Horny Goat Weed: 10 Benefits, 4 Side Effects, And Uses

Horny goat weed is called yin yang huo in Chinese and is botanically known as Epimedium. Horny goat weed benefits include improved libidoⁱ  The desirability of sex that varies from person to person and is impacted by lifestyle choices, medications, and hormones. and enhanced production of certain hormones. It also is a natural aphrodisiacⁱ  A substance that heightens sexual pleasure, arousal, or desire, abundantly found in pomegranate, almonds, and pumpkin seeds. and offers other important benefits too. In this article, we discuss all the benefits of horny goat weed. Continue reading.

Know Your Ingredient: Horny Goat Weed

What Is It?
It is a herb used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.

What are Its Benefits?
It may improve libido and sexual function, reduce inflammation and pain, enhance bone health, and aid cognitive function and cardiovascular health.

Who Can Use It?
It can be used by adults looking to promote sexual health, reduce inflammation and pain, or enhance bone and heart health.

How Often?
It is recommended to take 2 capsules (1,000 mg) orally per day.

Caution
It may cause side effects in some individuals such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

What Is Horny Goat Weed? What Are Its Uses?

Horny goat weed, Epimedium, or ‘yin yang huo’ (in Chinese) is a herb used as a popular treatment for erectile dysfunctionⁱ  The inability to hold an erection long enough to engage in sexual activity, which also may lead to emotional distress in a few males. . But does horny goat weed really work? Yes! In fact, one study concluded that it could be a promising treatment for erectile dysfunctionⁱ  The inability to hold an erection long enough to engage in sexual activity, which also may lead to emotional distress in a few males. caused by nerve injury (1).

The herb is also used to boost immunity, promote bone health, and for its anticancer and anti-HIV activities (we need more research for this). This herb appears interesting, doesn’t it? But wait, how does it work?

How Does Horny Goat Weed Work?

Since the most important benefit of the herb is to treat erectile dysfunctionⁱ  The inability to hold an erection long enough to engage in sexual activity, which also may lead to emotional distress in a few males. , we will look at how it works in this regard.

When a person is physically stimulated, the nitric oxide in the body signals a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) – and this process results in an inflow of blood into three cylinder-like structures in the male genital organ. This leads to an erection.

It may also inhibit an enzyme called protein phosphodiesterase type 5, which otherwise interferes with the nitric oxide and cGMP – this prevents the blood from flowing to the male genital organ, and as a result, prevents an erection. Proper blood circulation is essential for maintaining and achieving an erection.

And now, we get to the details.

What Are The Benefits Of Horny Goat Weed?

Thanks to its icariin content, horny goat weed works wonderfully well for treating erectile dysfunctionⁱ  The inability to hold an erection long enough to engage in sexual activity, which also may lead to emotional distress in a few males. and boosting libidoⁱ  The desirability of sex that varies from person to person and is impacted by lifestyle choices, medications, and hormones. .

It also improves testosterone production. The herb can also lower blood pressure levels and enhance energy levels to a considerable extent.  

1. Treats Erectile Dysfunction

We already saw how the herb works. In fact, it has been used for treating erectile dysfunctionⁱ  The inability to hold an erection long enough to engage in sexual activity, which also may lead to emotional distress in a few males. in traditional Chinese medicine for several years. This ability of horny goat weed can be attributed to its icariin content – icariin is an active ingredient found in the herb that has beneficial properties.

Studies (preliminary, but promising) have shown that icariin can also help sustain an erection – and the herb can be used as a potential treatment for ED, and that too, with few or no side effects (1).

Jonathan Roseland, a blogger, used horny goat weed to improve his libido. He says I’ve tried several libido-enhancing herbs and supplements and Horny Goat Weed is the best (i)”.

StyleCraze Trivia

Horny goat weed has been used in traditional Asian medicine for nearly 1000 years. It was used to make a yang tonic to enhance kidney functioning and improve fertility and libido.

