Horny Goat Weed – Absolutely Everything You Need To Know About Horny Goat Weed!

Absolutely Everything You Need To Know About Horny Goat Weed

Chances are you’ve already heard of horny goat weed, or you used a product containing this ingredient. Nowadays this particular plant with an interesting name is used for all sorts of purposes thanks to its versatility and an important role in traditional medicine of many cultures.

Despite the increasing popularity and common use in many supplements, there is still a lot we need to learn about this plant and its benefits.

Throughout this post you’re going to learn more about this herb and whether it can really help promote testosterone levels, erectile function, and your overall health and wellbeing.

What Is Horny Goat Weed?

Horny goat weed or Epimedium belongs to the group of flowering plants in the Berberidaceae family. This particular family of plants contains more than 700 identified species including shrubs, trees, and perennial herbaceous plants.

Also going by other names such as barrenwort, fairy wings, bishop’s hat, and yin yang huo, Epimedium is native to China where it was extensively used in traditional medicine.

The plant appeared in herbal supplement guides dating back to the Northern and Southern dynasties around 420-589.

Legend says that a shepherd or a goat herder noticed that when male goats eat a specific type of grass, they become more sexually active. He realized that goats and sheep weren’t more sexually active when they were eating other types of grass, it was only that one species that made them hornier.

Animals became so excited that they mated more than usual. He named the plant Yin Yang Huo which loosely translates to licentious or promiscuous goat plant. The goat herder informed a physician Tao Hongjing about this, and he started studying the herb.

Tao Hongjing was an author, polymath, calligrapher, scholar, alchemist, and pharmacologist. While his greatest scope of work revolved around religious texts, he also published papers regarding astrology, history, geography, numerology, and traditional Chinese medicine.

Hongjing started prescribing the herb to his patients who struggled to achieve or maintain an erection and noticed positive results. The plant caught the attention of many physicians and scholars and became important for Traditional Chinese Medicine.

As they studied it more, it was clear how versatile this plant is. Later, it was used for different purposes, but the management of sexual problems still continued to be its primary function.

The biggest proof of this plant’s potential is the fact it survived thousands of years and is still used today, in modern ages.

Besides China, the plant is also found in other parts of Asia and in Mediterranean regions. Horny goat weed is a popular supplement, and it is also one of many ingredients in a multitude of supplements for different purposes ranging from a testosterone boost to stronger erections.

 Horny Goat Weed Extract

An extract is defined as a substance made through extraction of a part of raw material using a solvent like water or ethanol.Extracts are sold in powder form or as tinctures. When we think of small extract tinctures come to mind, and most people aren’t even aware they can get them in powder form too.

Powder extract is formed by drying liquid extracts under vacuum. In fact, capsules usually contain a powder extract obtained from some plant.

What makes extracts so useful is that they contain high concentrations of active compounds found in plants such as horny goat weed. In fact, these products have an advantage over consuming raw herb because extracts are extracted from the plant matrix, and these phytochemicals and active compounds bypass the need for digestion.

This means the body absorbs them fast and a user gets to experience desired results faster. Of course, if you’re using a powdered extract in the form of pills or capsules, you’ll need to wait for your body to break it down.

Not all horny goat weed extracts are the same. Some contain higher purity and a greater concentration of icariin while others come with lower levels. Icariin is an active ingredient in horny goat weed. This flavonoid is responsible for a vast majority of health benefits this herb provides.

The extract quantity is always established on the label so prior to purchasing make sure you read it first. The best way to get maximum effects of epimedium is to buy extracts from reliable brands only.

That way, you can be confident your product has excellent purity and an ideal amount of the active ingredient.

Horny Goat Weed Benefits

As mentioned above, horny goat weed is a versatile herb that provides many benefits for your body. While the most well known effects of this plant are associated with the sexual function, they also extend to other aspects of our health. Let’s see some of the most important benefits of this herb.

• Improves Your Muscle Strength

If you’ve ever used dietary supplements for stronger and bigger muscles, then you probably noticed horny goat weed is on the ingredient list.

Did you ask yourself why the herb is included in the formula? It’s not just one or two products, but a vast majority of them contain this ingredient. Science has the answer; Epimedium, (horny goat weed), exhibits neurotrophic effects [1] thanks to icariin, which is responsible for most health benefits of this plant.

What does this mean for you? Neurotrophin is defined as a type of protein that assists with growth, function, and development of neurons.

Studies confirm that neurotrophins and neurotrophic receptors participate in the coordination of muscle innervations, differentiating muscle cells [2], and other functions. Basically, icariin assists in the secretion of proteins that allow cells and tissues to develop and repair.

Bigger and stronger muscles in epimedium (horny goat weed) users also have a lot to do with its ability to support your testosterone production, but this subject will be discussed more thoroughly further in the article.

It’s important to mention that bigger muscles, and increased strength are vital for endurance in and out of bed, i.e., they can help you perform better between the sheets.

