Epimedium, also known as Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goatweed,
or Yin Yang Huo (Chinese: ???), is a genus of about 25 species of herbaceous flowering
plants in the family Berberidaceae. They are native to southern Europe, and central,
southern and eastern Asia.
Cultivation and Uses
Many species, hybrids, and cultivars are grown for ornament, particularly as ground
covers for partial shade. They prefer a well-drained, humus-rich soil, but are
somewhat adaptable to poorer soils if the drainage is good. Epimediums need little
or no maintenence, but many gardeners cut down the previous year's foliage (even
on evergreen species) because the old foliage hides the flowers on many species
and cultivars. For this purpose the foliage needs to be cut (not pulled), and
care should be taken not to disturb the new growth, which is quite tender. Late
freezes can also cause damage to new growth, so some shelter (such as conifer
branches) should be applied if a hard freeze is expected.
Other Uses
Many species of Epimedium are reported to have aphrodisiac qualities. According
to legend, this property was discovered by a Chinese goat herder who noticed sexual
activity in his flock after they ate the weed. It is sold as a health supplement,
usually in raw herb or pill form and sometimes blended with other supplements.
The "active ingredient" in Epimedium is icariin, which can be found in standardized
extracts to be from 5% up to 60% potent. Strengths above that are usually reserved
for lab use. In addition to this mechanism, it also acts as a mild PDE-5 inhibitor.
PDE-5 is an enzyme which is produced in a 'negative feedback" loop. As more blood
flows to the genitals, PDE-5 metabolizes the nitric oxide almost as fast as it
is being produced to keep it in check. If the body does not produce enough of
this enzyme, damage to the erect penis could result from too hard of an erection.
This is called priapism. Viagra, a popular pharmaceutical, works by blocking the
production of the PDE-5 enzyme. Horny Goat Weed produces small amount of PDE-5
inhibitors within safe levels
Horny goat weed (Epimedium) is an all-natural complex to enhance libido and sexual
performance in men and women. The combination of the ingredients may enhance sexual
performance through a variety of mechanism such as increased sexual hormone production
in the body, increased energy and improved overall well-being. Many of the herbs
contained in Horny Goat Weed have been used in traditional botonical medicine
in China, South America And Ayurveda. It is a robust all-natural stimulant that
can support a more robust life as well as love-life. Horny Goat Weed has testosterone-like
effects. It stimulates sexual activity in both men and women, increases sperm
production, stimulates the sensory nerves, and increases sexual desire.
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