Epimedium – Arousing Your Health
Horny goat weed is the more common name of epimedium (also known as Japanese epimedium), and is an herb. Epimedium is a traditional Chinese remedy that consists of 60 herbal plants, although it’s also found in Europe and southern, eastern and central Asia. Used for several diseases but also to evoke sexual desire. Most of these herbal plants are native to China. However, you can adapt many of these plants to grow in gardens or containers. The leaves are used to make medicine. As many as 15 horny goat weed species are known as “yin yang huo” in Chinese medicine.
Legend has it that a Chinese goatherd noticed his goat’s frisky behavior after eating this herb. Increased sexual activity of the goat lead to closer examination of the herb and its aphrodisiacal properties were identified. This herb is often used in Chinese remedies.
Horny goat weed is used for weak back and knees, joint pain, osteoarthritis, mental and physical fatigue, memory loss, high blood pressure, heart disease, bronchitis, liver disease, Erectile dysfunction, Ejaculation problems, & other sexual problems, HIV/AIDS, polio, a blood disorder called chronic leucopenia, viral infections of the heart, bone loss after menopause, weak bones (osteoporosis), and as a tonic.
Epimedium is believed to arouse sexual activity, as it stimulates the sensory nerves and sexual desire. The remedy, also nicknamed horny goat weed, obtained its nickname from a Chinese proverb about a goat farmer who discovered the aphrodisiac properties of epimedium after eating the herb. According to MayoClinic.com, epimedium contains chemicals that could help to stimulate blood flow and sexual function, including sperm production. Consumed as tea or capsules, epimedium can also fight sexual performance problems like involuntary ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.
Epimedium is used to treat menopause in women often combined with Morinda. It is officially listed by the Chinese Academy of Medial Sciences as one of an elite group of herbs that slow down aging and promote longevity. Perhaps even more important have been the recent discoveries that Epimedium has powerful immune-modulating activity.
Epimedium may interact with other drugs and herbal remedies that lower blood pressure and slow blood clotting. If you already have low blood pressure and take medications to increase your blood pressure, avoid taking epimedium. Since epimedium can cause your blood pressure to drop, taking these herbs can potentially cause you to faint. Moreover, if you use this medicine while in combination with anticoagulant and anti-platelet drugs, you could cause bruising and bleeding instead of slowing down the blood-clotting process. According to the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, little is known about the safety or side effects of epimedium. However, use of the remedy for long periods of time or in high doses might be unsafe. Other possible side effects include vomiting, thirst, nosebleed, dizziness and a dry mouth. Additionally, consuming large quantities of these herbs could result in serious breathing problems. You should not consume epimedium during pregnancy, and it is unknown if it is safe to take when breast-feeding.
Category: HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS, HERBS