•  It Is Good For Your Bone Health

Did you know that osteoporosis results in 8.9 million fractures annually across the globe? Figures also show that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over 50 are affected by osteoporosis, and more than 75 million people have this common condition in the US, Europe, and Japan.

Despite the fact that osteoporosis is more prevalent in women men tend to have higher rates of fracture related mortality [3].

Keep reading to read about the relationship between osteoporosis and sexual difficulties!.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease [4] that occurs when the body produces too little bone or loses too much of it, but in some situations, a combination of both scenarios could be to blame.

When the word osteoporosis comes to mind, we generally think it’s a disease that affects women, it’s very prevalent among men as well. When you’re young, your body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone, but as you’re getting older this process slows down.

A number of factors put you at a higher risk of osteoporosis including:

• Race – people of Asian and Caucasian descent are more likely to develop osteoporosis
• Age – the risk increases as you get older
• Body frame – men and women who have smaller body frames are more likely to have osteoporosis
• Family history – the likelihood of this bone disease increases if you have a family member who also has it
• Gender – osteoporosis is more prevalent among women, but the difference is not that big (1 in 3 vs. 1 in 5)
• Hormone imbalance – lowered sex hormone levels weaken the bone and make you more susceptible to osteoporosis
• Thyroid problems – excessive concentration of thyroid hormone can contribute to bone loss
• Unhealthy diet – inadequate calcium intake and eating disorders deprive the bones of much-needed nutrients
• Other factors – sedentary lifestyle, being overweight or obese, tobacco use, alcohol consumption

Osteoporosis is usually asymptomatic at first, but as the loss of bone mass progresses, it can manifest itself via back pain, a stooped posture, loss of height over time, and higher risk of bone fractures.

Affected men and women break their bones easily even under reduced pressure. This bone condition can negatively affect your quality of life, but what many people don’t know is that epimedium can help address it.

Horny goat weed has a long history of use for bone health support, and a growing body of evidence confirms that supplementation with this plant can, indeed, prevent or delay the development of osteoporosis and reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures [5].

Osteoporosis And Smoking

One study evaluated the influence of horny goat weed on bone mass in rats exposed to cigarette smoke. The goal was to see whether the herb can help smokers lower the risk of osteoporosis. Scientists discovered that smoke exposure decreased bone mineral content and bone mineral density.

That being said, supplementation with epimedium intercepted smoke induced changes in bone mass and density.

Scientists concluded that regular intake of epimedium helps you to avoid the negative effects of smoking on your bones by stimulating bone formation and inhibiting bone turnover and bone resorption [6].

In other words, this wonderful herb is so powerful that it manages to decrease the likelihood of osteoporosis in smokers too.

Smoking is particularly bad for your erectile function as it damages nitric oxide production and reduces your sexual and athletic performance.

Although underlying mechanisms by which this herb improves bone health and decreases the risk of osteoporosis aren’t known it could be down to its testosterone boosting effects. As changes in sex hormone levels play a role in osteoporosis formation.

Osteoporosis And Erectile Dysfunction

Stronger bones and low osteoporosis risk are also important for your erections. You see, one interesting study showed that men with erectile problems tend to have lower bone mineral density and they are more prone to osteoporosis.

Scientists who conducted the study advised doctors to check patients with erectile problems for bone mineral density and osteoporosis risk, but those with the latter problems should also be evaluated for erection related struggles [7].

Therefore, by improving men’s bone health, Epimedium (horny goat weed) can also decrease the likelihood of erectile troubles and improve the strength of your hard-on.

Could Horny Goat Weed Provide You With An Energy Boost?

Everything you do requires energy. Do you want to have sex? You need energy. Want to work out in the gym? Energy is needed too. However, energy levels aren’t constant. They go up and down as they are influenced by many factors.

Causes of low energy range from stress, sleep deprivation [8], low testosterone, depression, and fibromyalgia to nutritional deficiencies and sedentary lifestyle. An unhealthy diet can also deplete energy stores.

You can easily identify low energy by symptoms such as fatigue, lack of motivation, inability to focus, among others. At the same time, you don’t feel like having sex and even when you do the overall performance isn’t that good.

Your athletic performance suffers too. We can easily say that low energy and fatigue affect your quality of life.

Of course, a healthy lifestyle indicated by regular sleep pattern, physical activity, and well-balanced diet is important for an energy boost, but there are many other things you can do.

One of those things is horny goat weed which is why it’s a common ingredient in supplements formulated for better workouts.

Studies have shown that epimedium has anti-fatigue effects. Again, these benefits are down to icariin [9]. The active compound in horny goat weed is able to decrease physical fatigue and elevate endurance.

Icariin works by increasing blood glucose, haemoglobin, and glycogen (a form in which glucose is stored in the body) levels all of which are known for their positive effects on endurance, exercise ability, and speed.

In addition, icariin decreases levels of blood lactic acid and blood urea nitrogen. This means the active compound in epimedium (Icariin) lowers protein breakdown for energy while delaying fatigue.

