Epimedium Herb — Classic Formulas
Yin Yang Huo · Herba Epimedii
Primary Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang and replenishes Essence — primary tonic for Yang deficiency
- Strengthens sinews and bones — treats Kidney-deficient weakness, soreness, and numbness
- Dispels Wind-Cold-Dampness and relieves Bi syndrome joint pain
- Warms and unblocks Yang — used for impotence, infertility, and cold uterine patterns
Classic Formulas
- Zan Yu Dan (赞育丹) — classic formula for male infertility and Kidney Yang deficiency; Yin Yang Huo combined with Ba Ji Tian, Du Zhong, She Chuang Zi
- Er Xian Tang (二仙汤) — modern formula for menopausal syndrome; Yin Yang Huo combined with Xian Mao, Huang Bai, Zhi Mu, Dang Gui, Ba Ji Tian — balances Kidney Yang and Yin
Classical Text References
- Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing: lists Yin Yang Huo (also called Xian Ling Pi 仙灵脾) for strengthening Yang Qi, benefiting sinews and bones, and treating male sexual dysfunction
- Ben Cao Gang Mu (Li Shizhen): 'Yin Yang Huo warms Kidney Yang, disperses Cold-Dampness from the sinews and bones, strengthens the will, and increases vital capacity — named because rams eating the herb mated excessively'