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Cura x Cura

Yin Yang Huo淫羊藿

Epimedii Herba · Epimedium · Horny Goat Weed

Herbs that Tonify the Yang 补阳药《神农本草经》

Overview

A warming Kidney-yang tonic that doubles as a wind-damp herb, which is why it fits the older patient whose cold aching joints and weak lower back arrive together with declining yang. Acrid, sweet and warm, it enters the Liver and Kidney. Dry-frying tempers its harshness; processing with honey or rendered fat (/) reduces the dryness and strengthens the yang-warming side, and is the usual choice when tonification rather than dispelling wind-damp is the aim.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, sweet · Warm

Channels

Kidney · Liver

Typical Dosage

3–15 g in decoction
淫羊藿Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Tonifies the Kidney, reinforces yangImpotence, low libido, infertility, copious clear urination and a cold sore lower back and knees.
  • Strengthens sinew and boneWeak, stiff lower limbs and thinning bone against a background of yang deficiency.
  • Dispels wind-dampCold, painful, numb joints and limbs, especially where the cold is felt deeply and worsens in winter.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Yin Yang Huo

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Impotence, low libido and infertility of Kidney-yang deficiency
    - Cold, sore lower back and knees with clear frequent urination
    - Weak stiff limbs and thinning bone
    - Cold painful obstruction with numb, aching joints

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Erectile dysfunctionInfertilityOsteoporosisJoint pain

Contraindications

Cautions

Warm and drying: not for yin deficiency with heat signs, nor where fire is already vigorous. Prolonged or high-dose use can bring on a dry mouth, dizziness or nosebleed, and long courses belong under practitioner supervision — some concentrated Epimedium preparations have been associated with liver injury.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Avoid in pregnancy — it is strongly warming and yang-reinforcing; use only under practitioner supervision.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.