Plus, the herb can improve your energy levels by combating oxidative stress [10] and supporting the production of testosterone. As a result, you’ll find it easier to get the maximum out of every workout, and it’s needless to mention how beneficial this is for your sex life too.

•  Benefits Your Cognitive Function

Cognitive functions are defined as cerebral or brain activities that lead to knowledge, i.e., they are intellectual processes such as working memory, verbal fluency, executive function, learning and memory, processing speed all of which are important for every aspect of our life.

Everything you want to do or say requires cognitive abilities. Even thinking about those things is a cognitive function on its own. Although cognitive functions are required for everything we do, we tend to overlook them.

Various factors affect cognitive function, and lifestyle habits play a major role. An unhealthy lifestyle can decrease our brain power and lead to problems such as a difficulty concentrating, weak memory, lack of attention, decreased problem-solving and decision-making skills, among other problems.

Sometimes our cognitive abilities are on point, but in other cases, they are not. Health conditions affecting cognition are common, and Alzheimer’s disease is one of them.

While the underlying causes of these conditions are unknown, there are many things we can do to decrease the risk and a healthy lifestyle, as always, is crucial.

Supplementation with horny goat weed belongs to the group of lifestyle modifications you can make to boost your brain power and protect your cognitive function from problems what would deteriorate it.

Evidence reveals that icariin exhibits anti-amyloid activity [11]. Just to clarify, beta-amyloid peptides are proteins that cause the formation of plaque and damage of cells in Alzheimer’s. So by acting on these proteins, icariin in epimedium protects your brain from problems that affect its function.

It’s also important to mention that icariin exhibits protective effects against memory and learning deficits [12]. Supplementation with this plant can lower the expression and concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain and thereby improve spatial learning and memory.

The ability of horny goat weed to support cognitive abilities is also important for your sex life. You see, erectile difficulties and cognitive functions are linked [13], probably because both rely on proper blood flow.

• Helps You Lasting Longer In Bed

Every man wants to last longer in bed, and there’s nothing with that. You want to have mind blowing sex with your significant other, but it’s difficult to achieve it if you ejaculate too early.

Premature or early ejaculation (PE) is a prevalent problem that affects millions of men across the globe. The exact cause of Premature Ejaculation is unknown.

Back in time, it was widely believed that ejaculatory problems are psychological only, but now it becomes more evident that physiological factors play a role too.

Psychological causes that are involved in early ejaculation include:

• Depression
• Negative body image
• Early sexual experiences
• Sexual abuse
• Worrying about ejaculating prematurely
• Relationship problems
• Stress

Biological causes associated with Premature Ejaculation are:

• Inherited traits
• Abnormal hormone levels
• Infection and inflammation of the urethra or prostate
• Abnormal neurotransmitter levels
• Erectile difficulties

Not all cases of premature ejaculation are the same, and we can divide this problem into two types: lifelong (primary) and acquired (secondary).

Lifelong premature ejaculation starts with your first sexual experience, and you tend to experience it almost every time you have sex. On the flip side, acquired an early ending is usually a response to some underlying health condition, stress, and other causes.

Ejaculating prematurely can have a major impact on a man’s self-esteem. If you don’t last long enough, it also means you can’t maintain your erection, and it’s needless to mention the tension between you and the other person.

Early ejaculation isn’t the end of your sex life. You have plenty of options to improve it, and supplementation with horny goat weed is one of them.

Icariin in horny goat weed acts as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. PDE5 is an enzyme which impairs blood flow.

Studies have shown that PDE5 inhibitors have the potential to prolong the time it takes for you to ejaculate [14]. By inhibiting the activity of this enzyme, horny goat weed supplementation allows you to last longer in bed.

And when you pair that with rock hard erections your sex life will reach a whole new level. Further, in this article, we’re going to discuss the impact of this herb on testosterone, libido, and erectile function all of which are important factors in your sexual performance.

• Eliminates Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin problems in the world. It’s more than a few a pimples on your face; acne is a chronic and inflammatory skin condition that has a major impact on a person’s self-esteem.

While in most cases acne occurs during puberty when sebaceous (oil) glands activate, it’s not uncommon for adults to develop this problem too.

Main causes of acne include the excess production of sebum or oil, bacteria, clogged hair follicles, and excess activity of androgens. Acne can develop on a person’s face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders due to the fact that these areas have the largest concentration of sebaceous glands.

Numerous factors can trigger or aggravate acne, but the most important ones are medications, unhealthy diet, stress, and hormones. Androgens are the types of hormones that underlie acne formation because they enlarge sebaceous glands and produce more sebum.

Acne isn’t just about pimples and appearance. This skin problem negatively affects a person’s confidence, and it creates a negative body image. While it’s stubborn and frustrating, acne is a manageable problem.

Regular skin care routine coupled with doctor recommended treatment (in case of severe acne) and proper nutrition are effective strategies for acne management.

