Epimedium macranthum (Large-Leaf Epimedium) | A Rare Medicinal Herb Worth Preserving
Overview Epimedium, also known as “Horny Goat Weed,” is a traditional tonic herb widely used in Eastern medicine to treat conditions related to joints, bone pain, sexual health, erectile dysfunction, kidney deficiency, and high blood pressure.
Botanical Name: Epimedium macranthum Morr. & Decne
Common Vietnamese Name: Dâm dương hoắc, Cỏ sừng dê
Family: Berberidaceae (Barberry family)
Botanical Description
- Perennial herb, typically 30–40 cm tall
- Leaves: Compound, broad, 4–9 cm long
- Flowers: Clustered, 4–6 per group, 20 mm in diameter, with long spurs
- Habitat: Moist, shaded forest edges and hillsides, often near water sources
- Grows in clumps, flowers in late summer to early fall; aerial parts may wither in winter
- Regenerates from seeds between February and April
Etymology: The name “Horny Goat Weed” originated from herders observing increased mating behavior in goats after consuming the plant.
Distribution & Harvesting
- Prefers temperate climates, commonly found in highland regions of China and Northern Vietnam (especially Hoa Binh and Sapa)
- Harvested in summer and autumn
- Roots are removed; stems and leaves are cleaned and dried (no special processing required)
Usable Parts: Entire aerial plant (excluding the root)
Form Available: Dried leaves
Phytochemical Components
- Flavonoids: Icariin (C33H42O16), hydrolyzes into icaritin (C21H22O7)
- Alkaloids: Desoxymetylicariin, magnoflorin (C20H24O4N)
- Essential oils, phytosterols, heptriacontane, and other flavonoids (e.g., C27H32O12)
- Contains 1.97% to 2.58% saponins, depending on variety
Traditional Uses (Eastern Medicine)
- Pungent, warm in nature; enters the liver and kidney meridians
- Tonifies kidney yang and liver function
- Strengthens bones and tendons
- Treats erectile dysfunction, fatigue, weakness in lower back and limbs
- Expels wind-damp pathogens
Modern Medicinal Benefits
- Regulates blood pressure (low doses promote urination, high doses may suppress)
- Stimulates the pituitary gland, testes, ovaries, and uterus (enhancing libido)
- Treats neurasthenia and sexual dysfunction
- Supports respiratory health: Treats chronic bronchitis in children, reduces coughing and phlegm
- Cardiovascular support: Lowers blood pressure and protects heart muscle cells
- Antibacterial: Shows inhibitory effects on tuberculosis bacilli
Usage & Dosage
- Internal use: 4–12g per day, decoction or wine infusion
- Processed form: Often stir-fried with goat fat to enhance absorption and effect (1kg Epimedium + 250g goat fat)
Folk Remedies & Applications
- Wine Infusion (Men & Women) Combined with Curculigo, Morinda (Ba kich), and Balanophora (Ngoc cau) for improved reproductive health
- Uterine Warming (Women) Mixed with tourmaline to support menstrual disorders and infertility
- Rheumatism and Joint Pain Epimedium 15g, Clematis 9g, Cocklebur 6g, Ligusticum 6g, Cinnamon twig 6g
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Decoction: Epimedium 8g, Fresh ginger 2g, Licorice 1g (boil in 600ml, reduce to 200ml)
- Wine: Epimedium, Curculigo, Acanthopanax (125g each), Dried longan (100 fruits), 1500–2000ml of white wine. Drink 20–30ml twice daily
- Premature Ejaculation, Lower Back Pain, Frequent Urination Epimedium + Psoralea, Rehmannia, Dioscorea, Achyranthes, Gynostemma, Cuscuta, Morinda, Schisandra, Poria, Cornus, etc. Form into pills, take 10g twice daily
- Menopausal Hypertension (Women) Epimedium, Curculigo, Morinda, Anemarrhena, Phellodendron (9g each)
- Kidney Tonic for the Elderly Epimedium, Curculigo, Mulberry, Tortoise shell gelatin, Dioscorea, Cuscuta, Polygonatum, Rehmannia (15g each), Cornus (12g), Goat kidneys (2 pcs), simmer and consume
- Kidney Yang Deficiency Epimedium 100g, 500ml rice wine, soak for 2 weeks, drink 10ml twice daily
Note: Always consult a qualified practitioner before beginning any herbal regimen, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or those taking medication.
Peter Vo –
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