What Is Horny Goat Weed?
Despite its quirky name, horny goat weed (Epimedium grandiflorum) has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries. It holds a significant place in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it’s known as “yin yang huo” or Herba epimedii.
The primary active ingredient in horny goat weed is icariin, a flavonoid with potent antioxidant properties. Icariin also supports a normal inflammatory response. People use horny goat weed for various health issues, including erectile dysfunction (ED), low testosterone, and to support bone and heart health.
You can find horny goat weed in several forms, such as extracts, tinctures, capsules, or powders. It’s even available as a tea. While many associate this herb with men, it’s also beneficial for women.
Top Horny Goat Weed Benefits
Horny goat weed is well-known for boosting libido and enhancing sexual performance, but its benefits extend beyond that. It may also improve circulation, increase muscle strength, enhance bone health, and more.
Here are some of the top benefits provided by this herb and its active ingredient, icariin:
Boosts Sex Drive
A healthy sex life is crucial for overall well-being, and in traditional medicine, horny goat weed is a common remedy for low libido. The herb may balance hormone levels and stimulate blood flow, both of which are important for sex drive and performance.
Erectile Function
If you struggle with getting or maintaining an erection, it can impact your sex life. Many people turn to horny goat weed in these situations. Icariin, the active ingredient, boosts the production of nitric oxide in the penis, which helps blood vessels dilate and increases blood flow, resulting in an erection.
Icariin also inhibits the action of PDE5, an enzyme that reduces blood supply to the penis. This is the same mechanism that makes the “little blue pill” effective.
Testosterone Levels
Icariin has a dual effect: it mimics the effects of testosterone in the body and directly boosts testosterone levels in the blood. Both men and women produce testosterone, which plays a role in sexual desire and libido. Horny goat weed may also improve the condition of reproductive organs.
Healthy Circulation
Horny goat weed supports blood flow throughout the body. Increased circulation means more blood is delivered to the sexual organs, enhancing sexual arousal in both men and women. In men, this can lead to stronger erections.
In summary, horny goat weed helps your cardiovascular system and boosts libido by enhancing blood flow throughout your body.
Adds Happiness to Your Day
Anxiety, stress, and depression can negatively affect sex drive, and horny goat weed shows promise in promoting a positive mood. It may balance cortisol, a well-known “stress hormone,” and reduce your body’s exposure to it, naturally boosting mood.
Icariin also promotes normal levels of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a chemical indicator of stress. Lowering CRF levels can benefit your mental wellness by reducing feelings of fear and anxiety.
Additionally, icariin influences two other stress-related compounds, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor-necrosis-factor alpha (TNF-alpha), which are part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Promotes Nerve Cell Growth
Horny goat weed appears to work through both the neuroendocrine and immune systems. Icariin acts like a “neurotrophin,” a molecule that aids in nerve cell growth and repair.
Nerves lining the penis influence pleasure, and by improving nerve growth, horny goat weed may increase sexual enjoyment. Healthy nerves are essential not only for sexual pleasure but also for overall brain and nervous system health.
Fortifies Your Bones
Horny goat weed shows promise as a natural therapy for those concerned about bone health. Icariin stimulates the formation of new bone cells, improving bone density. This is particularly important for women going through menopause, who are at greater risk of bone loss and conditions like osteoporosis.
Horny goat weed’s support for a healthy skeletal system is especially beneficial for older individuals.
Supports a Healthy Heart
Since horny goat weed supports circulation and new blood vessel formation, it is beneficial for heart health. Its heart-protecting effects mainly come from its antioxidant properties, which can prevent cell death (apoptosis).
Icariin is also anti-inflammatory and has antioxidant properties. If you have heart health risk factors, this herb can support your cardiovascular system.
In addition to horny goat weed, other vitamins and supplements can support a healthy heart. A healthy heart is vital for a thriving sex life.
Reduces Fatigue
Many people struggle with low energy due to work, kids, and daily stress. Horny goat weed may boost vitality and help fight fatigue. This herb offers anti-fatigue and energy-boosting benefits, especially after exercise. Icariin appears to decrease the build-up of lactic acid, which makes muscles tired and sore.
Additional Health Benefits
Horny goat weed has many applications in traditional Eastern medicine. Healers may recommend the herb to:
Support healthy blood pressure, reduce joint and back discomfort, support kidney health, boost liver health, discourage memory loss and forgetfulness, reduce nocturia (waking in the night to urinate), and support female hormone balance during perimenopause and after menopause.
Other Herbs for Libido
Horny goat weed is not the only herb that can enhance your sex drive. Multiple herbs are often combined in natural products to support libido and sexual function. These include:
Saffron: An exotic cooking herb and aphrodisiac in traditional medicine, saffron may increase erection frequency, ability to reach orgasm, and arousal.
Nutmeg: More than just an ingredient for pumpkin pie, nutmeg may also increase sexual desire without side effects.
Clove: Used in Unani medicine, clove positively impacts sexual activity.
Passionflower: The flavonoids in passionflower may enhance sex drive.
Maca Root: Maca powder may positively affect sex drive in women, particularly postmenopausal women.
Tribulus: The roots and fruits of Tribulus terrestris have aphrodisiac properties and may increase sexual behavior and promote testosterone production.
Zinc: This essential mineral is linked to normal fertility, testosterone levels, and libido in men. Ensure you get enough zinc for a healthy sex life.
Moringa: A super-herb and superfood, moringa leaf contains a stunning array of nutrients and protein to support vitality in men and women. It offers sustained energy and stimulates sex drive and arousal.
How Should I Take Horny Goat Weed?
Most horny goat weed supplements on the market come in capsule form. You can also make a hot cup of horny goat weed tea by adding the herb to boiling water. It’s also available in herbal extracts.
In traditional Asian medicine, horny goat weed is typically combined with other compounds rather than taken alone. It might be most beneficial in multi-herb formulations.
Horny goat weed supplements vary in quality and purity. Look for a high-quality, organic product. Some people take 3 to 4 capsules before sexual activity. If you want a boost to your vitality, give horny goat weed a try. It’s generally a safe herb with positive effects.
Check out Androtrex, a high-quality liquid supplement that contains horny goat weed plus other herbs that support men’s vitality, including Tribulus, Tongkat Ali, maca, and ashwagandha.
Horny Goat Weed Side Effects
Horny goat weed supplements, including liquid extracts and capsules, are generally safe to consume. However, minor side effects may include nosebleeds, dizziness, or increased heartbeat.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid horny goat weed. If you have low blood pressure, be cautious as it may lower it further. If you experience any changes in heart rate or breathing with long-term use, contact your healthcare provider. Other medications may increase the risk of side effects.
Points to Remember
Horny goat weed (Epimedium) is often used to boost libido and improve sex drive and performance. Although men more commonly use it, horny goat weed also works well for women. The herb’s active ingredient is icariin, a compound with antioxidant properties. In addition to promoting a healthy sex drive, testosterone levels, and erectile function, icariin may also support circulation, bone health, and nerve growth, particularly in the penis.