Stress reduction is also important, but what many people don’t know is that horny goat weed can also exhibit anti acne effects. One study found that icariin from horny goat weed inhibited Propionibacterium acne’s biofilm development. The active compound achieved this effect by destroying the bacterial cells.

This finding indicates that the main compound from horny goat weed can be used for anti-acne purposes [15] and it’s safe to say we can expect to see many products for combating acne with this ingredient.

If you’re struggling with acne, even now in adulthood, maybe horny goat weed can help you. Having acne makes you feel insecure, and you’re less likely to hang out in larger groups or even date.

A negative body image can also impair your sexual performance, so it’s always better to be proactive about this problem.

The underlying mechanism through which this herb eliminates acne is unknown at this point, but it could be through anti-inflammatory effects and hormone balance. More studies on this subject are necessary to fully validate the role of this herb for anti-acne purposes in men and women.

• DNA Protection And Antioxidant Effects

The reality is that the benefits of horny goat weed aren’t explored and discussed as much as they should be. As a result, most people are not even aware of all the benefits this wonderful plant provides thanks to its potent active ingredient.

For example, did you know this plant has antioxidant effects, and it protects your DNA? Evidence shows that icariin could protect your DNA by decreasing oxidative stress [16] and the damage it would cause.

Oxidative stress occurs due to excessive levels of free radicals, and it can cause a wide array of health conditions including cancer. It’s also important to mention that oxidative stress accelerates the ageing process.

Thanks to its ability to neutralize free radicals and decrease oxidative stress, icariin allows horny goat weed to protect your DNA and slow down ageing, both of these functions are important for your health and your skin of course.

• Anti-inflammatory Effects

Inflammation is usually considered as a dangerous thing, but there’s more to it. You see, inflammation is a biological process, i.e., a defence mechanism in the body. Without this process, our immune system wouldn’t be able to function properly, and our wounds would heal slowly.

While short-term inflammation is necessary for our health and immune system to function, chronic or long-term inflammation can increase the risk of a number of health conditions, autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms of inflammation depend on the underlying condition and whether it’s acute or chronic, but in most cases, they include pain, redness, immobility, heat, and swelling.

The management of inflammation is vital as it aids in the management of health problems and lowers the risk of other potentially serious conditions.

Doctors usually advise patients to use NSAIDs and to consume anti-inflammatory foods, but a natural approach could also be beneficial.

Traditional herbs, such as horny goat weed, could successfully alleviate the inflammatory process and protect your health and immune system. Studies show that icariin is both safe and effective anti-inflammatory agent [17].

As you can see, the benefits of horny goat weed are truly numerous, but there are many others. Below, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about this herb and other effects that could certainly improve your quality of life and sex performance.

• Horny Goat Weed Dosage

Epimedium dosage is anything but simple. It would be impossible to pinpoint one specific dosage because horny goat weed is versatile and people use it for all sorts of purposes. Doses of horny goat weed vary based on its use.

In most cases, the dosage is determined based on the content of the active ingredient called icariin, which was briefly mentioned above. Why? The reason is simple; icariin is responsible for a vast majority of effects of this plant.

Based on the studies performed adequate dosage of horny goat weed for testosterone boosting effects and sexual problems such as weak erections go as follows:

• 150lb person – 900mg icariin
• 200lb person – 1200mg icariin
• 250lb person – 1500mg icariin

In studies which used lower dosages, values go as follows [18]:

• 150lb person – 11-110mg icariin
• 200lb person – 15-150mg icariin
• 250lb person – 18-180mg icariin

For bone health and osteoporosis a dose of 60mg is the lowest active dosage currently known. You don’t have to determine the dosage on your own.

Every manufacturer is obligated to provide dosage instructions on the label. Stick to the provided instructions and avoid altering, i.e., increasing or decreasing the dose on your own.

If you’re not sure whether the recommended dosage would work you another option is to consult a healthcare provider.

•  Horny Goat Weed Side Effects

Horny goat weed is considered safe for general consumption, but some side effects are still possible. After all, supplements, pills, and basically everything else we use for health and wellbeing comes with a risk of adverse reactions.

Since Epimedium is a plant and it’s featured in natural products, most people don’t experience any side effects at all, but it’s still important to learn about possible reactions that may occur. These include:

• Nausea
• Racing heartbeat
• Decreased function of the thyroid gland
• Mood changes such as aggression and irritability
• Feeling hot
• Sweating
• Increased energy
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Thirst
• Dry mouth

In order to reduce the risk of side effects, it is important to stick to the recommended dosage. Since Horny Goat Weed can interact with some medications, it’s useful to consult a healthcare provider if you have some health condition or you’re taking prescription pills.

How Does Horny Goat Weed Work?

Despite the fact that horny goat weed has been around for centuries there’s still a lot we need to learn about it.

Science still has a long way to go in order to catch up with traditional medicine which is why all underlying mechanisms associated with horny goat weed are poorly elucidated.

At this point, it would be difficult to describe one particular mechanism of action because it depends on the health condition or other problem we’re trying to manage with this herb.

