Horny goat weed
Epimedium spp. (mainly E. brevicornu and E. sagittatum) · 淫羊藿
Herbs & Roots. Chinese Medicine.
Also called Yin yang huo, Barrenwort, Epimedium, Xian ling pi
Pinyin: Yín Yáng Huò
Some products contain hidden drugsA leafy herb used in Chinese medicine for libido, weak knees and bones. Many sold products are marketed as sexual enhancers, and some have been found to contain hidden drugs.
Did you know? The common name comes from a folk story that goats who ate the leaves became sexually active.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Sexual health. Traditional sexual tonic. Human trials on erections are few and small, so proof is weak.Traditional proof
- Bones. Lab and animal studies suggest bone-protective effects. Few small human studies, mostly of formulas.Traditional proof
- Women's health. Used in Er Xian Tang for menopause-type symptoms. Human evidence is limited to small formula studies.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses yin yang huo to tonify Kidney yang (warming vital energy) for low libido, weak knees and back, and cold limbs. It is a main herb in Er Xian Tang, a classic formula used for menopause-type symptoms.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Aphrodisiac, Tonic, Antioxidant. Energy: warming.
- Chinese medicine
- 淫羊藿 Tonify yang. Nature: warm. Flavour: pungent, sweet. Enters the Liver and Kidney channels.
How people take it
Traditional decoctions often use about 6 to 15 g of dried herb. Supplement doses vary widely. No safe dose has been set by human trials.
Decoction, capsule, tea, powder and tincture.
Where to get it
Grows in China, Korea and Japan. Sold as dried herb, extract, capsules and tinctures. Many products sold as sexual enhancers have been found to contain undeclared drugs.
Be careful
Can cause dry mouth, dizziness or upset stomach in some people. Products sold as sexual enhancers may contain hidden prescription drugs. Do not combine with nitrate heart medicines.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; low blood pressure.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Yin yang huo and ba ji tian are the core pair of Er Xian Tang, a classic formula for menopause-type symptoms.
- Works well together
Yin yang huo and du zhong are both used for lower back and knee weakness in tradition.
- Works well together
Yin yang huo and dong quai are both in Er Xian Tang.
- Don't mixHeart rhythm medicine (digoxin, amiodarone)
Some horny goat weed products were found to contain hidden sildenafil-type drugs. Mixed with nitrate heart medicines, they can drop blood pressure dangerously.
- Use cautionBlood pressure medicine (lisinopril, amlodipine, losartan)
The herb may lower blood pressure. Monitor readings if you take blood pressure medicine.
Adds up with others that may lower blood pressure: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 12 more.
The honest take
Horny goat weed has a long folk reputation, but human proof for libido and bone benefits is weak. Many products sold for sexual performance have been recalled for hidden prescription drugs. If you use it, choose a tested brand and avoid it with nitrate heart medicines.