Epimedium, also called Horny Goat Weed, is a flowering plant with a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. Its aerial parts contain compounds known as icariins.
People take this herb to enhance vitality, physical energy, and mood. It often appears alongside other botanicals in blends made for stress resilience and healthy aging.
Common amounts are 250 to 1000 mg of a standardized icariin extract taken with food. Both the powdered leaf and concentrated extracts are available.
Epimedium can interact with blood pressure medications and hormone therapies. Stop taking it before surgery. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.