[Latin Name] Epimedium sagittatnm Maxim

[Plant Source] Leaf

[Specification] Icariin 10% 20% 40% 50%

[Appearance] Light yellow fine powder

Plant Part Used: Leaf

[Particle size]80Mesh

[Loss on drying] ≤5.0%

[Heavy Metal] ≤10PPM

[Pesticide residue] EC396-2005, USP 34, EP 8.0, FDA

[Storage] Store in cool & dry area, keep away from the direct light and heat.

[Shelf life] 24 Months

[Package] Packed in paper-drums and two plastic-bags inside.

[Net weight] 25kgs/drum

[What is Epimedium?]

Epimedium extract is a popular aphrodisiac supplement and herbal sexual performance enhancer.It has a long history of traditional use in China for the alleviation of erectile dysfunction and for improving libido and fertility.

Also known as Horny Goat Weed, this supplement supposedly got its name after a farmer noticed that his flock of goats were particularly aroused after eating flowers of a specific type. These Epimedium flowers contain icariin, which is a natural compound that increases blood flow to sexual organs and promotes sex drive. Icariin has been found to increase Nitric Oxide synthesis as well as inhibiting the activity of the PDE-5 enzyme

[Icariin in Epimedium Extract]

Epimedium extracts powder contain an active phytochemical called icariin.Icariin has been observed to exhibit a number of useful traits, including renoprotective (liver protecting) hepatoprotective (kidney protecting), cardioprotective (heart protecting) and neuroprotective (brain protecting) effects.

It is also an antioxidant and can cause vasodilation. It exhibits antimicrobial characteristics and is thought to act as an aphrodisiac.

Icariin is classified as a flavonol glycoside, which is a type of flavonoid. Specifically, icariin is the 8-prenyl derivation of kaempferol 3,7-O-diglucoside, a prevalent and important flavonoid.

[Function]

1. Combat mental and physical fatigue;

2. Induce vasodilation and improve circulation;

3. Lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients;

4. Improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) through its action as a PDE5  inhibitor;

5. Improve the use of free testosterone in the blood;

6. Increase libido;

7. Alleviate symptoms of depression and stimulate improved cognitive function;

8. Protect against neurological degeneration.

These seven seed crackers are great served with houmous or any other savoury vegan dip. They also make a great gift in food hampers. These are entirely made from store cupboard ingredients and make a great frugal high energy snack.

You will need:
Oats
Golden and brown linseed (aka flax seed)
Black and white chia seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds
Sesame seeds
Maca powder and green superblend powder (both from funktional foods) or alternative high protein vegan powders
Tahini (sesame seed butter) or any nut butter of choice
Water

Pumpkin Seed Nog

1/2 cup raw, organic pumpkin seeds, soaked overnight
1/2 cup pitted medjool dates, soaked in 2 1/2 cups water
pinch of vanilla or 1 vanilla bean (soaked with dates)
pinch of pink himalayan salt
2 teaspoons organic cinnamon powder
pinch of organic nutmeg
2 additional cups of water

Directions:
Strain and rinse the pumpkin seeds.
In a blender (I use a Vitamix) add all the ingredients (including the date soak water) and blend well until smooth and frothy.

This Nog is also great as a milk substitute for lattes and anything else you would normally use milk.

Thanks to Liz Forrest of JuicyLiving.ca for this recipe.