A question for the herbalists, if there are any here

[hvn_nbr_2]

Since we don't have many discussions of alternative healing, and I can't remember any about herbs, I'm not real hopeful of getting an answer, but I'll give it a shot.

Epimedium (AKA "horny goat weed") is a Chinese herb. I'm trying to find out what the difference is between epimedium sagittatum and epimedium grandiflorum. Most supplement products seem to contain e. grandiflorum but most research seems to use e. sagittatum, as far as I can tell from brief googling. I'm wondering if it's worth looking for one variety specifically.

[LWolf]

1. I'd pull out my herbals and look it up for ya

if they weren't all packed. :-(

I don't know this one, so can't comment on it. I found these links:

http://www.ironmagazine.com/archive/horny_goat_weed.htm

http://healthyherbs.about.com/cs/herbfaqs/a/aa012303.htm

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/epimedium.html

They all seem to be about sagittatum; when I googled epimedium grandiflora, I got lists of ornamental garden plants, for what that's worth.

I hope someone else will have what you're looking for!

[hvn_nbr_2]

5. Thanks for those links.

Some good ones to add to my list of herb sites. I would never have guessed that a body-building magazine would have such extensive info; for the things that they have articles about, their info seems the most complete that I've seen.

[Desertrose]

2. If I get a chance I'll see what my books say too

My guess is like LWolf..one is more ornamental or perhaps a variety is grown in a different are of the country.

will see if I have anything anywhere...just not sure when I'll get a chance to look....another crazy day ahead:)

[icymist]

3. I found you something on epimediums....

Epimedium is a large, leafy plant native to China which has been given the humorous moniker of "horny goat weed" for its alleged sexual potency. The plant has short, thin stems and large, shovel-shaped green leaves that are harvested during the summer and fall. Some species of epimedium also contain green or purple flowers, but they all have the same medicinal properties. The above-ground portions of the plant, including the stems, are used in herbal remedies.

<snip>

As always, make sure to consult with a qualified health care practitioner before taking epimedium or any other dietary supplement or herbal remedy.

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/epimedium.html

I personally do the herbs I find native to where I'm living so my knowledge about Chinese herbs are limited. May I ask what you are using these supplements for? Could there be a native plant that grows in the area where you are living that would have the same properties? Connecting and getting to know the spirit and essence of the plant is just as important. I know, it's a little more than just taking a pill.

[hvn_nbr_2]

6. Native plants and supplements

May I ask what you are using these supplements for? Could there be a native plant that grows in the area where you are living that would have the same properties? Connecting and getting to know the spirit and essence of the plant is just as important.

I'm not actually taking the supplement. I was considering the possibility of experimenting with it in herbal liqueurs that I make. Someone I know makes a damiana-based aphrodisiac liqueur that is somewhat notorious in northern California pagan circles, and I've been experimenting with other things to add to damiana, both for flavor and for effect.

Based on the info in one of the links people provided (don't remember which one right now), epimedium would apparently not be very suitable for this purpose, since it is better extracted in water alone and not in alcohol.

Since I live in a condo in an urban area, with no yard, and since the only accessible open areas are public parklands where gathering plants isn't allowed, growing or gathering the local plants isn't really a viable option, except growing them in pots on a very small scale on my balcony. But there are local and reginal herbalists who grow stuff.

It seems like there really just aren't equivalents of a lot of the Chinese herbs. But I'm just beginning to learn about them.

[icymist]

9. I don't know what to say to you.....

except really look around you! There are plants growing everwhere! Look at them! No matter how distorted they are for growing in 'strange' places this is to them. What do you feel when you're 'seeing' these plants? Are they speaking to you?

[Matariki]

4. Cat Yronwode at Lucky Mojo is an excellent herbalist

I'm taking her class and am always impressed by her extensive and detailed knowledge of herbs - and her willingness to share information.

Her website with contact info is here: http://www.luckymojo.com/catalogue.html

Don't be put off by the 'mojo thing' - she really is an excellent scholar.

[hvn_nbr_2]

7. Thanks for reminding me about Cat Yronwode

I used to encounter her a lot in some usenet groups, but I haven't done usenet in years and I forgot about her. Looks like she now has a retail store, which is within a day's trip for me. Maybe I'll make a day trip to Muir Woods or Point Reyes and stop by her store.

I've never known how to pronounce her last name. Do you know?

[icymist]

8. Hey! Good for you!!!

I like Cat Yronwode, she helped me trough some very trobled periods. But, you know what?! Hoodoo isn't everything. If you found what you want through Hoodoo, than great! Just one thing, remember ... Hoodoo don't need the religion! That's right, hoodoo can still work without any religion. Now, If you're in such a spirit to practice Hoodoo anyway.... God be with you. You are going to need it.