Epimedium (yinyanghuo)

Acrid, sweet; warmSummer–autumnTonifies kidney yang, strengthens sinews and bones, dispels wind-dampKidney yang decline, cold-damp bi pain (avoid if yin deficiency with heat)

Basics

  • Latin name：Epimedium brevicornu
  • Common names：Xianlingpi; horny goat weed (trade name)
  • Nature：Acrid, sweet; warm
  • Part used：Aerial parts

Uses

  • Tonifies kidney yang, strengthens sinews and bones, dispels wind-damp
  • Kidney yang decline, cold-damp bi pain (avoid if yin deficiency with heat)

Harvest & storage

Cut in summer–autumn and dry. Typical steeping 3–5 g per dose, ≤ about 10 g/day; not for long-term high-dose tea.

How to identify

Bipartite compound leaves with small ovate leaflets and fine teeth. Verify authentic source.

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