Horny Goat Weed Benefits

Traditional medicine and natural remedies are a lifesaver in many cases. Similarly, Horny goat weed is a very helpful product of traditional Chinese medicinal knowledge of plants, especially herbs. Horny goat weed is taxonomically called Epimedium while in Chinese culture it is known as Ying Yang Huo. Some of the horny goat weed benefits include but are not limited to helping with joint disorders, nerve pain, hay fever, and erectile dysfunction.

Scientific research data regarding the possible use and benefits of horny goat weed is not widely available. Most indications of the benefits of this is from traditional Chinese medicine in which this weed has helped in specific medical problems.

What Does Horny Goat Weed Do?

Horny goat weed is commonly available as an over-the-counter herb. This product has a decent amount of Icariin in it, which is established in Chinese medicine as an effective supplement to increase sperm count. This is why this ingredient is widely sold in the form of tablets or even tea. In other forms, it is the main ingredient in most natural male supplements.

People suffering from erectile dysfunction are typically always facing other problems in bed such as decreased sperm count or even lack of sperm. Horny goat weed has helped many in getting a decent erection for performing better in bed. It is also known, as mentioned above, as a supplement to increase sperm count.

Horny goat weed serves this purpose by releasing free-form testosterone in the body, causing these levels to increase. Increased testosterone eventually helps the body to correct its sperm count, make its sperm more effective, and increase libido, etc. Therefore, it may answer the question of how to increase sperm count naturally.

Apart from this, horny goat weed can also help the body in managing other health issues such as increased blood pressure, joint disorders, diminished sexual desire, menopause-related health issues, nerve damage, tiredness, and hay fever, etc.

How Is Horny Goat Weed Linked to Stress?

Horny goat weed is also known for its anti-stress qualities. It has been noted that the active ingredient (icariin) has mimicking powers of an antidepressant as it aids people suffering from depression and stress and helps them in finding their way around these problems.

There are more reasons for which people choose to use horny goat weed – It helps in:

• Overcoming muscle fatigue
• Keeping blood pressure more steady and in an acceptable range
• Warding off symptoms of cardiac diseases
• Reducing the effects on the brain caused by Alzheimer’s

Where Can You Find Horny Goat Weed?

Epimedium grandiflorum has been known in China for its extensive use in eastern medicine. According to a folk tale, the weed got this name when a goat herder was grazing his goats and he noticed that his goats, after eating a certain plant, became sexually aroused; hence, the name Horny goat weed.

In plant sciences, epimedium grandiflorum is also known as ying yang huo, randy beef grass, and rowdy lamb herb. The names are given to it owing to the various stimulating properties that it has. Naturally, horny goat weed is only found in Asia generally and in parts of China, Korea, and Japan only. Over time, as people have started to realize the significance of this plant in the United States, it is also being grown indoors as an ornamental plant.

Does Horny Goat Weed Work?

One of the most commonly asked questions is, does horny goat weed work? In order to answer this burning question, a study was conducted in which rats with damaged nerves and nerve cell lining were observed in a lab. A team of researchers participating in the experiment noted that rats administered icariin which is the principal active ingredient in horny goat weed showed positive signs of recovery of erectile dysfunction even in the case of injury of the nerve, which has now become one of the major horny goat weed benefits.

Similarly, in another study to ascertain the horny goat weed benefits, it was found that icariin is effective in blocking the substance, PDE5, which occurs in humans to inhibit erection. PDE5 works by inhibiting the vessels in the penis from dilating. If this mechanism of PDE5 is blocked, then the blood remains in the arteries of the penis and the erection remains for a longer period of time. This PDE5 blocking mechanism of icariin is similar in nature to sildenafil, which is a prescription drug.

How Long Does a Horny Goat Weed Take To work?

There is no specific measurement of the time in which horny goat weed starts to show its effects in the human body. An overall analysis of the reported times, show that the effects can be seen within 30-90 minutes of taking horny goat weed. There are also varied reports that once the horny goat weed starts to take effect, it can last as long as a week.

Horny Goat Weed Dosage

Horny goat weed must not be taken without consulting a healthcare professional; as is the case of any medication, traditional or herbal. Horny goat weed dosage should always be decided upon after consulting a doctor who is aware of your medical history and also your known allergies. Only then can he work out a proper dosage of horny goat weed that is suitable for you.

According to one study, the dosage of horny goat weed also differs depending upon the ailment for which it is being used. Larger doses of horny goat weed are required to help with conditions such as erectile dysfunction and atherosclerosis. The dose becomes considerably less for hay fever.

It is also recommended by experts that your consulting doctor, depending upon your health and the severity of your condition, should also decide whether there is a need to steep horny goat weed in water before using it. It is common practice to mix the herb with water to minimize the chance of experiencing side effects from it.

Allopathic healthcare experts caution that alternative medicine such as horny goat weed, which is a traditional Chinese medicine, should not be used to replace a regime of conventional medicines. They also advise people to not replace their prescribed medicine with alternative medicine on their own as it may have a detrimental effect on their health. Your naturopath or herbalist would have more insight into this herb.

Some side effects that were noted with larger doses of horny goat weed are as follows:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Difficulty in breathing

Be sure not to exceed recommended amounts and seek help if you have any adverse reactions.