Herbal drugs

The Usage Of Herbs

2007-06-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

There is a great tradition in different cultures around the world to use herbs, for their flavor in cooking and for their healing properties for the mind and body. The monks and nuns in early England were amongst the first people in the West to learn about herbs. They experimented with herbalism in their gardens and soon became experts in dispensing the appropriate treatment.

It's important when learning about the usage of herbs for medicinal purposes, to choose the correct dosage and to make sure of the purity of the herb. Many people who don't know about herbs think that they are completely harmless because they grow naturally. This is not true, as herbs can have side effects just as much as drugs can if not administered correctly. If you are not sure about herbs, seek advice and go to a licensed herbal practitioner. This is particularly important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or receiving treatment by drugs. Taking both a herbal treatment and a drug can double up on components and flood the body too much.

The use of herbs and their effects is well documented. A lot of medical professionals from conventional backgrounds are beginning to give herbal remedies more respect as they learn more about herbs. The Chinese have already had herbal medicine as part of their everyday treatment for a very long time. Different ailments have their own treatment solutions, with many herbs duplicating each other.

Aloe Vera is a multi purpose herb, treating many ailments including arthritis, acne, warts, and allergic reactions. Lavender can also help with arthritis. Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin), is another herb that is used for a variety of patients, treating influenza, stomach ache, and pulmonary infections. St. John's Wort (one of the more dangerous herbs in incorrect doses), has been tested in medical trials for the treatment of mild to moderate levels of depression. Results showed that the herb performed better than a placebo.

A lot of people suffer from acute insomnia but don't want to take sleeping pills. In studies about herbs, it's been found that Valerian root is a good alternative and doesn't cause drowsiness in the morning. General fatigue can be helped by periwinkle or dandelion. Periwinkle can also ease the symptoms of the menopause, as can fennel.

Many gardeners get a lot of pleasure from growing a herb garden, providing wonderful scents and flavor for the pot. A stock of mint, basil, oregano, sage, thyme, and parsley will give you the basic supply needed for most dishes. Add some rosemary and chives and you're well set up. You'll have fun learning all about herbs and their uses in the kitchen, whether you follow advice in cookery books or do some experimenting of your own.

Article Source: http://yesezine.com

Hans Hasselfors is the founder of www.submityournewarticle.com. Visit our article directory for varied articles about herbs.

Understanding The Causes Of Hair Loss

2007-06-03T00:44:00.000-07:00

By Oliver Turner

It is normal to lose some hair each day. The body re-grows hair to restore the hair loss. Nearly 10% of the hair follicles on the scalp remain in dormant phase after hair fall. After 2 to 3 months the dormant hair follicles grow new hair. The growing phase of the hair follicle lasts for 2 to 6 years in the scalp. The approximate hair growth in a month is about 1 centimeter. Hair loss occurs when an excessive amount of hair is lost. Hair loss can affect men, women, and children.

Causes of hair loss: There are a number of causes of hair loss. The common causes are:

Infection: Fungal infections can cause hair loss. They are easily treated with topical medicines.

Hormones: For men baldness is usually caused due to hormones. Hair loss may occur due to an overactive or under-active thyroid gland. Changes in androgen and estrogen level can cause a hair loss in both men and women. Hormone/ Steroid injections are usually given to correct hormonal imbalance.

Illness: Prolonged illness, major surgery, stress, can result in hair loss in large amounts. Temporary illnesses generally do not cause hair loss. Hair loss may also occur due to diseases, such as lupus or diabetes. It is important to find the cause of hair loss and get adequate treatment because hair loss is an early sign of disease.

Pregnancy: Hair loss in women may occur after child birth. Such hair loss occurs after 3 to 4 months delivery. This is because of high level of hormonal changes during and after pregnancy. This type of hair loss is self correcting and new hair usually grow back.

Medicines: Some medicines can cause hair loss such as anticoagulants used for treatment of gout, chemotherapy used to treat cancer, over consumption of vitamin A, antidepressant medicines, and birth control pills.

