Tonify Yang: Yin Yang Huo

yin yang huo (huo means "bean leaf" because it looks like a bean leaf...apparently)

阴阳霍 herba epimedii

Liver and Kidney

WARM

Sweet and acrid

Yang/Kidney tonification (impotence) and Wind Damp Cold Bi

Another name for this herb is "licentious (or horny) goat weed" because the goats would eat it and get to frolicking good times. This gives a good indication what it is used for. A less sexy name for it is "immortal spirit Spleen."

What is special about this herb, besides its effect on stoking the fire at the gate of vitality, is its ability to disperse wind-damp-cold in painful bi syndrome. Meanwhile, as it drives out the obstructions, it is also repairing the damage done by them (it does go to the liver, after all, which I believe governs the sinews). It's all true! (Bensky said so!)

Summary of functions:

A. Tonifies Kidneys / Fortifies Yang:

1. impotence / infertility
2. frequent urination
3. withdrawal
4. painful cold in lower back and knees

B. Dispels Wind-Damp-Cold / Unblocks the flow of yang qi (note, that it is ACRID)

1. Spasms / Cramps in hands / feet
2. Joint pain / Difficult movement
3. Numbness in extremities
4. Numbness, contraction following wind stroke

Ying Yang Huo is contraindicated in cases of yin deficient fire. It also should not be decocted for a long time -- it can injure the yin (it is very drying -- I encourage you to eat a little piece).