2. Increases Testosterone Production

Certain studies have stated that the icariin in horny goat weed can help increase testosterone levels (2). This may help in increasing stamina, fixing low energy levels, and combating involuntary ejaculation (3).

Icariin has testosterone-mimicking properties, and this helps improve physical intimacy desires and athletic performance. Studies have also shown how the herb can work as an intimacy enhancer by increasing libidoⁱ  The desirability of sex that varies from person to person and is impacted by lifestyle choices, medications, and hormones. .

According to a few top doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine, horny goat weed is the best intimate health tonic for both men and women (4).

Fun Fact

Rumor has it that this plant got its name from a goat herder when he noticed the increased sex drive in goats after eating it.

3. Improves Neural Health

Some sources say that horny goat weed can also help treat depression, which might also contribute to erectile dysfunctionⁱ  The inability to hold an erection long enough to engage in sexual activity, which also may lead to emotional distress in a few males. in some cases. And the icariin in the herb acts as a neuroprotectant – it prevents inflammation, which can otherwise lead to cognitive decline (5).

4. Prevents Osteoporosis

Reports suggest that horny goat weed can be used to treat osteoporosisⁱ  A condition where the bones’ mineral density and mass decrease, making them weaker and more prone to fractures and bone loss post menopause (6). Other studies found that the herb could restore the bone density of the spine. Icariin can also be used as an osteogenic compound in bone tissue engineering (7).

As per a study conducted by the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the icariin in horny goat weed could improve bone formation (8).

5. Enhances Liver Health

Icariin has often been used in medications for primary liver cancer (9). However, we need more research before we can conclude if horny goat weed can improve liver function.

6. Might Boost Energy Levels

According to certain sources, horny goat weed can boost energy levels upon ingestion. But there are very few studies supporting this fact. Hence, we recommend you talk to your doctor before using the herb for this purpose.

7. May Lower Blood Pressure

Some anecdotal sources say that the herb can help regulate blood pressure levels, especially in menopausal women. If you suffer from hypertension, lowering your blood pressure is good for cardiovascular health as it reduces the load on the heart and blood vessels (10). But be careful about its use – as anecdotal evidence also states the herb might interact with blood pressure medications.

8. May Treat Insomnia

There is very little information on this. But horny goat weed can calm the nerves and ease anxiety – and can prevent the resultant insomnia.

On the flip side, the herb has stimulating effects. Hence, if not taken in limited doses, it can instead cause insomnia.

9. Horny Goat Weed Benefits For Skin

Though there is no specific use of horny goat weed to treat any particular skin ailment, it might improve skin health as it stimulates blood flow. The blood flow improves the transportation of oxygen throughout the body, making your skin glow naturally. This also soothes the skin.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the herb can also cure herpesⁱ  A viral infection that results in mouth sores or genital sores that can be transmitted sexually and affect many people asymptomatically. . But we suggest you consult your doctor before using it for this purpose.

10. Horny Goat Weed Benefits For Hair

The growth of our hair depends on the condition of our scalp and hormones. In some cases, especially in men, hormones are the main cause of hair loss. Imbalances in testosterone levels can also lead to hair issues. Since horny goat weed can boost testosterone levels, it might, in a way, boost hair growth.

However, the efficiency of horny goat weed hasn’t been scientifically proven yet. Hence, you may consider other herbs for hair loss that stimulate hair growth, such as neem, jasmine, peppermint, etc.

Note: The herb’s safety and efficacy may vary among individuals. Also, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements, especially if you have an underlying health condition or are taking any medications.

Fun Fact

Horny goat weed is also called Bishop’s cap or fairy wings due to the shape of its flowers.

What Are The Side Effects Of Horny Goat Weed?

is horny goat weed safe? It’s better to be informed about its side effects. Read on.

1. May Lead To Bleeding Disorders

The herb slows blood clotting and can increase the risk of bleeding. It can also increase this risk during surgery – hence, avoid its use at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

2. May Cause Hormone-sensitive Conditions

The herb can act like estrogen and increase its levels in some women. This can aggravate cancers of the breast or uterus, which are conditions sensitive to estrogen.

