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Andrographis Herb (Chuan Xin Lian) - Cut Form 1 lb. - Nuherbs
Herbal Information for Andrographis Herb in Cut Form
Let’s be honest—Horny Goat Weed has a name that makes people pause. But behind the attention-grabbing label lies a revered herb known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Yin Yang Huo, long used to reignite energy, sexual vitality, and physical strength.
Its story began with a goat herder noticing his flock acting extra frisky after eating a certain wild plant—Epimedium. Since then, the herb has earned a reputation as a natural yang tonic that doesn’t just benefit the bedroom—it helps strengthen bones, support joint health, improve circulation, and relieve fatigue.
Whether you’re seeking to increase libido, recover from burnout, or support your body through hormonal changes, Yin Yang Huo might be the herbal ally you didn’t know you needed.
Horny Goat Weed, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Yin Yang Huo, is a warming Kidney yang tonic that has been used for centuries to restore and sustain the body’s deep-rooted vitality. While its bold name might stir up images of libido-boosting magic—and yes, that’s one of its roles—this herb’s benefits go far beyond the bedroom.
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium spp.) is prized in TCM as a potent herb for replenishing Kidney Yang—the essential life force that governs sexual function, motivation, warmth, and lower body strength. As we age, or when we experience prolonged stress, illness, or hormonal imbalance, that yang energy can become depleted. The result? Fatigue, low libido, poor circulation, back pain, cold extremities, and joint stiffness—especially in the hips, knees, and lower back.
This is where Horny Goat Weed shines.
Its main bioactive compound, icariin, has been studied for its ability to support nitric oxide production (which improves blood flow), promote testosterone balance, and preserve bone density. That makes it a favorite not just among those looking to enhance sexual performance, but also among people managing age-related fatigue, bone weakness, or hormonal shifts.
Importantly, Horny Goat Weed is not just for men. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is equally valued in women’s health—especially during perimenopause and menopause—when Kidney Yang naturally begins to decline. Women turn to this herb to support libido, increase energy, ease lower back weakness, and maintain strong bones and joints as they age.
Whether you’re dealing with the effects of aging, hormonal imbalances, burnout, or simply feeling like your internal fire has dimmed, Horny Goat Weed offers a time-tested, holistic approach to restoring strength, stamina, and vitality—from the inside out.
Supports: Libido, energy, stamina, bone health, circulation, menopausal fatigue
TCM Name: Yin Yang Huo (淫羊藿)
TCM Uses: Tonifies Kidney yang, strengthens bones, dispels wind-damp
How to Use: Decoction, powder, capsules, or extract
Works Well With: Xian Mao, Du Zhong, Gou Qi Zi, Ba Ji Tian
Horny Goat Weed belongs to the class of herbs that tonify Kidney Yang, which is associated with sexual vitality, warmth, physical strength, and motivation.
TCM Actions:
Tonifies Kidney Yang: Boosts reproductive energy, warms the body
Strengthens bones and tendons: For lower back weakness, knee pain, and joint instability
Dispels wind-damp: Used for arthritis and cold-damp joint pain
Enhances circulation: Promotes warmth and blood flow to extremities
Meridians: Kidney, Liver
Taste: Pungent, sweet
Temperature: Warm
Benefit Area | Evidence |
---|---|
Libido & Erectile Function | Icariin increases nitric oxide production and enhances blood flow (PMID: 15833290) |
Hormone Support | May modulate testosterone and improve androgenic function (PMID: 24949034) |
Bone Health | Preserves bone mass and prevents osteoporosis in postmenopausal models (PMID: 29065398) |
Anti-Fatigue & Performance | Reduces oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial output (PMID: 25665685) |
Cognitive Function | Icariin shows neuroprotective properties (PMID: 29579709) |
1. Decoction (Traditional):
6–15g dried herb daily
Simmer for 30–40 minutes
Combine with warming herbs like cinnamon, Du Zhong, or Gou Qi Zi
2. Powder:
1–3g daily, mixed into warm water, oatmeal, or smoothies
Not recommended with cold foods (like iced drinks)
3. Extract/Capsules:
Standardized extracts typically contain 10–60% icariin
Follow label directions; 250–750mg is common daily range
Ingredients:
Horny Goat Weed (10g)
Du Zhong (6g)
Gou Qi Zi (8g)
Cinnamon bark (1 stick)
Instructions:
Simmer all ingredients in 3 cups of water for 30–40 minutes. Strain and drink 1–2 cups daily.