The plant works by supplying your body with active compounds with icariin being the most prominent one.

Once absorbed into the bloodstream, these active compounds work to support the production of hormones such as testosterone, and they raise nitric oxide levels to make your erections stronger and harder.

Supplementation with horny goat weed also works to alleviate inflammation and combat oxidative stress. All these functions either decrease the risk or promote management of a number of health conditions and sexual problems.

Horny Goat Weed And Testosterone

Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men, although women also have lower quantities of this hormone. This androgen hormone is produced in testicles, and it has a plethora of functions such as bone mineral density, muscle growth and definition, fat distribution, and body composition [19].

This hormone is also crucial for sex drive, erectile function, red blood cell production, sperm production, fertility, and many other functions.

However, as men age levels of this hormone start decreasing by 1% each year [20] after turning 30. Some factors speed up this process.

Unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, lack of sleep, stress, alcohol consumption, smoking, and many other factors contribute to low testosterone.

Decreased testosterone levels induce a myriad of symptoms such as:

• Thinner bones
• Hair loss
• Decreased libido
• Lower energy levels
• Low self-esteem and negative body image
• Irritable Mood
• Loss of muscle mass
• Weight gain
• Depression

Low Testosterone can also affect your erectile function.

A growing body of evidence confirms that low testosterone contributes to weak erections. Decreased concentration of this crucial hormone disrupts cellular-signaling pathways and produces pathologic changes in penile tissues thus leading to difficulty achieving and maintaining erection [21].

Just because your production of testosterone has decreased, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are many things you can do to support the production of this hormone naturally, without synthetic ingredients with harmful consequences.

Horny goat weed is a common ingredient in testosterone boosters, and that’s not a coincidence. Evidence confirms that icariin, which you can obtain through supplementation with horny goat weed, supports the production of testosterone and improves the condition of your reproductive organs.

The treatment also improves bone formation which is particularly important if we bear in mind that low Testosterone can decrease bone mass and cause problems such as osteoporosis which was discussed above.

Thanks to its testosterone mimetic properties [22], icariin proves to be a valuable ally for men who suffer from low Testosterone and the symptoms it causes. Once testosterone levels normalize, it will be easier for you to slim down and start gaining muscle mass.

It’s needless to mention you could experience stronger erections and longer lasting sexual intercourse.

Horny Goat Weed And Libido

Libido is your sex drive or desire for sexual activity. Every person on this planet has a libido, but in some people, it’s higher while in others it is lower.

Your sex drive is influenced by psychological, biological, and social factors. For centuries scientists have been trying to define libido and all its aspects, and each of them has their own unique interpretation of one’s sexual desire.

One thing is for sure, though – your libido fluctuates. However, some factors cause drastic changes in sex drive thus making you lose interest in intercourse. These factors include:

• Low testosterone
• Some medications
• Depression
• Restless leg syndrome
• Sleep deprivation
• Chronic illnesses
• Problems in a relationship
• Low confidence
• Ageing
• Stress

Effective management of low libido depends on the underlying cause. In order to increase your sex drive, you need to make some lifestyle adjustments.

For example, start by improving your diet. Ditch unhealthy foods and opt for nutritious alternatives. Exercise regularly and get enough sleep. If you’re taking medications to consult your doctor to see whether there’s anything you can do about it.

Options to increase your libido are numerous, and you just need to be proactive. Don’t be a type of person who will just wait for a problem to fix itself.

Remember, without proper libido, and it’s difficult to maintain or achieve erections. If you want super strong erections, then you have to work on your sex drive. It just happens that horny goat weed can help you with this as well.

For centuries horny goat weed has been used for libido boosting, i.e., aphrodisiac effects thus explaining why the herb is a common ingredient in supplements for higher sex drive. A growing body of evidence confirms that horny goat weed has the potential to elevate your libido by supporting the production of testosterone [23].

If we bear in mind that low testosterone is one of the primary culprits of low libido [24], it’s perfectly clear why horny goat weed takes your sex drive to a whole new level.

With a higher libido, it will be easier for you to get aroused, get your blood flowing to your penile tissues, and feel your penis becoming stronger and harder, ready for mind-blowing sex.

How Does Horny Goat Weed Help Erections?

Before we can even begin discussing the mechanisms under which horny goat weed helps erections, it’s important to learn more about erections and how they occur.

Erection or hardening of the penis is a more complicated process than most people think. The process starts with sensory and mental stimulation. Basically, during arousal (for which you need your libido) nerve messages start to stimulate your penis.

As a result, impulses from your brain and local nerves make the corpora cavernosa relax.

The corpora cavernosa are two chambers running along the length of your penis and containing a high concentration of blood vessels. When blood vessels in these chambers relax, they allow blood to flow and fill out open spaces.

Of course, this increased blood flow is provided by nitric oxide and cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) which dilate your blood vessels. This creates pressure in corpora cavernosa, and your penis starts expanding, i.e., it’s becoming engorged, and you achieve an erection.