3. May Cause Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Ingesting horny goat weed during pregnancy might harm the fetus. Not enough is known about its effects during breastfeeding. Hence, avoid use in both the cases.

These are the side effects. But you sure can avoid them by taking horny goat weed in limited doses. And wait, how can you take it in the first place?

How To Take Horny Goat Weed

You can take 250 to 500 milligrams of horny goat weed every day with water (11). This can include horny goat weed extract or tablet. You will also get the extract powder in the market.

Or you can prepare horny goat weed tea. Simply steep the leaves (remember the dosage) in hot water for about 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and remove the leaves. Have it in the morning and evening.

Ensure you take a week-long break for every month you take this herb. But keep in mind the dosage. An overdose can lead to the side effects that we discussed. As per anecdotal evidence, the upper limits based on an individual’s weight include:

• 900 milligrams of icariin for an individual weighing 150 lbs
• 1,200 milligrams of icariin for an individual weighing 200 lbs
• 1,500 milligrams of icariin for an individual weighing 250 lbs

The doses might vary as per the health conditions of an individual. Hence, it’s better if you consult a doctor.
Check out the section below to know when to take horny goat weed to reap its benefits.

When To Take Horny Goat Weed

Horny goat weed is commonly taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before engaging in sexual activity. This timing is suggested to allow the active compound, icariin, found in horny goat weed, to potentially boost sexual desire. It can also be taken as a daily supplement to reap other health benefits. However, it’s important to understand that responses to this herbal supplement can vary among individuals and its effectiveness may be influenced by factors like dosage and the user’s overall health. Consult a healthcare professional before using horny goat weed to determine the most suitable timing and dosage for your specific needs and to ensure it is safe and compatible with your health.

Infographic: 5 Important Benefits Of Horny Goat Weed

Horny goat weed is a powerful herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve libidoⁱ  The desirability of sex that varies from person to person and is impacted by lifestyle choices, medications, and hormones. and improve hormone production. We have compiled the six most important benefits of consuming horny goat weed and its effect on health. Check out the infographic below to know more!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does horny goat weed take to work?

Depends on what it is used for. If used for improving intimacy desires, it can work within 60 to 90 minutes. For treating the underlying cause of erectile dysfunctionⁱ  The inability to hold an erection long enough to engage in sexual activity, which also may lead to emotional distress in a few males. and other ailments like weak bones, etc., it can take a week or more.

Can women take horny goat weed?

Yes, the herb can have similar beneficial effects for women too. But they need to be wary of its estrogen-like effects. Hence, it’s better if they consult their doctor first.

What is the best time to take horny goat weed?

Though there is no established timing, you can take it once in the morning and once late in the afternoon.

Where to buy horny goat weed?

You can get it from your nearest pharmacy or online on Walmart or Amazon. But please talk to your doctor before making the purchase

Is horny goat weed safe for long-term use?

It is better to use horny goat weed for a short term as some types of horny goat weed are possibly unsafe when used for long periods of time and may pose a serious threat.

Are there any interactions between horny goat weed and other medications?

Horny goat weed may have negative interactions with certain medications. It may interact with blood thinners and blood clotting medications, worsening bleeding disorders. It may also interact with antihypertensive drugs and may make drugs like sildenafil less effective (12), (13). So, if you have any health conditions and are taking medication, please consult a doctor to know if you can have this ingredient and its proper dosage.

Illustration: Horny Goat Weed: 10 Benefits 4 Side Effects And Uses

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Vd. Naveen SharmaBAMS, Ayurveda Specialist

 

Dr. Naveen Sharma is a renowned Ayurveda specialist with an experience of 10 years. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery(B. A. M. S) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, in 2007.

Read full bio of Vd. Naveen Sharma

Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

Read full bio of Ravi Teja Tadimalla

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda

Aparna MallampalliHealth & Wellness Writer

Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences. Her passion for writing and interest in the healthcare and wellness industry pushed her toward a career in content writing. She has a master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

Read full bio of Aparna Mallampalli