Benefits: Enhances sexual vitality, warms the Kidney, strengthens tendons, and improves circulation.
"I started using Horny Goat Weed after hitting a wall with my energy levels in my early 50s. Within two weeks, I noticed I wasn’t dragging through the afternoons anymore—and yes, it helped rekindle my libido too. I love that it’s a natural herb with such a long history in Chinese medicine. Highly recommend pairing it with Goji berries!" — Linda T., Oregon
After three weeks of using your Horny Goat Weed and Goji Berry tea, I noticed a big difference in my stamina and mood." —Rob M., New Mexico
Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but Horny Goat Weed has become a game-changer for me. My stamina is better, my joints feel less stiff, and I feel warmer and more active overall. I’ve been combining it with Du Zhong for my back and knees, and it’s been a huge help as I age. — Robert M., Texas
Factor | What to Look For |
---|---|
Form | Cut root, powder, or extract |
Icariin content | 10–60% (for libido) |
Sourcing | Ethically wildcrafted or cultivated |
Certifications | GMP, lab-tested, pesticide-free |
Whole Herb vs Extract | Extracts for fast effect, whole herb for long-term tonic use |
Horny Goat Weed is often marketed to men, but women also benefit—especially during:
Perimenopause or menopause (fatigue, low libido, bone thinning)
Cold-type menstrual cycles (feeling cold, tired, weak)
Sexual wellness support post-childbirth or post-hormonal birth control
For best results, pair with Gou Qi Zi (Goji), Dang Gui, or Shu Di Huang in warming formulas.
Herb | Primary Action | Strength | Best Pairings |
---|---|---|---|
Yin Yang Huo | Libido, Yang tonic | Strong | Xian Mao, Du Zhong, Gou Qi Zi |
Du Zhong | Lower back, bones | Moderate | Xu Duan, Sang Ji Sheng |
Xian Mao | Testosterone, stamina | Very Strong | Yin Yang Huo, Rou Cong Rong |
Gou Qi Zi | Blood/Yin support | Gentle | Dang Gui, Shu Di Huang |
Q: Does Horny Goat Weed really work?
A: Yes. Icariin—the active compound—has shown benefits for libido, blood flow, energy, and bone support in modern studies.
Q: What does it taste like?
A: Slightly bitter and earthy. Some say it resembles green tea with a spicy edge. Add cinnamon or goji berries for better flavor.
Q: Can women take it?
A: Absolutely. Women use it to boost libido, warmth, energy, and bone health—especially during hormonal shifts.
Q: How long until I feel results?
A: Libido effects may appear in 1–2 weeks; deeper energy and bone effects can take 3–6 weeks of consistent use.
Q: Are there side effects?
A: In high doses or with “hot” constitutions, you may experience:
Insomnia
Dry mouth
Irritability
Night sweats
Lower your dose or balance with yin-tonics if needed.
