BIOComplete Organic Epimedium Powder

Available in 1.5 and 3 oz. glass jar

Also known as:  Epimedium grandiflorum. horny goat weed, xian ling pi, and yin yang huo.

Introduction: Epimedium is an ivy-like ground shrub of the higher and drier areas of China and Tibet. It is in the same plant family as Barberry and Oregon Grape, and Its first recorded use is circa 200 B.C.E. in China. The name of the herb in Mandarin, yin yang huo, roughly corresponds to "weed for licentious goat." Legend has it that a goat herder discovered the properties of epimedium by observing his billy goats' uncontrollable sexual appetites after they grazed on the herb. In Traditional Chinese Medicine epimedium is used to increase the Yang (outwardly directed energies) when there is not a deficiency of Yin (containing energies). For instance, it would be used to enhance male sexual performance, but not in a man taking a diuretic, such as Lasix (furosemide). It has traditionally been regarded as acrid and sweet tasting, but then warming, and it has been historically used according to Chinese Medicine to benefit the kidneys, bones, tendons, muscles, mental fatigue and poor memory.

Constituents: Fats, saponins, and essential oil, with trace amounts of epimedins, epimedosides, icariin, magnflorin, and quercetin.

Parts Used:  The dried leaf.

Typical Preparations:  Teas, tinctures, encapsulations of the leaf or powder.

Summary: Modern Chinese herbal medicine uses epimedium (usually in combination with other herbs) not just to treat impotence, but also for asthma, bronchitis cervical dysplasia, congestive heart failure, leukorrhea, leukopenia, and viral infections of the heart. Exactly how the herb works is not known, but laboratory studies with animals suggest that it increases production of the pleasure chemical dopamine and decreases production of the stress hormone cortisol. The effects on male sexual performance are most closely tied to the chemical icariin, but the whole herb rather than a product standardized for icariin alone is needed for best effect. The herb also contains some of the same chemicals found in various "corti-slim" products.

Precautions:   Not recommended for long term use.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

For educational purposes only.