Find more about Hair Loss on http://www.LeanderNet.com/Hair_loss/Hair_loss_treatment.php . More useful content on LeanderNet - http://www.LeanderNet.com

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Your Guide To Managing Your High Blood Pressure

2007-06-01T05:55:00.000-07:00

By: James Ellison

What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in contact with the walls of the arteries. It is registered as two numbers, as the heart beats (the systolic pressure) over as the heart relaxes between beats (the diastolic pressure). This process of assigning number is written one above or before the other, with the systolic number on top and the diastolic number on the bottom. Here is an example, 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg)) is stated orally as 120 over 80. Regular blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic.

High Blood Pressure(HBP)
High blood pressure is an disease that step-ups your opportunity for getting heart disease, kidney disease or having a stroke. HBP is particularly life-threatening because it sometimes has no warning signs or symptoms. Irrespective of race, age, or gender, anybody can get high blood pressure. It is approximated that one in every four adults has high blood pressure. If high blood pressure springs up, it normally goes a lifetime. You can stop and manage high blood pressure by choosing action.

Detection
Everyone should be having your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. Nearly all physicians will determine a person with high blood pressure with two or more readings that are taken on different times. An unchanging blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is regarded as high blood pressure, the other term is hypertension.

A few people have high blood pressure just when they travel to the physician's office, it is called white-coat hypertension. If your physician sees this, you may be expected to record your blood pressure at home or expected to put on a device known as an ambulatory blood pressure monitor. This device is normally worn for 1 day and can take blood pressure every 30 minutes.

Prevention
You can take steps to stop high blood pressure by embracing a healthy way of life. These steps include keeping a healthy weight; staying physically energetic; conforming to a healthy diet plan. That stresses fruits, vegetables, and lowfat dairy foods; selecting and cooking foods with less salt and sodium. And if you drink alcoholic beverages, drinking in moderation.

Treatment
You should find it crucial to take steps to maintain your blood pressure. The treatment end is blood pressure below 140/90 and lower for individuals with other conditions, like diabetes and kidney disease. Following healthy lifestyle ways is an efficient first step in both forbidding and mastering high blood pressure. If lifestyle modifications are not efficient in retaining your pressure controlled, it may be inevitable to add blood pressure medications.

Learn about blood pressure lowering lifestyle habits such as:

1. Quit Smoking
2. Reduce Salt and Sodium in Your Diet
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
4. Follow a Healthy Eating Pattern
5. Limit Alcohol Intake
6. Be Physically Active

It is all up to you to take this silent killer and change your ways or pay the consequence.

Article Source: http://yesezine.com

Jim's articles are from extensive research on each of his topics. You can learn more of high blood pressure by visiting: HBP

Herbal Remedies

2007-05-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

by Alex Pentorf

Headache? Pop a pill. Can’t sleep? Pop another pill.

We have grown dependent on pills from the slightest itch to the severest pain and for every known disease. We have accustomed ourselves to be so dependent in fact that even placebos start to work. Who could resist? It’s the easiest and fastest way to alleviate what symptoms and ailments we are currently suffering and complaining from. I’m not saying that medicines and pills are bad, but sometimes; too much can take a toll on your liver.

Natural medicines can range form herbal plants to non invasive practices such as massages and aroma therapy. It will take a bit of research, and occasional advice from an expert and a visit to an online herbologist. Sounds like too much trouble for a simple headache or your “occasional stress” versus that pill in your medicine cabinet huh? Yes, but think about your liver, you might also find more useful information from that one visit to a herbologist. I’m not saying going all natural, I’m just saying to be kinder to your body and welcome more natural herbal remedies.

Aroma therapy for example can be considered as one of the most common herbal remedy. Essential oils can earn a place in your medicine cabinet as much as your paracetamol pill.

Lavender can soothe headaches, can be used to clean wounds and also prevents bruising. Camomile emotionally can be calming and soothing but is proven to be good for boils, burns, inflammation and can aid in headaches and insomnia. The most popular herbal oil you might have heard of might be eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is excellent for sore muscles, aches and pains, and is very good for people who frequently suffer from colds.

However, like most diseases; every symptom can be prevented if we all practice a balance of good diet and nutrition, exercise, relaxation and spiritual and emotional stability. So in addition to your doctors number in your speed dial, you might consider adding your herbal specialists accessibility as well. You might be surprised at what magic you will discover using common herbal remedies.

Alex Pentorf is committed to provide with useful information on natural herbal drugs.