Supplement | Origin / Tradition | Key Benefits | Best For | Drawbacks / Cautions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Horny Goat Weed (Yin Yang Huo) | Traditional Chinese Medicine | Boosts libido, Kidney Yang, circulation, bone strength, reduces fatigue | Men & women with low libido, cold-type fatigue, joint stiffness | May cause overstimulation in excess; avoid during heat signs |
Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii) | Peruvian / Andean Herbalism | Supports hormonal balance, fertility, endurance, mood | Men & women during hormonal shifts or athletic stress | Does not directly increase testosterone; effects are more adaptogenic |
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) | Southeast Asian Medicine | Testosterone booster, muscle mass, libido, stress reduction | Men seeking stronger libido/testosterone effects | May cause agitation or irritability in high doses |
Tribulus Terrestris | Ayurvedic / Western Herbalism | Libido support, mild testosterone boost, physical stamina | Men with mild ED or gym performance needs | Mixed clinical evidence; may raise DHT levels in some |
Horny Goat Weed is best when yang deficiency symptoms (cold limbs, low energy, low sex drive) are present—especially when combined with TCM herbs like Du Zhong or Gou Qi Zi.
Maca is more adaptogenic—balancing stress and endurance, not necessarily increasing hormones directly.
Tongkat Ali is the strongest testosterone-enhancer, better for men with confirmed low testosterone.
Tribulus is milder but useful for gym-goers or those with mild sexual performance concerns.
Avoid during pregnancy or with known hormone-sensitive conditions
May interact with blood pressure meds, ED drugs, or stimulants
Not for people with heat signs (red face, irritability, dry mouth)
Use with caution if prone to insomnia
Our Horny Goat Weed is ethically sourced, lab-tested, and available in multiple forms: cut root, powder, or extract.
✅ Organic
✅ Standardized
✅ Potency verified
Shop Horny Goat Weed at 1st Chinese Herbs see all forms below
Horny Goat Weed’s true strength lies in its remarkable versatility. It’s not just a single-purpose herb for enhancing libido—it’s a comprehensive tonic that helps your body bounce back from depletion, stress, and fatigue. Whether you’re recovering from burnout, navigating hormonal transitions, managing age-related changes, or simply seeking to rekindle that inner spark, this warming yang herb offers a grounded and time-honored approach to revitalization.
By nourishing Kidney Yang, Horny Goat Weed supports the foundation of your body’s energy system—improving not only sexual function and physical stamina but also promoting circulation, bone resilience, and emotional drive. It’s a particularly valuable ally during times of weakness, coldness, or diminished motivation.
When used appropriately—with respect for its potency and attention to individual balance—Horny Goat Weed can be both gentle and profoundly effective. It’s an herb that adapts to your needs and responds to your constitution. Whether taken alone or as part of a customized tonic formula, Yin Yang Huo earns its place as a trusted essential in any herbal wellness toolkit—empowering your body to age with energy, recover with strength, and live with renewed vitality.
References:
Icariin enhances eNOS/NO pathway – a key mechanism for improved circulation and erectile function, similar to PDE-5 inhibitors pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.goven.wikipedia.org+10pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+10cdnsciencepub.com+10.
Icariin’s molecular structure and action are linked to cardiovascular and neurological benefits through NO-mediated pathways .
Improves sexual desire in men after 8 weeks, independent of testosterone pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15.
Helps with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in women, with better libido outcomes at higher doses (2–3 g/day) pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1.
Meta‑analysis shows significant testosterone increases in both healthy and hypogonadal men pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15.
Improves erectile function and testosterone in middle-aged men, especially when combined with exercise en.wikipedia.org.
Reduces stress and restores free testosterone in moderately stressed adults verywellhealth.com.
Mixed evidence for testosterone and erectile function—some trials show benefit, though systematic reviews suggest limited overall effect .
Improved sexual desire in postmenopausal women, including raised free testosterone pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15.
Supplement | Key Findings Summary |
---|---|
Horny Goat Weed | Enhances endothelial NO via eNOS phosphorylation. Supports circulation, bone health, sexual function. |
Maca Root | Boosts sexual desire in men/women (SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction), without hormonal side effects. |
Tongkat Ali | Increases testosterone, reduces stress, boosts erectile function in hypogonadal men. |
Tribulus Terrestris | Mixed results: mild benefit in libido/performance; better effects in women; limited testosterone impact. |
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