The membrane that surrounds corpora cavernosa, called tunica albuginea, traps blood in penile tissues and blood vessels thus allowing you to maintain your erection.

This is a normal erectile process, but what happens when men can’t get an erection or maintain it? Well, the PDE5 enzyme that was mentioned earlier in this article interferes with your nitric oxide levels.

As a result, blood vessels in your penis don’t dilate properly. Chambers and blood vessels in your penis don’t get filled with blood, and there is no expected engorgement. Or it’s difficult to maintain it.

That’s why most management techniques for stronger erections target the impaired blood flow and work to increase your levels of nitric oxide.

Horny goat weed is not the exception. As you can already guess, icariin is responsible for stronger erections after supplementation with this plant.

Basically, icariin inhibits the activity of PDE5 [25] that blocks the dilation of blood vessels. In turn, your blood vessels get to dilate properly, and blood flows through them. You know what comes next – erection.

Icariin works in the same way as Viagra, but the difference is that you get a stronger erection in a natural way, without a prescription and harmful side effects.

Besides this important mechanism, horny goat weed also improves your erections through other factors which will be discussed below.

Horny Goat Weed For Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Problems with erections are common, millions of men around the globe deal with them although it always seems like you’re the only one. When problems with erections occur it’s easy to think other men don’t experience them, but the reality is entirely different.

For example, Erectile Dysfunction is one of the most prevalent sexual dysfunctions in the world, and it is defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection long and strong enough for pleasurable intercourse.

Having Erectile Dysfunction isn’t always sign for concern because it can happen due to different reasons, but when it becomes persistent, it’s useful to schedule an appointment to see your doctor.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction can be divided into physical and psychological. Physical causes revolve around impaired blood flow and activity of the PDE5 enzyme which doesn’t allow blood vessels to dilate properly.

Erectile difficulties may also be associated with conditions where blood flow also plays a role such as heart-related problems, atherosclerosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, just to name a few.

On the flip side, the psychological causes of erectile problems include depression, stress, relationship problems, and many others. Men who deal with this sexual dysfunction experience difficulties getting an erection and when they do it’s that strong enough.

As a result, they can’t maintain an erection. Low libido also goes hand in hand with Erectile Dysfunction. Fortunately, horny goat weed has been documented to be a wonderful solution for this common problem. The primary and the most important, use of this plant is to help you to get stronger erections.

Thanks to its ability to block PDE5, horny goat weed leads to an improved erectile function [26].

So, what are other mechanisms of action besides increasing nitric oxide to get harder erections? Well, horny goat weed supports testosterone production. Earlier in the article, you have had the opportunity to see that testosterone imbalance negatively affects erectile function.

In other words, low testosterone contributes to penile problems. At the same time, the herb exhibits antioxidant effects which are also necessary for strong erections. Evidence shows that free radicals and oxidative stress decrease normal erectile response [27].

Supplementation with horny goat weed also lowers stress and improves mental health. This is particularly important if you keep in mind that stress management is an important strategy for combating ED [28], evidence confirms.

Let’s not forget that horny goat weed supplementation supports strong libido and boosts your energy levels both of which are necessary for strong erectile response.

It’s safe to say this amazing plant helps men with Erectile problems to get stronger erections while improving other aspects of your health.

Horny Goat Weed For Depression

Depression is a widely prevalent mood disorder indicated by a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest, and a plethora of both physical and psychological symptoms. This emotional and mental health problem affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves.

A common misconception is that depression is just about feeling sad but that would be incorrect. Being sad is one thing. Sadness comes and goes, depending on the things we go through.

Persistent sadness is different, it’s present all the time, and it makes it difficult for affected individuals to pull themselves up and feel better.

Depression has a massive impact on a patient’s quality of life, and it deeply affects their family members, friends, and other people who care about the depressed individual.

Similarly to many other health problems, the exact cause of depression is unknown, but what we do know is that many factors play a role. For example:

• Biological differences in a patient’s brain
• Imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain
• Hormone imbalances
• The family history of depression

The best evidence of the complex nature of depression is a long list of symptoms that patients tend to experience. Some of these symptoms include:

• Unexplained physical problems such as a headache, back pain, etc.
• Suicidal thoughts
• Sleeping too much or not enough
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Slowed thinking
• Changes in appetite
• Weight changes (based on appetite)
• Lack of energy
• Feeling worthless and helpless
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
• Alienating oneself from other people, even the closest ones

Depression is a serious, but manageable problem. With proper treatment plan and support from loved ones, a patient can beat depression successfully. A healthy lifestyle is also important for depression management.

This is also where horny goat weed steps in. Evidence shows that icariin from the Epimedium plant normalizes the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines that are also associated with stress [29].

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis plays an important role in mitigating physiological response to stress. By decreasing hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, icariin could also exhibit antidepressant effects.

The antidepressant effects of horny goat weed are yet another mechanism through which the plant could improve your erectile function. How? Well, depressed people are more likely to experience sexual dysfunctions than the general population.

