Part of Plant Used:
Leaves
Main Uses:
Believed to be beneficial for the male and female libido.
As an aphrodisiac, Epimedium stimulates the production of androgenic or sex hormones while increasing nitric oxide levels in the body helping to relax smooth muscles thereby allowing more blood to flow through them. As from the sexual benefit that this process offers, it may also help to enhance athletic performance by reducing muscle fatigue.
There are studies which suggest that Epimedium increases testosterone production. This can be of great benefit to those trying to achieve a higher level of fitness because testosterone increases endurance and supports the development of lean muscle. Icariin is the active ingredient in Epimedium extract. It has been proven to relax muscles by increasing levels of nitric oxide.
Perhaps the most important health benefit Epimedium offers dieters is its ability to work as an adaptogen, helping the body to better respond to stress. In more practical terms, the herb can help protect the muscles from the stress and damage of overtraining.
Other Traditional Uses:
AIDS - fight the muscle wasting - act against the human immunodeficiency
Androgen - (sexual) hormones with no found effect on oestrogen — stimulates production
Aphrodisiac
Arthritis
Asthma
Back pain
Blood circulation to brain — facilitate
Blood circulation to sexual organs — facilitate
Blood flow to heart — increases
Blood flow to penis - increases
Blood pressure - lowering
Blood vessels - dilate
Bronchitis
Capillaries - dilate
Cervical dysplasia — help combat
Congestive heart failure
Depression
Diarrhoea
Exercise - enhances recovery
Fatigue
Forgetfulness
Gonorrhoea
Heart disease
HIV - fight the muscle wasting - act against the human immunodeficiency
Hypertensive
Impotence
Infertility
Involuntary ejaculation
Kidney disorders
Libido — male & female
Light-headedness associated with improper body fluid volumes
Liver tonifying
Macrophages - stimulates activity of these germ-eating immune cells
Memory loss
Muscle growth in the sphincter muscles - stimulant
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Polio
Sensory nerves - stimulant
Sexual dysfunction in men with atherosclerosis - prevent
Sexual dysfunction in women - prevention
Sperm count - improve
Urinary incontinence
Viral hepatitis
Viral infections of the heart
Warming
Weakness associated with improper body fluid volumes
Weakness of the back or knees
Contra-Indications:
None other than allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
Warnings:
Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for short periods of time.
When taken for any ailment if symptoms persist for more than one week consult your doctor or herbal practitioner.
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation may be hazardous. Always consult with your doctor or herbal practitioner.
Interactions:
There are no known interactions; however, with the proliferation of available drugs it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care professional before taking this or any other supplements.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Problems with pregnant women or those planning pregnancy have not been proved. It is however always advisable to consult with your doctor or herbal practitioner before taking any medication or supplements.
Breast-fed infants of lactating mothers should experience no problems when mother takes usual amounts as part of a balanced diet. It is however always advisable to consult with your nutritionist, herbal or medical practitioner.
Side Effects — Only With Mega Doses:
None expected if you are beyond childhood, basically healthy and do not exceed recommended dosage and use for short periods, but always consult with your doctor before taking this or any medical drugs, herbs or nutritional supplements, particularly if suffering from a serious health condition or on any medication or treatment.
Over Dosage:
Accidental overdose such as child ingesting a whole bottle. As a safety precaution obtain immediate medical assistance.
