Horny Goat Weed: Can This Supplement Enhance My Sex Life?

This article on horny goat weed is meant to be a source of valuable information for the reader; however, it is not a substitute for direct expert assistance. Seek help from a medical health professional to learn more about this supplement.

Taking prescribed medications, having regular consultations with a medical professional, and changing your lifestyle habits when it comes to any conditions you have is key to recovery and better health. However, another beneficial solution to this would be taking natural herbs or supplements. One example of which is horny goat weed.

If you’ve never heard of it, that’s alright. That’s why you clicked on this article.

Keep reading our deeper dive into this natural herb, its uses, benefits, and risks to look out for if ever you consider adding it to your lifestyle.

What is Horny Goat Weed?

Healthline defines horny goat weed as a “herbal supplement consumed orally that is used as a remedy for low libido, erectile dysfunction, pain, and many more conditions.”

Or in other words, it’s a known solution to improve one’s sexual enhancement.

VeryWell Health also shares other names surrounding this natural herb such as Epimedium, yin yang huo, and even the herbal “Viagra”. The former is the name of an oriental plant used in traditional Chinese medicine.

The active ingredient in horny goat weed is icariin, which has benefited people with erectile dysfunction (ED). It also contains phytoestrogens, which that act similarly to estrogen. This natural supplement is available over-the-counter (OTC) in the form of tablets, teas, powders, and capsules.

Horny Goat Weed and Erectile Dysfunction: What Is the Connection?

Let’s first summarize how erectile dysfunction works. Simply put, blood is blocked from flowing through your penis, which is the main component of how it gets hard when you’re aroused. Thus, the erection wouldn’t last long enough while doing the deed.

An enzyme called protein phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) is responsible for the blockage, interfering with your body’s signals to form an erection. The more often it occurs, the more likely you will have from erectile dysfunction.

As mentioned earlier, horny goat weed contains a chemical ingredient called icariin. Through an animal study published by the Journal of Sexual Medicine, they discovered how the erectile function of rats improved with a purified extract of this natural herb. 

Then in a recent review from 2021, it was listed that icariin in this natural herb is a potent solution for erectile dysfunction.

There may be hope for this natural herb to be a reliable solution for erectile dysfunction, but further studies must be done to prove so.

More Uses of Horny Goat Weed

There is a lot more to this natural supplement than being of help when your penis is getting up. Browse through more of its beneficial uses, according to Healthline.

• No Nore Bone Loss: This study involving post-menopausal women showed a rise in bone-forming cells and a fall in bone breakdown upon consumption. This may be due to icariin having estrogen properties from animal studies.
• Fixes Low Libido: If you’re a penis owner affected by ED, horny goat weed can make it possible to help get your erection up. Thus, it may also get you in the mood again as having an erection lifts your sexual confidence up. 

In addition to these two, anyone who is suffering from menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, hypertension, atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries), and fatigue benefits from this natural herb.

What Is the Appropriate Dosage of Horny Goat Weed?

There is no set dosage of horny goat weed other than what is stated on whatever product you get. In other words, it depends on the manufacturer. Professional medical help is required here if you remain uncertain, yet eager to use horny goat weed. If there are negative results, contact your doctor immediately.

Pros of Horny Goat Weed

What are some benefits that lie behind this natural supplement? In this section, we’ll break down some of the common pros of horny goat weed.

1 It’s accessible.

Horny goat weed is an over-the-counter supplement. Thus, you don’t need a doctor’s prescription for it if you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction or any other condition we mentioned above. But again, ingest cautiously.

2 It comes in different forms.

From tablets, teas, powders, and capsules, it’s up to you how you want to ingest this natural supplement. Either way, you can still gain its benefits. Make sure not to go beyond its recommended dose.

3 It helps relieve various conditions.

Those conditions that can be alleviated by horny goat weed can be found above. Keeping your options open for possible treatment increases your chances of getting better, but proceed cautiously.

Cons of Horny Goat Weed

Alongside its benefits, there are also some disadvantages when you’re consuming this natural supplement. Keep reading this section to learn more.

1 It is not a long-term solution.

Horny goat weed has side effects when consumed at appropriate doses. Those of which we’ll discuss later on are usually mild at the beginning. However, Healthline states that it’s possible that it can lead to respiratory problems and spasms if you consume larger doses over time.

2 It may meddle with other medications being taken.

If you have other medical conditions or medications you’re ingesting, including horny goat weed into the mix may be a risky move. We’ll dive further into this in the next section, but any interactions between medications with the natural herb can harm you. It may just worsen your overall physical state if you don’t consult with your doctor immediately.

3 There’s a lack of research on this natural supplement.

Horny goat weed may be known generally as a treatment for any sexual-related concerns or osteoporosis. Yet there’s limited evidence to support the claim that it makes an overall great solution to them and other conditions. Not just that, but its effectiveness depends case-by-case. In other words, the natural supplement may work for someone, but it may not be the same for another person.

Health Risks of Horny Goat Weed

As stated in the previous section, there’s little research and evidence around the effectiveness of this natural herb. With that being said, it comes with health risks when consumed even at proper dosages. Here are some crucial health risks to remember as you study more about horny goat weed.

