Horny goat weed or epimedium (a.k.a. yin yang huo, “yang tonic”), is a small leafy shrub native to China and Japan. Growing wild in mostly high-altitude areas, epimedium has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Epimedium is purported to stimulate production of androgens (sex hormones) and suppress the production of the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn is said to help boost sexual function in both men and women.
Horny Goat Weed’s Health Benefits
Horny goat weed is prescribed in Chinese medicine to help improve erectile dysfunction in men and enhance libido in both men and women. Individuals who use horny goat weed report an overall sense of well-being and relief of fatigue. It is also reported to be useful in relieving unpleasant symptoms of menopause and improving exercise recovery.
- Improving sexual function. Horny goat weed is often used for its so-called aphrodisiac properties. Horny goat weed is thought to work by acting as a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, [which] helps widen blood vessels and increase blood flow to sexual organs.
- Managing joint pain. The chemical compound icariin, which is thought to be an active ingredient in horny goat weed, may have both anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoporotic (supporting bone regeneration, often used in the treatment of osteoporosis) effects. As a result, horny goat weed may improve joint pain by reducing inflammation in the body while promoting bone density, potentially improving osteoporosis.
- Relieving menstrual and postmenopausal symptoms. Horny goat weed contains phytoestrogens, which are estrogen-like compounds that may be beneficial for people with hormone imbalances leading to menstrual cycle issues or post-menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
- Lowering cholesterol. Research suggests icariin, the active compound found in horny goat weed, may have anti-atherosclerotic properties, meaning it may help reduce the development of cholesterol in the body. However, as the supplement can affect hormone levels and cause an irregular heartbeat, individuals with heart disease should avoid taking it and should consult a health care provider prior to use.
- Lowering blood pressure. Horny goat weed may help lower blood pressure, research suggests. However, people already taking blood pressure medications should avoid the supplement, as it may cause their blood pressure to drop too low.
- Increasing energy. A possible side effect of consuming horny goat weed is an increase in energy, which some users reportedly find beneficial.
The story behind this infamous herbal health supplement is every bit as good as its name. As legend has it, a goat herder somewhere in the high elevations of China noticed some peculiar behavior in his flock. But the behavior only came about at certain times.
Both nanny and billy goats became overly sexually excited whenever they fed on a particular patch of flowering plants. Thus, for the past 2,000 years, it has been known in herbal supplement guides as Horny Goat Weed
Dosage: 1 -2 capsules up to 3 times per day for sexual disfunction and also osteoporosis. Tincture is used under the tongue. Place 15 to 20 drops held under tongue up to 3 times a day.
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