Article Source: Yes Ezine Directory - Free Content - Article Submission

Bulimia Linked To Sex Hormone Imbalance

2007-01-25T05:43:00.000-08:00

A Swedish study has concluded that as many as 30 per cent of women with the binge-eating disorder bulimia nervosa could be suffering from an imbalance of sex hormones.

The PhD thesis is the work of Dr. Sabine Naessén of the Department of Woman and Child Health at the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden's largest medical training and research centre.

Dr. Naessén suggests that some women with the compulsive over-eating disorder may have too much testosterone, the male sex hormone. "We have shown that one third of female bulimics have metabolic disorders that may explain the occurrence of the eating disorder. These disorders may in certain cases express the hormonal constitution of the patient, rather than any mental illness", she says.

The study shows that bulimia has hormonal and genetic components, as well as the psychological element. The hormone imbalance is due to an over-abundance of testosterone and an insufficiency of the female sex hormone, oestrogen, an active ingredient in oral contraceptives.

It is thought that too much testosterone causes a person to feel very hungry and crave high-calorie foods rich in sugar and fat.

21 bulimic women were treated with oestrogen-dominated oral contraceptives. Within 3 months half of them reported feeling less hungry, and having decreased craving for fatty and sugary foods. And 3 of the women were said to be completely cured with this treatment.

Dr. Naessén suggests "this is a very strong effect. Hormone treatment may very well be an alternative to cognitive behavioural treatment."

Bulimia is usually defined as a psychological disorder normally treated with psychotherapy, with cognitive behavioural therapy being the one most commonly recommended.

According to the diagnostician's "bible", the DSM-IV-TR® Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, for patients to be diagnosed with bulimia (as separate from anorexia nervosa), they must be showing the following 4 symptoms:
- Binge-eating "recurrently", i.e. eating far more than most people normally do, together with a feeling that they can't stop or control their eating.
- Repeatedly and inappropriately compensating for the over-eating, such as over-medicating with laxatives, fasting, exercising to exhaustion, or making themselves vomit.
- Been doing these two things (binge-eating and inappropriately compensating) repeatedly at least twice a week for the last 3 months.
- Overly judging themselves in terms of the weight and shape of their bodies.

Unfortunately bulimia is very hard to spot, because unlike other eating disorders, such as anorexia, the bulimic will appear to be of normal height and weight, and because of the shame and guilt associated with the condition, have learned how to mask their symptoms. The long term effect is one of malnutrition, and it may well be a symptom related to this that first brings the bulimic to the attention of the doctor.

Women’s Sex Drive: How to Handle Top Libido Killers - 2.

2007-01-25T05:04:00.000-08:00

Is sex the last thing on your mind these days? Does it take you forever to get aroused? Or has reaching orgasm become a herculean task? If so, you may have female sexual dysfunction — and you're not alone. An estimated 43 percent of women reported experiencing sexual dysfunction, according to findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, with problems ranging from not being able to have orgasms to having zero sexual desire.

Many things can interfere with sexual pleasure and function, from medical causes, such as certain medications, to psychological issues, such as relationship strife. Most often, sexual dysfunction is born out of a combination of the two. To help you pinpoint what's taken the sizzle out of your sex drive, we've pulled together 10 top libido killers and what your next steps should be to get your sex life back on track.

4. Poor body image: Feeling self-conscious about your curvy hips or less-than-ample breasts can diminish your sexual drive. "It doesn't matter if your guy is telling you you're the hottest thing," says Dr. Kellogg-Spadt. "Oftentimes the partner is raring to go and completely attracted. But if you don't feel beautiful, you're not going to be into it."

What you can do: Do a cuing analysis. Think of a time in your life when you felt sexually at the top of your game. What did you wear (for instance, your favorite little black dress or low-rise jeans), what was your workout routine, how did you eat, what perfume did you wear, what shoes did you slide on — and when was the last time you wore that, did that, ate that, etc.? These cues can help you get back into the mindset and habits of your sexy self. And if the little black dress doesn't fit anymore? It might be time to buy another dress you feel good in at your present weight or get back into an exercise routine. "Exercise has a direct effect on the chemicals in your brain that affect mood," says Jennifer Berman, MD, director of the Berman Women's Wellness Center in Los Angeles and coauthor of For Women Only: A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction and Reclaiming Your Sex Life. In addition, working out will shape up your physique and give you more energy. If these changes don't help improve your body image, it's time to consider professional counseling to get at the root of the problem.

