Epimedium (Yinyanghuo)
Pharmaceutical Name: Herba Epimedii
Botanical Name: 1. Epimedium koreanum Nakai; 2. Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim.; 3. Epimedium brevicornum Maxim.; 4. Epimedium pubescens Maxim.
Common Name: Epimedium
Source of Earliest Record: Haiyao Bencao
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The aerial part of the herb is gathered in spring and autumn, dried in the sun and cut into pieces.
Properties & Taste: Pungent, sweet and warm.
Meridians: Liver and kidney
Functions: 1. To tonify the kidneys and strengthen yang; 2. To expel wind and dampness
Indications & Combinations:
1. Deficient kidney yang manifested as impotence, weakness of the lower back and knees and frequent urination. Epimedium (Yinyanghuo) is used with Curculigo rhizome (Xianmao) and Prepared rehmannia root (Shudihuang).
2. Cold pain in the lower back and knees and
numbness of limbs due to obstruction by invasion of wind-cold-damp. Epimedium (Yinyanghuo) is used with Clematis root (Weilingxian), Eucommia bark (Duzhong) and Cinnamon twigs (Guizhi).
Dosage: 10-15 g.
Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with deficiency of yin with excessive fire.