Herba Epimedii is the stem of the Epimedium plant in the Berberidaceae family. It grows in the wild and can also be cultivated. It has a wide range of value, not only in terms of medicinal use but also as a valuable ornamental plant with great aesthetic appeal. What are the side effects of taking Herba Epimedii in excessive amounts?
【Side Effects of Taking Herba Epimedii in Excessive Amounts】
Taking Herba Epimedii in excessive amounts can cause stomach discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, chest tightness, weakness in limbs, or facial swelling.
Oral dosage: decoction, 15-30g. Topical usage: appropriate amount, apply crushed fresh Herba Epimedii or use decoction for washing.
"Xin San" formula for chronic diarrhea and prolapse of the rectum: Cut Herba Epimedii into small pieces and burn them as incense.
"Yang's Lactation Formula" for excessive milk flow: Take equal amounts of Herba Epimedii and Yunshi, 20g of Chuan Wutou, and 5g of Guixin, grind them into powder, make them into small pills with honey, take 5 pills each time, three times a day, with water.
【Morphological Characteristics of Herba Epimedii】
The stem of Herba Epimedii is square in shape, can grow up to several meters long, and can be twining or segmented. It has a diameter of 1-5mm and a gray-green or brown-green surface, usually with 6 distinct longitudinal ridges.
It is covered with white soft hairs, brittle in texture, easily broken, with uneven cross-sections. The wood is yellowish-white, with numerous small vascular pores visible, and the pith is loose.
The leaves are opposite, with three compound leaflets. The leaflets are often wrinkled and broken. The intact leaflets are ovate or broadly ovate, with the terminal leaflet larger than the lateral leaflets, often with 3 shallow and indistinct lobes.
The margins have coarse serrations or teeth, dark green in color, and both sides are covered with short soft hairs. The total petiole is 2-9cm long and often twisted. Some have flowers and fruits. It has a faint aroma and a slightly bitter taste.
【Efficacy and Function of Herba Epimedii】
Herba Epimedii is used to treat diarrhea, prolapse of the rectum, epilepsy, cold and fever, and edema in pregnant women, as well as muscle and bone pain.
① Li Dangzhi's "Record of Medicines"
Stops diarrhea, aids digestion.
② "Tang Materia Medica"
Mainly used for wind-cold diarrhea, sudden dysentery, irregular intestinal movements with bloating, epilepsy, various cold and fever symptoms, excessive sweating.
③ "Hunan Materia Medica"
Used to treat edema in pregnant women, goiter under the neck.