Although more studies on this subject are necessary, evidence points to a link between depression and sexual dysfunction [30]. How are the two problems connected? your erectile response starts with stimulation that triggers the release of chemicals.

When there are not enough chemicals to stimulate your blood flow that is necessary for a strong erection, then Erectile Dysfunction occurs. That being said, depression causes an imbalance of chemicals in your brain thus affecting your libido, arousal, and erectile response.

By helping depressed men overcome their problem more effectively, horny goat weed could also allow them to have harder erections. Plus, low Testosterone may also contribute to both depression and erectile problems, but horny goat weed supports the production of this hormone thus aiding their management.

This is yet another proof of how everything in our body is connected. The power of traditional medicine and herbs like horny goat weed lies in the fact they support our overall health and its aspects to take care of our problems from different angles.

Horny Goat Weed For High Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common condition that increases the risk of more serious cardiovascular health problems. The condition occurs when the long-term force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is powerful enough to cause potentially serious problems and conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 75 million American adults or 32% of the population has hypertension [31].

Not all cases of high blood pressure are equal, and we can classify them as primary and secondary hypertension. Primary or essential hypertension develops gradually over many years while secondary hypertension is a result of some underlying condition.

Unlike the primary type of high blood pressure which develops over the years, the secondary kind occurs suddenly due to kidney problems, sleep apnea, adrenal gland tumours, certain medications, and other causes.

Everyone can develop hypertension, but some people are at a higher risk than others. The most prevalent risk factors include:

• The family history of high blood pressure
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Tobacco use
• Stress
• Some medications
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Advancing age
• African heritage
• Overweight and obesity
• Excessive intake of sodium
• Inadequate consumption of potassium

The most dangerous thing about hypertension is the fact it is asymptomatic. Sometimes people experience shortness of breath, headache, nosebleeds, but these symptoms are not specific to this condition, and it’s easy to mistake them for something else.

High blood pressure belongs to the group of silent killers which can cause a wide array of complications when left unmanaged.

Checking blood pressure regularly is of huge importance, particularly if you’re in a high-risk group. Together with “standard” hypertension management strategies, patients also have the opportunity to use horny goat weed to lower your blood pressure.

The herb could decrease your blood pressure thus protecting your heart health as well. It’s useful to mention that Erectile Dysfunction and hypertension are connected because both conditions tend to occur due to obstructed blood flow and narrowed blood vessels [32].

If you have hypertension, horny goat weed supplementation can help to lower your blood pressure while improving strength and hardness of your erections.

Speaking of hypertension and heart health, it’s useful to mention that icariin exhibits heart protective effects [33] by improving tissue function, suppressing pathways and activities that affect heart muscle cells, protecting your heart from oxidative damage, and by decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis, the hardening of your arteries.

Atherosclerosis can lead to cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and stroke, but hypertension plays a huge role in its development. Extra pressure on artery walls damages them and makes them more vulnerable to plaque buildup linked to atherosclerosis.

Erections and heart health have a strong relationship because both depend on blood flow. Basically, everything that’s good for your heart is also good for your penis, and horny goat weed works for both.

Horny Goat Weed For Your Liver Health

Your liver is a crucial organ without which your body wouldn’t be able to function properly. The primary function of your liver is to filter the blood that comes to your digestive system before passing it to the rest of your body.

The liver is responsible for body detox to eliminate harmful chemicals and toxins, metabolize drugs, and it also produces proteins that are important for clotting of the blood and other purposes.

Your liver is strong enough to detoxify the body, store glucose, and perform many other functions to keep you alive, but at the same time, it’s delicate and prone to damage.

Factors that affect liver include infections, abnormalities affecting the immune system, genetics, cancer, heavy alcohol use, obesity, diabetes, unprotected sex, using shared needles, drug use, and many others.

In order to protect your liver, it is vital to limit or avoid alcohol consumption. Avoid using drugs, sharing needles, and engaging in risky sexual behaviours. If you’re diagnosed with some health problem and are taking medications, it’s important to manage that condition properly.

Nowadays, people buy supplements that support liver health and function in a natural way. Horny goat weed is one of those dietary supplements.

Studies show that icariin from horny goat weed inhibits liver fibrosis, the formation of an abnormally large amount of scar tissue in the liver [34].

Icariin works by inhibiting angiogenesis and autophagy. Angiogenesis is a process in which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels while autophagy is the mechanism of the cell that disassembles unnecessary and dysfunctional components.

Both processes are involved in the progression of liver fibrosis. Even though more studies on this subject are necessary, it is clear that horny goat weed has the amazing potential to improve your liver health and protect us from conditions that would affect its functioning.

The liver is something we take for granted until problems occur. Having a healthy lifestyle and doing your best to support its function is important for your quality of life and sexual performance too.

How? Well, studies confirm that men with liver problems such as cirrhosis have a high prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction [35].

