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.

Habitat: China and Japan

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 that 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 remain unknown.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

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 Cut