Epimedium
Epimedium (음양곽, 淫羊藿) is recorded in the Donguibogam as a kidney-yang tonifying herb. Its nature is warm (some sources: neutral) and its taste pungent (some sources: sweet), associated with the Liver, Kidney meridians. Traditional uses recorded in the text include tonifies kidney yang, strengthens sinews and bones, dispels wind-cold-damp. Caution: A warming yang tonic; not suited to yin-deficiency with heat signs or dry mouth.
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
寶鑑
Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam
- Tonifies kidney yang
- Strengthens sinews and bones
- Dispels wind-cold-damp
- Supports fertility
Traditional applications recorded in the classical text
- Low libido or impotence
- Weak, aching lower back and knees
- Forgetfulness with aging
- Cold-type joint or limb pain
Traditional preparation
Traditionally wine-washed and lightly roasted.
This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.
Cautions
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, 허준, 1613 (원문) — 한문 원문
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 원문 및 국역 자료 참조