Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium Leaf)

Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium Leaf) is cut dried leaf of Epimedium, hand-picked and processed carefully to preserve the natural qualities of the herb. Chinese herbalists call it yin yang huo; here it is a loose leaf with a nutty, slightly bitter character for tea and daily blends. Offered in 4oz, 1LB and 10lb sizes.

At a glance

• Cut dried Epimedium leaf, known in Chinese herbalism as yin yang huo
• Naturally carries the flavonoid glycoside icariin, plus flavonoids and polysaccharides
• No caffeine
• Tea: 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 oz, steeped 5 to 10 minutes
• Warm, energizing and lifted, steadier than caffeine, a daytime herb
• Offered in 4oz, 1LB and 10lb sizes

The herb. Epimedium is a low, shade-loving perennial in the barberry family, Berberidaceae, native to the mountain woodlands of China, Korea and Japan. Species such as Epimedium sagittatum and Epimedium brevicornum have appeared in Chinese herbal texts for two thousand years, and the common name comes from a goatherd who noticed his flock grew lively after grazing on it. The leaf carries the flavonoid glycoside icariin along with other flavonoids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and trace amounts of sterols and minerals.

What's in it. Cut leaf only. Icariin is the marker compound the herb is known for; the broader flavonoids and polysaccharides give the leaf its body, and a tannic edge makes a long steep taste sharp. There is no caffeine.

Dosage, first time. Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of leaf per 8 oz of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes and strain. Start at 1 teaspoon and a single cup, then wait a few hours before more. The flavor is nutty and green.

Regular use. Once you know your response, most people keep to one or two cups a day within the 1 to 2 teaspoon range, often as part of a morning routine. Traditional practice cycles the herb, so take breaks after a few weeks.

What to expect. Users describe a warm, energizing, lifted feeling that is steadier than caffeine and builds over days of regular use rather than minutes. It is a daytime herb and not a sedating one. Many customers pair it with Red Ginseng Root Whole.

Side effects. At tea strength epimedium is generally gentle. Larger amounts can bring dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, a racing heartbeat or, rarely, a nosebleed. Reduce or stop if any of these appear, and they clear as the herb leaves your system.

Interactions and cautions. Epimedium can interact with medications for the heart and circulation and with blood-thinning medications, and its flavonoids may matter in hormone-sensitive conditions. Not for use in pregnancy or while nursing; consult a healthcare professional before use if you take any medication.

Ingredients and storage. Epimedium Leaf (Epimedium spp.). Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from light; the leaf keeps for about a year.

Common questions

• How do you brew horny goat weed leaf as a tea? Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 oz of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes; honey rounds off the bitter edge.
• Does epimedium leaf contain icariin naturally? Yes, icariin is the flavonoid glycoside the leaf is best known for.
• Is horny goat weed a morning or an evening herb? Morning or daytime, since users describe it as warming and energizing rather than calming.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Epimedium is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.