Yin Yang Huo - Arial Parts of Epimedium, Horny Goat Weed
TCM Materia Medica
Yin Yang Huo TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "yin yang huo" which in english is 
"arial parts of epimedium, horny goat weed", is categorized within the "herbs that tonify yang" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the kidney and liver channels and exhibits acrid, sweet (gan) and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 6-15g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Tonify kidney yang - impotence, spermatorrhea, frequent urination, poor memory, painful and cold lower back and knees.
- Expel wind-damp, cold - spasms, cramps, joint pain, numbness in limbs.
- Strengthen yin and yang, harnesses liver yang rising - dizziness, low back pain, irregular menses from liver and kidneys and subsequent liver yang rising.
Yin Yang Huo may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: back pain, dizziness (vertigo), impotence (erectile dysfunction), knee pain, memory problems, numbness and/or spermatorrhea
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, yin yang huo is generally included in the following 4 formulas:
ViewEr Xian Wan (Two Immortal Decoction)
Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang deficiencies with Empty Heat - hormonal issues such as menopause (possibly w/hypertension), amenorrhea, hot flashes along with associated symptoms of fatigue, depression, i…
ViewNuan Gong Yun Zi Wan (Warm Uterus & Conception Pills)
Infertility, history of miscarriage due to blood deficiency and/or cold in the lower jiao from kidney yang deficiency. Irregular menstruation. Lower abdominal pain, lower back pain, uterine and/or …
ViewZhuang Gu Guan Jie Wan (Invigorate Bone and Joint Pills)
Damp and Cold bi-syndromes - arthritis (osteo primarily), joint pain, muscles aches that is aggravated with cold and/or damp weather - weakness of the knee, pain in lower back, general weakness, pain…
ViewZhuang Yang Wan (Strengthen Kidney Yang And Preserve Power Pill)
Tonifies the kidney yang and astringe the jing (essence), primarily for sexual dysfunction in older males - symptoms may include impotence, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and other sign…
As noted above, yin yang huo is within the herbs that tonify yang functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... symptoms: fear of cold, cold extremities, sore and weak lower back and lower extremities, pale tongue and a deep and weak pulse. impotence, spermatorrhea, watery vaginal discharge, infertility, enuresis, polyuria, wheezing, dayb…)".
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