5. Menopause: Menopause is marked by a whole host of changes in your body. There's a decline in ovarian function that leads to an abrupt drop in estrogen levels, which play a role in vaginal lubrication. What's more, testosterone production drops by up to half, which can trigger a sudden dip in your sex drive as well as diminished sensitivity in the clitoris and a weakened ability to climax, according to Dr. Berman. Growth hormone levels, which are associated with sexual function, energy, memory and mood, also decrease. "Touch perception changes and alters as we age," adds Dr. Berman. "It takes a little more touch to feel the same amount of erotic arousal." Add to that weight gain, fatigue and difficulty sleeping, and sex can become the last thing on a menopausal woman's mind.

What you can do: First and foremost, speak with your doctor to check for a medical cause, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol. If that's been ruled out, there are many options, including starting a doctor-approved exercise regimen to improve blood flow, using the botanical gel during foreplay, self-pleasuring to promote genital blood flow and incorporating fantasy work, such as doing some erotic reading or watching erotic videos 20 to 30 minutes three times a week. "This doesn't have to be done in the presence of your partner — sometimes it's better not to — but it's to put erotic thoughts back into your daily thoughts," says Dr. Kellogg-Spadt. To combat vaginal dryness, start exercising to improve blood flow and use a water-based lubricant that feels natural to you. Your doctor may prescribe a topical estrogen therapy, which increases vaginal lubrication and elasticity. Have open communication with your partner and explain to him that your body is changing. "Let him know that it doesn't mean you're not turned on by your partner just because you have to use a lubricant," she says. Using a vibrator, which is more intense than the human hand, can also help with dulled arousal. In some cases, physicians may prescribe testosterone (in pill, cream, suppository or lozenge form) to older women with low levels of the hormone who experience a loss of well-being. Oral and topical testosterone may help increase sexual urges, although no preparations are FDA-approved yet.

6. Medical conditions: Health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid disorders and autoimmune disorders like lupus can all change a woman's sexual desire by affecting blood flow, nerve signals and hormone levels. A recent study of 417 sexually active women ages 31 to 60 found that women with high blood pressure were twice as likely to have sexual dysfunction than women with normal blood pressure. What's more, the older the women were and the longer they had had high blood pressure, the greater the chance of sexual dysfunction.

What you can do: Let your doctor know that you are feeling a change in libido. He or she may prescribe medication to treat the health condition, which generally limits sexual side effects. In the aforementioned study, women who took drugs to treat their high blood pressure but did not reach their target goal were more likely to experience sexual dysfunction compared with women who were not taking medication. However, women who had good control of their blood pressure through medication were much less likely to have libido problems. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly and eating healthfully, which may allow you to cut back on medication. To counter vaginal dryness, use a water-based lubricant or talk to your doctor about using a topical estrogen.

Women’s Sex Drive: How to Handle Top Libido Killers - 1.

2007-01-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

1. Oral contraceptives: The trouble with the Pill is that what keeps you from getting pregnant — stopping ovulation — is also what can sap your sex drive. "The medication puts your ovaries to rest for three out of four weeks each month, but there other functions of ovaries beside making eggs — and that is making hormones," says Irwin Goldstein, MD, coeditor of the textbook Women's Sexual Function and Dysfunction: Study, Diagnosis and Treatment. The second problem is that the Pill causes the body to produce a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which binds itself to sex hormones, in particular testosterone, essentially sucking them up. Testosterone plays a role in vaginal blood flow and sensitivity in the opening of the vagina, so lower levels of the hormone can lead to sexual problems. What's more, the thinking was that once you stopped the Pill your body returned to its original settings, but Dr. Goldstein's research shows the Pill's effect and the SHBG protein production can continue to be higher in former Pill users than in non-Pill users.

What you can do: If you've noticed your sex drive isn't what it used to be and suspect it may be because of your birth control pill, talk to your gynecologist. He or she may switch you to another type of Pill (especially if you're on an ultra low dose, or 20 microgram, pill, which is one of the biggest offenders) or a different birth control method, such as the Mirena IUD or condoms.