1 Interactions With Other Medications

It’s possible for horny goat weed to interact with other medications you take, but not in a good way. Here’s a list of medications to look out for based on WebMD:

• Blood thinners: You’re at risk of bruising and bleeding more if you take medications that slow down blood clotting.
• Estrogen: The more estrogen you consume alongside this natural supplement, the higher your estrogen levels get in your system. This leads to symptoms affecting your period (irregular and/or heavy flow), irritability, fatigue, fibroids, and headaches on vulva owners. An example here is birth control pills.
• Blood Pressure Lowering Medications: Some kinds of medications contain nitrate, which helps decrease one’s blood pressure. However, as horny goat weed contains icariin, their interaction can further lower one’s blood pressure at a more fatal level. This claim lacks evidence, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Don’t take that risk.

Other medications not to blend with this natural supplement are antidepressants, aspirin, ibuprofen, over-the-counter pain relievers, and treatments for immune disorders and thyroid disease/problems.

2 Interactions With Other Herbs and Supplements

A possible supplement that horny goat weed can interact with negatively is caffeine. MedlinePlus informs that there’s an unspecified ingredient in horny goat weed that can switch how your body reacts to caffeine. Because of that, you’ll experience heightened effects and side effects of caffeine. Some supplements that are rich in caffeine consist of black tea, coffee, green tea, guarana, and yerba mate.

MedlinePlus further shares that any herbs or supplements linked with lowering blood pressure and thinning are discouraged to ingest alongside horny goat weed. For the former, examples include garlic, nattokinase, Panax ginseng, ginger, and ginkgo. Then for the latter, examples are L-arginine, niacin, andrographis, casein peptides and stinging nettle.

3 Side Effects

These effects manifest whenever you take a new supplement or drug, ranging from minor to severe sensations. Let’s break down what to expect:

• Minor: Dizziness, mood changes, dry mouth, nosebleeds, irregular heartbeat, and upset stomach.
• Severe: As shared earlier, breathing problems and spasms can occur the longer and higher the doses of horny goat weed you ingest.

Who Must Avoid Horny Goat Weed?

Horny goat weed is a possibly safe solution when you consume the proper doses. However, there are certain candidates who must tick off this option right away.

Those candidates include:

• Children.
• You’re pregnant.
• You’re breastfeeding.
• You’re diagnosed with heart disease.
• You’re diagnosed with a bleeding or blood clotting disorder.
• Your blood pressure is high.

Safety Tips When Ingesting Horny Goat Weed

With a supplement such as horny goat weed, safety must always come first before incorporating it into your lifestyle. Read through our key safety tips to learn more.

1 Consult with a medical professional.

Natural supplements such as horny goat weed are not regulated like prescription drugs in the market. Even if some brands have been tested by a trustable third party, it doesn’t mean they’ll work or guarantee overall safety. But if you’re that eager, it helps to get a medical professional’s opinion on it.

Always consult with them whenever you want to add any supplements to your lifestyle and ask them whether or not they’ll interact with whatever medications or supplements you’re already taking. Remember that supplements are not produced to cure diseases or disorders.

2 Do your research.

Aside from reading our article, continue browsing through other guides about horny goat weed. You can also read through in-depth studies and reviews on this natural herb from reliable journals and researchers. Even if there is limited research, it’s always better to acquire new knowledge than not at all.

3 Read through the labels. 

Browse through the product’s direction list in full. You don’t want to miss key information if you rush. Look for an approval seal; it won’t guarantee its safety or effectiveness, but at least it’s been produced rightfully and such. Also, make sure to note down its expiration date.

4 Store them properly.

Instructions on storing your horny goat weed can vary per manufacturer. As much as possible, keep your product closed tight in a secluded, dry place away from children, pets, and other outsiders. We suggest either a cabinet or closet within your home.

5 Stay within the set dosage.

The appropriate dosage and how often you take the natural supplement will be stated on the labels of the product you purchase. Take only the recommended dose as going beyond it will risk your overall health. This also applies when you’ve consulted with a doctor, wherein you should follow their instructions for proper dosage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still eager to know a little bit more about horny goat weed? Well, you came to the right section! Browse through our answered queries about this natural supplement.

1 Where did the name horny goat weed come from?

Flo shared a hypothesis wherein the origin of the name that this claim came from a Chinese goat herder who thought that his goats had increased sexual activity after eating the plant’s leaves.

2 Can horny goat weed be found in food?

No, this natural supplement is from a plant.

3 Can horny goat weed cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. If you have allergies to any plants under the Berberidaceae family, you are more prone to get an allergic reaction. 

4 Does your penis enlarge when you take horny goat weed?

No. There is no supporting evidence to claim that this natural supplement can make your penis bigger when consumed.

5 I’ve been taking horny goat weed for a few weeks now, and nothing is happening to my ED. What should I do?

Consult with your medical professional about changing your treatment. As mentioned, horny goat weed is one remedy for ED out of many options. Some options may be safer and have more research about it.

Takeaway

Horny Goat Weed has a lot of mixed reviews from the public. It’s a supplement in which its effectivity varies case-by-case, wherein it can work for one while it won’t work for another. But one thing we can agree on is the need for more research to prove whether or not it’s an effective form of treatment for those with ED especially. In the meantime, consult with a medical professional for other treatment options for ED or any condition mentioned earlier.