctor.
When speaking to your doctor or pharmacist you may find it is helpful to take a copy of this MHRA advice about the product with you.
You should continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Generally you boil 20g of tea/herb with 2L. of water. The ratio does not matter. However, it is recommended that you control the
saturation of the tea (how strong it is) depending on your personal
preference and body condition.
A: It depends on the tea/herb.
For leaves: boil for 15~20 min.
For hard fruits, roots, and stems: If you soak the tea/herb in water
for 1~2 hours before boiling, you can save time in boiling, and also
get a deeper flavor than without soaking.
A: Currently, what is listed on the site is what we mostly deal with in
retail stores. However, if there is a certain tea/herb that you wish to
get, you can send an email to info@leafnflower.com. or 844-344-0622.
Then, we may offer a price for obtaining the tea/herb, answer questions, and even offer purchase.
A: Yes, you can combine 5~10g of teas/herbs that you already have with Leafnflower.com's teas/herbs.
Although brewing one tea/herb is still good, combining 2~3 teas/herbs helps bring out
the remedial effects of the tea/herbs better than brewing just one tea/herb. However, most tea/herbs contain natural toxins,
and it is recommended that you boil 1~2 pieces of liquorice root along with the tea/herb to remove the toxin.
