Using horny goat weed supplements can affect certain parts of your sexual and overall health in important ways.
What is Horny Goat Weed?
Horny goat weed is the common name of a popular herbal genus, Epimedium, that is native to China and other parts of Asia. Also known as barrenwort, bishop’s hat, fairy wings, and Yin-Yang-Huo, among others, this herb has been in use for roughly 2,000 years, and has become a favorite of natural health practitioners. The strange name comes from the origin of this herb when a shepherd noticed that his flock was overly aroused after grazing on a certain patch of plants. Thus, the sexually stimulant reputation of this herb was born, but it can do far more than increase virility. [1]
While there are dozens of different species of this weed, there are five main species that are harvested for their medicinal effects. One of the active ingredients in horny goat weed, icariin, is a powerful flavonoid that is usually given the credit for this herb’s many effects. Horny goat weed powder is the form in which most people consume this herbal supplement. While there is some controversy over the efficacy of this herb, anecdotal evidence and continued popularity suggest that this herb does have a wide range of effects.
Horny goat weed is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Horny Goat Weed Benefits
The top benefits of horny goat weed include the following:
- Natural aphrodisiac
- Balancing hormones
- Strengthening of the bones
- Improving muscle strength
Let us discuss them in detail below.
Aphrodisiac
Perhaps the most famous use of this herb, it is able to regulate the levels of stress hormones in the body, which can prevent symptoms of low sex drive and menopause. Furthermore, the antioxidants present in this herb can dilate the blood vessels and increase circulation. This means that proper blood flow to sensitive reproductive areas will be increased, thus mitigating the symptoms of erectile dysfunction in some men. [2]
Testosterone Levels
Not only does this herb affect circulation, but also the levels of testosterone and other hormones in the body. This can help to regulate many natural and metabolic processes, including proper growth and development. [3]
Muscle Strength
Icariin is the powerful active ingredient in this herb that is responsible for many of its effects, including the increased production of proteins, which can boost cell growth and help to increase muscle strength at a rapid rate. [4]
Bone Health
Research has found that regular consumption of this herb is able to improve mineral uptake and lower the risk of osteoporosis. By increasing bone mineral density and preventing the leaching of minerals by the body, this herb can keep you strong and flexible as you age. [5]
Horny Goat Weed Side Effects
Despite the many benefits of this potent herb, there are some side effects that should be considered, such as the possible worsening of bleeding disorders, complications with pregnancy, low blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and allergic reactions.
- Bleeding Disorders: One of the benefits of horny goat weed is that it can slow blood clotting, but this can be dangerous for people with bleeding disorders, or those who are undergoing surgery. [6]
- Hormones and Cancers: An excess of horny goat weed can increase the estrogen levels in the body of women, further increasing the threat of breast and uterine cancers. A report in the Breast Cancer Journal titled, “Oestrogen exposure and breast cancer risk“, states how experimental studies in animals showed that estrogens can promote mammary tumors. [7]
- Pregnancy: Some studies have found that this herb can harm the fetus, so it is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.
- Blood Pressure: The ability of this herb to lower blood pressure can be dangerous for people already taking blood pressure medication, resulting in severe hypotension.
- Allergic Reactions: It is possible to have allergic reactions to this herb, such as nausea, dizziness, and vomiting, particularly if taken in large amounts. Furthermore, drug interactions are possible, so any use of this herb should be discussed with your doctor first.
