What is Horny Goat Weed?
Horny Goat weed is the common name of Epimedium, an herb native to Asia. The name “Goat weed” came from its tendency to attract both wild and domesticated goats who would consume the plant greedily.
The active ingredient in horny goat weed is icariin, a potent phytochemical derived from antioxidants. Icariin is known for having mild adaptogenic properties, which means that it helps to normalize your body’s response to stressors in the environment.
Horny goat weed is a supplement used to treat Erectile Dysfunction.!
In this article we are going to review horny goat weed:
- How does Horny Goat Weed work?
- Pros of Horny Goat Weed
- Side effects
- Special Precautions & Warnings
- Best Horny Goat Weed Supplements available on Amazon
- Summary
Let’s get started!
How does Horny Goat Weed work?
The plant’s leaves are used to make an herbal supplement that increases sexual desire, improves athletic performance and fights fatigue.
Although scientific research on the herb is limited, it is thought to help increase your energy level and libido via several mechanisms.
Horny goat weed contains several chemicals that might have effects in the body. These chemicals include icariin, which might have effects similar to hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.
It also contains chemicals that might decrease inflammation and increase blood flow.
Pros of Horny Goat Weed
Although it’s a popular supplement, there isn’t much scientific research to support its use. However, a few of its potential benefits have been studied:
May Benefit Your Heart
Several studies suggest that horny goat weed may help improve blood flow and dilate your blood vessels. This can reduce symptoms of certain heart conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
While these findings are promising, more human research is needed before strong conclusions can be made about horny goat weed’s effects on heart health.
May Boost Bone Health
Animal studies suggest that horny goat weed may enhance the growth of new bone tissue and increase bone mineral density. This could help prevent or treat osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones and decreased bone mass. Human studies are needed to understand the effects of horny goat weed on bone health in people.
May Support Brain Health
Some test-tube studies show that horny goat weed may protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in brain cells.
What are the side effects of consuming horny goat weed?
Although horny goat weed is often safe, it can cause side effects in some people.
Research on animals shows that high doses of horny goat weed caused increased blood pressure and heart rate. People have also reported these side effects.
Other potential side effects include:
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- nausea
- diarrhea
Special Precautions & Warnings
Horny goat weed may not be safe to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, particularly blood thinners like aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin), because horny goat weed can interact with them.
It is dangerous to take horny goat weed without talking to your doctor first if you have any of the following conditions:
-Heart disease
-High blood pressure
-Anxiety or depression
-Schizophrenia
-Liver disease
Also one has to take note of the following things:
- Horny goat weed may have an effect like that of estrogens. It might be important to have your hormone levels checked while you are taking it.
- There is some concern that horny goat weed might affect heart rhythm, especially in older people or people with existing cardiac disease.
- There is some concern that horny goat weed might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
- If you have any of these health problems, talk to your doctor: a blood clotting disorder, estrogen-dependent cancer (such as breast cancer), heart disease, high blood pressure, hormone-sensitive conditions, stroke
Best Horny Goat Weed Supplements available on Amazon
According to the reviews I have read these are the best supplements available on Amazon. They provide bang for the buck, and are highly effective:
- Nature’s Bounty Horny Goat weed – Buy on Amazon
- Microingredients Horny Goat weed – Buy on Amazon
- Nature’s Craft Horny Goat weed – Buy on Amazon
Summary
Horny goat weed is an herbal supplement that some people use to treat erectile dysfunction and stimulate sexual arousal. Some research suggests it has other positive effects, especially on bone health and mental health.
However more strong evidence is needed to prove that. Ofcourse anyone considering to consume horny goat weed should consult it with their doctor first.
Main point to note is that the FDA agency do not monitor the quality and safety of herbs and therefore extra precaution is needed.