2. Medications: Antidepressants — in particular, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac or Paxil — are one of the best-known offenders for low libido and impaired orgasm. "Certain chemicals in the brain stimulate sexual activity, such as dopamine, norepinephrine and oxycontin, while other chemicals are inhibitory, such as serotonin," says Dr. Goldstein. SSRIs raise serotonin in the blood, which can affect libido. (Case in point: SSRIs are used "off-label" to treat men with premature ejaculation since it slows down their sexual excitement, according to Dr. Goldstein.) Other culprits include prescription blood-pressure-lowering drugs, which can interfere with nerve signals, and antihistamines, which dry up not only a runny nose but your vaginal lubrication as well, making sex uncomfortable.

What you can do: Talk to your doctor about your sex drive. He or she may be able to adjust your medication regimen, for example, keeping you on the antidepressant while adding a botanical oil that, when massaged into the clitoris, labia and vaginal opening during foreplay, enhances arousal and orgasm. This method has been tested and found to be effective on SSRI patients. Your physician may also be able to switch you to a different antidepressant medication, such as Wellbutrin, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which often improves sexual function. However, Wellbutrin can have its own side effects, including insomnia, changes in appetite, heart palpitations and dry mouth. If your antihistamine is to blame, try using a water-based lubricant during sex.

3. Depression: This mood disorder is characterized by feelings of sadness, emptiness, worthlessness and fatigue that interfere with everyday life, as well as changes in sleep and eating habits. One of the hallmarks of depression is a lack of interest in sex. Although it's not fully understood why depression affects sex drive, part of the reason may be that not feeling good about yourself and your worth, in addition to having low energy levels, dampens the desire for pleasure.

What you can do: Seek help right away, especially if you have thoughts of death or suicide. Exercise can help with mild to moderate depression by boosting mood, self-esteem and energy levels while improving blood flow, including to the genitals. For moderate to severe depression, professional counseling and prescription antidepressants can help, says Dr. Kellogg-Spadt. The irony is that some of the same medications used to treat depression can reduce your sex drive (see "Medications" above). Let your physician know if your lack of sex drive doesn't change (or worsens) with treatment.

HERBAL VIAGRA - Especially for WOMEN

2006-12-29T04:36:00.000-08:00

DIVA – FOR FEMALE LIBIDO

Diva – Female libido capsule is designed especially for women who wish to enhance sexual pleasure, libido, stamina, orgasms, lubrication, climaxes and overall sexual satisfaction and performance naturally! Many women experience a decrease in sexual desire or satisfaction due to contributing factors such as stress, depression, childbirth, menopause or hormonal fluctuations. Most women ignore their feelings, believing that a decline in libido is, just something that happens, not something that can be easily corrected. That’s wrong! There's much that can be done to enhance female libido.

FEMALE LIBIDO:
The female libido or sex drive changes throughout the menstrual cycle as do many other aspects of life. Libido often peaks at mid cycle and premenstrually and the experience of these separate peaks is different. Moods aside, in natural state female have an "inordinately high drive and orgasmic capacity" at this time.

Biological sexual peaks, like many behavior in the human body are thought to reflect the action of hormones. Two of the hormones linked to female desire are testosterone and estrogen. Testosterone is the sex hormone most often associated with men, aggressiveness, lust and masculinity. Women produce testosterone too, (in the ovaries and adrenal glands), albeit at much lower levels than men.

Both estrogen and testosterone levels peak at mid cycle they seem to combine interactively affecting the brain in different ways. Whilst testosterone may work to boost libido and energy, estrogen's basic behavioral strategy is to hone the senses.

SIDE EFFECTS:
In general, most of our customers said that they did not experience any unpleasant side effects - like headache, extreme palpitation, sweating and dizziness - that are so commonly associated with sexual enhancer.

The remaining did feel some minor facial flushing and warmness in the body, which are tolerable reactions. These are caused by the blood-circulation enhancing herbs in Diva. This is necessary because we want you to feel confident that you are taking a product that is chemical-free and steroid-free. And it complies with international safety standards.

HUGE CUM SHOT

2006-12-29T04:23:00.000-08:00

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MACA

2006-10-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

Lepidium meyenii or maca is an herbaceous biennial plant or annual plant (some sources say a perennial plant) native to the high Andes of Peru. It is grown for its fleshy hypocotyl (actually a fused hypocotyl and taproot), which is used as a root vegetable and a medicinal herb. Its Spanish and Quechua names include maca-maca, maino, ayak chichira, and ayak willku.