Horny Goat Weed For Women

horny goat weed herb has been around for thousands of years, and we witness the rise of products containing it either alone or as an ingredient in the formula. However, the plant is usually discussed in terms of benefits for men.

But, what about women?

Ladies can also benefit from regular supplementation with horny goat weed which only proves its versatility. So, how can this herb help women? Here are some important benefits of this plant for ladies:

• Protection from osteoporosis –  osteoporosis is more prevalent in women than men. This bone disease increases the risk of fractures and has a negative impact on a person’s quality of life.
• Women are more prone to osteoporosis after menopause, a time of their life when hormone imbalance affects bone mass too. Studies show that epimedium promotes estrogen biosynthesis and lowers the risk of osteoporosis [36]
• Libido – loss of sexual desire is more expressed in women than in men, although both genders are susceptible to it.
• Horny Goat Weed supplementation exhibits aphrodisiac effects which could allow women to increase their sex drive in an entirely natural manner. This is particularly beneficial for women who are going through menopause as their hormone imbalances negatively affect their libido
• Joint health – research confirms that icariin suppresses articular bone loss and prevents joint destruction while improving bone mass. At the same time, this active compound decreases cartilage degradation in arthritis [37].
• There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but the most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis both of which are more common in women than in men. Your risk of arthritis increases significantly as you age and enter menopause
• Antidepressant effects – depression is yet another health problem that affects women more often than men [38]. While menopausal women are prone to depression, younger ladies can develop this problem too.
• Earlier in the article, we discussed the importance of this herb for the management of depression. Regular supplementation with this plant helps you feel better, reduce stress, and manage your symptoms more effectively
• Anti-ageing – free radicals and oxidative stress accelerate the ageing process that doesn’t stop at your organs only but extends to the skin too [39]. Due to its antioxidant effects [40], icariin protects the body and thereby your skin against free radicals and oxidative stress or damage it would cause.
• Regular intake of horny goat weed supports vitality and provides anti-ageing effects that every woman (and man) wants to experience on their skin and in deeper levels too.

Where To Buy Horny Goat Weed?

After reading all these wonderful benefits of horny goat weed, it is impossible not to be curious and consider buying the extract or supplement.

If you Google horny goat weed you’ll see hundreds of results, and while a vast selection of brands and products can be a good thing, it can also create confusion as people aren’t sure how to find and buy an ideal product for their needs.

In order to get the maximum out of horny goat weed and all the benefits it provides, it is paramount to make wise shopping choices. Below, you can see what factors to consider when buying the product:

• Brand reputation – it’s always better to buy your extracts and supplements from manufacturers known for their high-quality products
• Money back guarantee – you as a customer have the right to return the product and get the refund if you don’t like the product. Some brands provide money back guarantee while others don’t. Not only you should go for brands with the refund policy, but it’s also useful to make sure they follow it through
• Quality of ingredients – the last thing you want is to buy your horny goat weed extract from a brand that uses low quality sources. This way you won’t be able to get all the wonderful benefits associated with this plant. Always look for information on how ingredients are sourced before buying them
• Price – determine the budget, i.e., amount of money you’re willing to spend on a top quality horny goat weed extract and look for products that fit into that range
• User experience – never underestimate the power of user reviews. People describe their experiences whether they are good or bad, you just need to find and read them before deciding what product to buy

Now that you know what factors to consider when buying horny goat weed here’s a surprise – you don’t have to waste your time trying to find a brand that fits all the above mentioned criteria.

Lost Empire Herbs is the ideal place to get your horny goat weed.

Why?

This family owned and operated business are loved by men and women who appreciate natural products with wonderful purity. Their Horny Goat Weed extract comes in powder form with 13 to 23 servings per 100g bag. The recommended intake of this product is ½-1 teaspoon twice a day.

What makes this extract so amazing is that it’s perfectly suitable for persons who adhere to a gluten free and vegan lifestyle. Lost Empire Herbs provides a full plant extract with the ideal quantity of icariin to help you obtain all the benefits mentioned above.

The manufacturer promises that regular intake of horny goat weed extract will help users improve bone mineral density, support your cardiovascular health, protect your DNA, lower your blood pressure, protect your kidneys and liver, and do so much more than that.

Only high-quality epimedium herbs were used for the making of this powder extract. Thanks to its reasonable price and convenience, it’s clear why the product’s popularity keeps increasing.

Horny Goat Weed – The Conclusion

Throughout this post, you had the opportunity to learn more about the amazing horny goat weed and all benefits it provides.

A growing body of evidence confirms that Epidemium has the potential to promote your testosterone production, increase your strength and hardness of your erections, improve your mood, and support many other aspects of your health and wellbeing.

In order to obtain all the effects that were mentioned in this post, it’s of huge importance to purchase products made by reputable brands. Only high quality extracts can help you get the maximum from this wonderful plant. Stick to the dosages recommended on the label.

If you have any questions about horny goat weed, leave a comment below and I will get back to you as quickly as I can.

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