Epimedium

음양곽 (淫羊藿) · Epimedium koreanum Nakai

Kidney-yang tonifying herb Warm (some sources: neutral) Pungent (some sources: sweet) Liver, Kidney

NatureWarm (some sources: neutral)

TastePungent (some sources: sweet)

MeridiansLiver, Kidney

Part usedLeaf

FamilyBerberidaceae

CategoryKidney-yang tonifying herb

Find by concern: Weak lower back Preconception care (traditional)Memory decline

Overview

Epimedium's Korean folk name, "three branches, nine leaves grass" (samji-guyeopcho), describes its distinctive leaf pattern and is still the name most Koreans recognize. The Donguibogam preserves its more colorful classical name and origin story too: shepherds supposedly noticed a goat mating unusually often after grazing on this plant.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性溫一云平, 味辛一云甘, 無毒. 主一切冷風勞氣. 補腰膝, 丈夫絶陽不起, 女人絶陰無子, 老人昏耄, 中年健忘. 治陰痿, 莖中痛, 益氣力, 堅筋骨, 丈夫久服令有子. 消瘰癧, 下部有瘡, 洗出蟲.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is warm (some say neutral), its taste pungent (some say sweet), and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats all manner of cold-wind taxation qi. It tonifies the lower back and knees, treats men whose yang is cut off and cannot rise, and women whose yin is cut off and who cannot conceive, treats confusion in the elderly and forgetfulness in middle age. It treats impotence and pain in the genitals, boosts qi and strength, firms the sinews and bones, and in men taken long-term can bring fertility. It resolves scrofula, and washed and applied below, it expels parasites from sores.

Traditional functions

Tonifies kidney yang
Strengthens sinews and bones
Dispels wind-cold-damp
Supports fertility

Traditional applications

Low libido or impotence
Weak, aching lower back and knees
Forgetfulness with aging
Cold-type joint or limb pain

Traditional preparation

Decoction 6–12g, traditionally wine-washed and lightly roasted.

Cautions

Caution: A warming yang tonic; not suited to yin-deficiency with heat signs or dry mouth. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Why is epimedium called "three branches, nine leaves grass" in Korean?

The Donguibogam itself notes this common folk name (三枝九葉草), describing the plant's distinctive pattern of leaves arranged in threes and nines — still the name most Koreans use today.

What is the origin of its Chinese name, 淫羊藿?

The Donguibogam records the classical story: shepherds noticed a goat mating unusually often after grazing on this plant, which gave rise to the name (literally "licentious goat's leaf").

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.