Epimedium Horny Goat Weed
Despite the somewhat silly name (Horny Goat Weed) that Epimedium has, this is actually a scientifically-proven and pharmacologically active herbal aphrodisiac. It’s also an ancient herb with use traced back to 200 BC in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s used both as an aphrodisiac and as a potency agent. In Chinese, the name is “Yin Yang Huo”, which translates into “obscene goat weed” or “licentious goat weed”. It’s a revered herb, and in Chinese medicine it’s considered one of the most potent of the aphrodisiacs.
Pharmacologically, the active constituent called icariin is believed to be responsible for the relaxing of the smooth muscles that allow the penis to become engorged with blood. (Bensky and Gamble, 1986). It also contains Vitamin E, which often called the “sex vitamin” for men, because the genitals reportedly require adequate amounts of Vitamin E to stay young and healthy. As a bonus, the flavonoids in Horny Goat Weed stimulate sensory nerves, especially in the genitals. In 1988, Daniel P. Reid states; “The medicine expands capillaries and larger blood vessels; lowers blood pressure, is often found in recipes for ‘spring wine,’ and helps against absent-mindedness by facilitating blood flow to the brain.” He also cited more than one clinical study that has shown that sperm count and density increases within a few hours of Horny Goat Weed consumption.
This helps to increase overall libido and sexual desire, although it’s mostly prescribed for men. Because it’s such an effective and potent herb, Epimedium is also used to rejuvenate energy, much in the way ginseng is used. So, it’s no surprise that it’s also thought to be an anti-aging herb in traditional Chinese medicine, most-likely because it helps men to feel young again, both physically and emotionally. In folk medicine, Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed) has other uses in addition to being a powerful aphrodisiac. Reportedly, it can help decrease high blood pressure, and may help support a healthy immune system.
It’s common to blend Epimedium with other herbs to enrich and intensify its effects. And, in fact, here at Sextracts Sexual Wellness products, we use Epimedium as the foundation of our Top Selling “EASY RIDER for him” blend, as well as our long-term Daily Booster Capsules.
In fact, in one of the most famous folk-brews known, and discussed in detail in “The ultimate aphrodisiac: A Taoist tonic” by Daniel P. Reid, he offers a legendary formula for “Springtime Wine”. It’s a rather complex recipe, but for the adventurous, it can be a dizzyingly potent concoction. Here it is for the curious:
| 60g | Deer velvet shreds | Cornu Cervi Sikae |
|---|---|---|
| 60g | Deer velvet resin | Resina Cornu Cervi Sikae |
| 60g | Tortoise armor resin | Clemmys chinensis |
| 60g | Horny goat weed | Epimedium sagittatum |
| 60g | Rehmannia rhizome | Rehmannia glutinosa |
| 30g | Tragacanth root | Astracalus haongtchy |
| 25g | Angelica root | Angelica polymorpha |
| 25g | Eucommia bark | Du Zhong |
| 25g | Chinese wolfberry | Lycium Chinese (cf. nightshade) |
| 25g | Japanese privet seeds | Ligustrum japonicum |
| 25g | Cynomorium stalk | Cynomorium coccineum |
| 25g | Human placenta | Homo sapiens |
| 15g | Korean ginseng | Panax ginseng |
| 15g | Wild raspberry fruit | Rubus coreanus |
| 2 pc | Crowned sea horse | Hippocampus coronatus |
| 2 pc | Red speckled lizard | Phyrnosoma cornuta |
The ingredients are supposed to soaked in wine or schnapps for 2 weeks or more. Them the “spring wine” is decanted. The initial dose is 1 glass before intercourse, and should never be exceeded. Not sure where one might find human placenta, or if it’s even legal, but there it is strictly for educational purposes and curiosity.
REFERENCES:
Reid, Daniel P. 1990. The ultimate aphrodisiac: A Taoist torrid tonic. East West, Feb.:48-49, 84.
Bensky, Dan, and Arthur Gamble. 1986. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Seattle. Eastland Press.