The growth habit, size, and proportions of the maca are roughly similar to those of the radish and the turnip, to which it is related. The stem is short and decumbent. The frilly leaves are born in a rosette at the soil surface, and are continously renewed from the center as the outer leaves die. The off-white, self-fertile flowers are born on a central raceme, and are followed by 4-5 mm siliculate fruits, each containing two small (2-2.5 mm) reddish-gray ovoid seeds. The seeds, which are the plant's only means of reproduction, germinate within five days, given good conditions, and have no dormancy.

Maca is the only member of its genus with a fleshy hypocotyl. The hypocotyl is fused with the taproot to form a radish- or inverted-pear-shaped body roughly 10-15 cm long and 3-5 cm wide.

Maca is traditionally grown at altitudes of approximately 3,750-4,350 m (12,500-14,500 ft). It grows well only in very cold climates with relatively poor soil. Although it has been cultivated outside the Andes it is not yet clear that it has the same constituents or potency when this is done. Hypocotyls do not form in greenhouses or in warm climates.

For approximately 2000 years maca has been an important traditional food and medicinal plant in its growing region. It is regarded as a highly nutritious food and as a medicine that enhances strength and endurance and acts as an aphrodisiac. During Spanish colonization maca was used as currency.

Uses and preparation

The nutritional value of dried maca root is high, similar to cereal grains such as rice and wheat. It contains 60% carbohydrates, 10% protein, 8.5% dietary fiber, and 2.2% fats. Maca is rich in essential minerals, especially selenium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, and includes fatty acids including linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acids, as well as polysaccharides. Maca's reported beneficial effects for sexual function could be due to its high concentration of proteins and vital nutrients.

Small-scale clinical trials performed in men have shown that maca extracts can heighten libido and improve semen quality. Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results. In particular, studies on men with sexual dysfunction and known infertility are needed. None of the studies conducted so far show any effect of maca on sex hormone levels. No toxicity has been reported.

Traditionally, maca has been used to enhance fertility in people and animals, for libido, energy and other medicinal purposes.

Maca is consumed in several ways in Peru. Pit-roasted maca hypocotyl is the most common preparation and is called matia. A thick, sweet decoction of maca is made by boiling it in water for several hours (necessary given the altitude). Dried maca roots are also commonly mixed with milk to form a porridge. It is frequently mixed with other vegetables, grains, or potatoes, or made into flour for baking. A weak beer made by fermenting maca is known as chicha de maca. Maca smoothies, made by pureeing maca with water or milk, honey, cinnamon, and fruit are also gaining popularity (Ed Smith).
The edible leaves of Lepidium meyenii can be used as a leaf vegetable, cooked or raw in salads, and are similar to those of its close relatives Lepidium sativum (garden cress) and Lepidium campestre (field pepperweed).

Epimedium works like viagra

2006-10-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

Epimedium, also known as Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed, or Yin Yang Huo, is a genus of about 25 species of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Berberidaceae. They are native to southern Europe, and central, southern and eastern Asia.

Epimedium species are hardy perennials. They have four-petaled "spider-like" flowers in spring or early summer.

Many species of Epimedium are reported to have aphrodisiac qualities. According to legend, this property was discovered by a Chinese goat herder who noticed sexual activity in his flock after they ate the weed. It is sold as a health supplement, usually in raw herb or pill form and sometimes blended with other supplements.

The "active ingredient" in Epimedium is icariin, which can be found in standardized extracts to be from 5% up to 60% potent. Strengths above that are usually reserved for lab use.

Horny Goat Weed works by increasing nitric oxide levels, which relax smooth muscle. This lets more blood flow to the penis or clitoris or other smooth muscle.

In addition to this mechanism, it also acts as a mild PDE-5 inhibitor. PDE-5 is an enzyme which is produced in a 'negative feedback" loop. As more blood flows to the genitals starts to flow, PDE-5 metabolizes the nitric oxide almost as fast as it is being produced to keep it in check. If the body does not produce enough of this enzyme, damage to the erect penis could result from too hard of an erection. This is called priapism. Viagra, a popular pharmaceutical, works by blocking the production of the PDE-5 enzyme. Horney Goat Weed produces small amount of PDE-5 inhibitors within safe levels.