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Epimedium (Yinyanghuo)

Pungent in flavor, cold in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats impotence (sexual dysfunction in males), traumatic injury with fracture of sinews and bones, pain in the penis, promotes urination, tonifies Qi and strength, strengthens willpower, consolidates sinews and bones, eliminates scrofula (tuberculous lymphadenitis of the neck) and red carbuncles (red, swollen, hot, and painful sores). When sores occur in the lower body, washing with a decoction expels parasites. Long-term use by men may lead to infertility. Also known as Gangqian. Grows in the valleys of Yangshan, Shangjun. (Guided by Dioscoreae Rhizoma.)

Tao Hongjing stated: Taking this herb makes people inclined towards sexual intercourse. In the northern part of Xichuan, there are "licentious sheep" that mate up to a hundred times a day, presumably due to eating the leaves of Huo plants; hence the name Epimedium (Yinyanghuo).

The Tang Bencao annotation notes: This herb has leaves resembling those of small beans but rounder and thinner, with slender and tough stems. It is found everywhere and is commonly known as Xianlingspi. Ministers Yu Xi et al. respectfully note according to the Shu Ben: Epimedium is warm in nature. The annotation states: Those grown in places where no water sounds are heard are superior. The Yaoxing Lun states: Epimedium can also be used alone. Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature. Primarily treats strengthening sinews and benefiting bones. Ri Hua Zi stated: Xianlingspi, guided by Polyporus Umbellatus (Zizhi), works well with wine. It treats all types of cold wind and consumptive qi, tonifies the waist and knees, strengthens heart Qi, addresses male yang exhaustion with inability to erect, female yin exhaustion with infertility, sinew and bone contracture and stiffness, limbs unable to bear weight, elderly confusion and forgetfulness, and middle-aged memory loss. Also known as Huanglian Zu, Qianliang Jin, Gan Jijin, Fangzhang Cao, and Qizhang Cao.

The Tujing Bencao states: Epimedium, commonly known as Xianlingspi. It grows in the valleys of Yangshan, Shangjun, and is now found in Jiangdong, Shaanxi, Mount Tai, Hanzhong, and Huxiang regions. The leaves are green like apricot leaves, with thorns on top; the stems resemble millet stalks; the roots are purple with rootlets; it flowers white in April, and also produces small, single-headed purple fruits. Leaves are harvested in May and dried. Those from Huxiang have leaves resembling small beans, with tight and fine stems, remaining evergreen through winter; their roots resemble Coptidis Rhizoma. In the Guanzhong region, it is colloquially called Sanzhi Jiuye Cao. The seedling grows about one to two chi high. Both roots and leaves are usable.

Lei Gong stated: When using it, referred to as Xianlingspi, one must use a clamp to remove the flowers from the edges of the leaves, then finely chop. Stir-fry with sheep fat until the sheep fat is completely absorbed. For every jin (approx. 500g) processed, use four liang (approx. 200g) of sheep fat. The Shenghui Fang: Treats hemiplegia (partial paralysis), inability to move hands and feet freely, and skin insensitivity. It is suitable to take the Xianlingspi Infused Wine prescription: One jin of good quality Epimedium, finely chopped, placed in a raw silk bag inside a non-leaking vessel. Soak in two dou (approx. 20 liters) of unadulterated wine. Seal tightly with thick paper to prevent air leakage. Soak for three days in spring/summer, five days in autumn/winter. Then open and drink warm daily according to tolerance, maintaining a slightly intoxicated state without excessive drunkenness. If the wine runs out, reprepare and consume again; efficacy is assured. Avoid letting chickens and dogs see the preparation process. Empirical Prescription: Treats sores entering the eyes. Grind Epimedium and Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma (Weilingxian) into equal parts powder. Take two qianbi after meals with rice soup; children take half a qianbi. The Shiyi Xinjing: Benefits men, promotes yang erection, and regulates coldness in legs and knees. Soak one jin of Epimedium in one dou of wine for two days; drinking it is beneficial.