Herbal Information on Horny Goat Weed in Bulk Powder Form
Epimedium, widely known as "Yin Yang Huo" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a group of flowering plants more commonly called horny goat weed. This name, "Yin Yang Huo," which translates to "horny goat weed" in Chinese, reflects the herb's reputed aphrodisiac properties.
Native to China and also found in other parts of Asia and the Mediterranean, Epimedium species are admired for their attractive flowers and distinctive leaf shapes. They serve both decorative purposes and medicinal uses in herbal practices.
In TCM, Epimedium is celebrated for its ability to alleviate fatigue and enhance sexual health. It is believed to fortify the kidneys and boost "yang," which represents the body's active and dynamic energy. The herb is frequently used to address sexual dysfunctions like impotence and reduced libido. Moreover, it is thought to ease menopausal symptoms and strengthen both bones and muscles.
The efficacy of Epimedium is attributed to its active ingredients, including icariin, which are believed to enhance blood flow and sexual function.
What Is Icariin?
The main active ingredient in Epimedium, commonly known as horny goat weed, is icariin. Icariin is a flavonoid compound that offers several potential health benefits:
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Enhancement of Sexual Function: Icariin is believed to improve sexual function primarily by increasing nitric oxide levels in the blood, which helps relax smooth muscle and increase blood flow to the genital areas. This mechanism can enhance erectile function in men and increase genital sensitivity in women.
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Bone Health: Research suggests that icariin may help promote bone health by stimulating osteoblast activity, which are cells involved in the formation of bone. This makes it a potential therapeutic agent for conditions like osteoporosis.
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Neuroprotective Effects: Icariin has shown potential in protecting the nervous system. It may help improve cognitive function and combat neurodegenerative diseases by reducing oxidative stress and suppressing inflammatory responses in the brain.
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Cardiovascular Health: The compound might also benefit heart health by reducing arterial stiffness and improving blood flow, which can help prevent conditions like hypertension and heart disease.
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Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties: Icariin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce oxidative damage in cells and tissues, which can prevent chronic diseases and support overall health.
While icariin is the most studied active ingredient in Epimedium, other compounds such as epimedins A, B, and C also contribute to its therapeutic effects. These compounds are less well-studied but are believed to work synergistically with icariin to provide health benefits.
Common Name: Horny Goat Weed
Botanical Name: Epimedium koreanum herb
Channels/Meridians: Kidney, Liver
Pin Yin Name: Yin Yang Huo
Other Names: Epimedium
Other Ingredients: None
Package Size: 500 grams (1.1 pounds)
Form: Powder, 80 - 100 mesh size
Dosage: Consult your healthcare professional for correct dosage.
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.
Naturally Occurring Components: fat, saponins, essential oil
How To Use Horny Goat Weed Powder.
Horny goat weed, available in powder form, can be incorporated into your health routine in several ways. Here’s a guide on how to use horny goat weed powder effectively:
1. Dosage and Preparation
- Determine the Dosage: Start with a lower dose to see how your body reacts.
- Mix with Liquids: The powder can be mixed into warm water, tea, or a smoothie. It dissolves relatively well and can be consumed once or twice a day, depending on your dosage requirement.
2. Brew as Tea
- Tea Preparation: You can also use the powder to brew tea. Mix a teaspoon of horny goat weed powder in a cup of hot water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain if necessary and drink.
- Flavor Enhancement: The taste might be bitter or earthy, so consider adding honey, lemon, or ginger to make it more palatable.
3. Incorporate into Food
- Add to Foods: Some people incorporate the powder into energy bars, oatmeal, or yogurt to mask the flavor and make daily consumption easier.
4. Capsule Filling
- Make Your Own Capsules: If you prefer not to taste the powder at all, you can purchase empty capsules and fill them with the powder. This method allows for easy consumption and precise dosage.
Summary of Yin Yang Huo Horny Goat Weed
Used by practitioners for over 2,000 years, horny goat weed is several species of epimedium, a leafy plant which grows in the wild, most abundantly at higher altitudes. Horny Goat weed is an aphrodisiac which the Chinese doctors commonly use. Western medicine has distinguished this herb as a potent libido booster.
Herbs which can be used in combination with a horny goat weed are: Maca, Yobimbe, Rou Cong Rong, Deer Antler, and Ginseng.
Product Properties: Acrid, Sweet, Warm 
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
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About Plum Flower Quality Herb Powders
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results.
- Manufactured using Unsulfured, Chlorine free, Aluminum Phosphate free herbs when possible.
- Microbials and heavy metals tested. No preservatives.
Manufacture's Statement: It is important to note that Plum Flower formula extract powders do not contain any excipients. They are spray-dried directly from the condensed herbal decoction, and the resulting powder is the natural yield of the formulation. Individual herbs can vary significantly in the amount of dissolved solids they yield during extraction. Many do not have the needed substance to form a powder, and our single herb extract powders contain a pharmaceutical-grade, non-GMO corn-based dextrin when necessary.
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs (Teas) emphasize harmony, and balance.
References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26268839
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/YinYangHuo.html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33368466/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epimedium
https://read.qxmd.com/keyword/153063
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/19390211.2015.1008817?journalCode=ijds20
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