What Is Horny Goat Weed?
Despite its amusing name, horny goat weed (Epimedium grandiflorum) has been a respected component of traditional medicine for centuries. It has a particularly long history in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it’s known as “yin yang huo” or Herba epimedii.
The main active ingredient in horny goat weed is icariin, a flavonoid with strong antioxidant properties. Icariin also promotes a normal response to inflammation. People use horny goat weed for various health issues, ranging from erectile dysfunction (ED) and low testosterone to supporting bone and heart health.
You can find horny goat weed in extract, tincture, capsule, or powder form. You can even enjoy it as a tea. While many people associate this herb with men, it can also be beneficial for women.
Top Horny Goat Weed Benefits
Horny goat weed is well-known for boosting libido and improving sexual performance, but its potential benefits extend beyond that. It may also improve circulation, increase muscle strength, enhance bone health, and more.
Here are some of the top benefits that this herb — and its active ingredient icariin — provide:
Boosts Sex Drive
A healthy sex life can significantly enhance overall quality of life. In traditional medicine, horny goat weed is a common remedy for low libido. The herb may balance hormone levels and stimulate blood flow, which are important factors in sex drive and sexual performance.
Erectile Function
If you have trouble getting or keeping an erection, this can affect your sex life. Many people turn to horny goat weed in these situations. Icariin, the active ingredient in horny goat weed, boosts the production of nitric oxide in the penis, a substance that helps blood vessels dilate. As blood vessels dilate, it increases blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection.
For those who want to know more details, icariin halts the action of PDE5 — an enzyme that otherwise decreases blood supply to the penis. This is the same biochemical action that enables the “little blue pill” to work!
Testosterone Levels
Icariin has a twofold effect. Not only does it mimic the effects of testosterone in the body, but it also directly boosts testosterone levels in the blood. Both men and women produce testosterone, which plays a role in sexual desire and improves libido for both sexes. Horny goat weed may also improve the condition of reproductive organs.
Healthy Circulation
Horny goat weed also supports blood flow throughout the body. The more blood circulating in the body, the more blood gets delivered to the sexual organs. In men, greater blood circulation increases the strength of an erection. Blood flow also enhances sexual arousal in both men and women. In short, 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 affect sex drive, and horny goat weed shows promise for promoting a positive mood. Horny goat weed may balance cortisol — a well-known “stress hormone.” Reducing your body’s exposure to cortisol naturally boosts mood.
Icariin also promotes normal levels of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a chemical indicator of stress in the body. Higher CRF correlates with feelings of fear and anxiety, so lowering its levels benefits your mental wellness. Icariin also influences two other stress-related compounds, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor-necrosis-factor alpha (TNF-alpha), part of the well-known hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Promotes Nerve Cell Growth
It appears horny goat weed works through both the neuroendocrine and immune systems. The icariin in horny goat weed acts like a “neurotrophin” — a molecule that helps with nerve cell growth and repair. Nerves that line the penis influence pleasure. By improving nerve growth, the theory is that horny goat weed will increase sexual enjoyment. And of course, healthy nerves are important not only for sexual enjoyment but also for your brain and entire nervous system.
Fortifies Your Bones
Looking for extra bone support? Horny goat weed holds promise as a natural and complementary therapy for people concerned about their bone health. Icariin stimulates new bone cells to form, improving bone density. As women go through menopause, they are at greater risk of bone loss and conditions like osteoporosis. Icariin appears to improve bone strength and reduce bone loss over time. Horny goat weed’s support for a healthy skeletal system is particularly important in older individuals.
Supports a Healthy Heart
Since horny goat weed supports circulation and new blood vessel formation, it is good for the heart. Horny goat weed’s heart-protecting effects come mainly from its antioxidant properties. Icariin can prevent cell death (apoptosis). Icariin is also anti-inflammatory and, as mentioned, has antioxidant properties. If you have heart health risk factors, this herb can support your cardiovascular system.
In addition to horny goat weed, you can find other vitamins and supplements to support a healthy heart. A healthy heart plays a vital role in a thriving sex life. Check out our article about healthy heart tips.
Reduces Fatigue
Who isn’t tired these days? With work, kids, daily stress, and more, most people consider low energy one of their biggest concerns. Good news: Horny goat weed may boost your vitality and help fight fatigue. This power herb offers anti-fatigue and energy-boosting benefits, especially when used after exercise. Icariin appears to decrease the build-up of lactic acid, which makes muscles tired and sore.
Additional Health Benefits
Horny goat weed finds many more 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 & forgetfulness, reduce nocturia (waking in the night to urinate). Horny goat weed might even 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 the following popular libido herbs:
Saffron: An exotic cooking herb, saffron is also an 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 bring spice to the bedroom. Nutmeg can increase sexual desire without side effects.
Clove: Used in Unani medicine, also known as Arabian or Islamic medicine, clove has a positive impact on sexual activity.
Passionflower: The flavonoids (antioxidant compounds) in passionflower may be responsible for their effect on sex drive.
Maca Root: Maca powder may have a positive effect on sex drive in women, particularly postmenopausal women.
Tribulus: The roots and fruits of Tribulus terrestris have aphrodisiac properties. Tribulus may increase sexual behavior and promote testosterone production.
Zinc: The essential mineral zinc is linked to normal fertility, testosterone levels, and libido in men. Be sure to 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 a boost of sustained energy and stimulates sex drive and arousal.
How Should I Take Horny Goat Weed?
Most horny goat weed supplements sold 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. You can also find horny goat weed sold in herbal extracts.
In traditional Asian medicine, horny goat weed is typically combined with other compounds, rather than taken on its own. 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 men or women like to take 3 to 4 capsules before sexual activity. If you want a boost to your male or female vitality, give horny goat weed a try. It’s a generally 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.
