Botanical Name: Epimedium sagittatum

Common Name:

English: Horney Goat Weed
Also, known as: Barrenwort, Bishop’s hat, Hierba de Cabra en Celo, Fairy wings, Japanese Epimedium, Xian Ling Pi, Yin Yang Huo.

Origin: China

Harvested: Wild or Cultivated

Parts Used: Leaves

General Information:

Epimedium sagittatum is a deciduous perennial growing to 30-35 cm, with bright red stems with green heart-shaped leaves which are slightly hairy on the bottom. Undersides of heart-shaped leaves are slightly hairy. Pink, white, or purple long-spurred flowers. In spring it produces pink, white, yellow or purple long-spurred flowers.

The leaves are used to make medicine. More than 12 horny goat weed species are known as “yin yang huo” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Used by experts for over 4,000 years, horny goat weed is several species of epimedium, a leafy plant which grows in the wild, most abundantly at higher altitudes. Epimedium is a genus of plants commonly called horny goat weed because of their claimed aphrodisiac effects. Epimedium sagittatum is one particular species of this genus. The leaves of the plant contain a variety of flavonoids, polysaccharides, sterols and an alkaloid called magnaflorine but the exact way that horny goat weed works remains unknown.

How to use:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herbs to any super food, herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also for children, you can mix powdered herbs with honey or glycerin to make a paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help the medicine go down. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, give you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Horney Goat Weed Powder