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History
First appeared in Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica.
Traditional Usage
Acrid, sweet and warm in nature, Yinyanghuo enters the kidney and liver meridians. It is used to tonify the kidneys and fortifiy the yang, increase libido and expel wind-damp-cold. It can treat symptoms of kidney yang deficiency - including impotence, lack of desire, weakness of the lower back and knees and infertility - as well as resolve blockages in the free flow of yang and chi caused by wind-damp-cold. The herb is prepared from the leaves and twigs of Epimedium, or Horny Goat Weed, which are gathered in spring and autumn, sun-dried, and cut into small pieces.
Modern Research
Yinyanghuo has been used in studies to treat conditions including coronary artery disease, neutropenia, bronchitis and neurasthenia with good success rates.