Have you heard of horny goat weed before? I know its name sounds weird, but I am telling you, this herb is very healthy. Well, as you may have already gathered by its name, horny goat weed is a plant which acts as an aphrodisiac, but it also helps treat various illness, including bone and kidney conditions. These aren’t the only health benefits of the plant. There is more to it than meets the eye, and we will be discussing this later in the article. So, if you want to learn more, give this article a read.
What is Horny Goat Weed?
Horny goat weed is actually an herb made popular as a natural aphrodisiac. It was given its name because various animal studies showed it had a positive effect on hormone production and the libido. In fact, as the story goes, farmers noticed that their sheep and goats became more sexually active after eating the plant. However, no studies have proven conclusive as to its effect on humans.
Horny goat weed is part of the Epimedium species, which is a member of the Beriberidaceae plant family. It mostly grows in China, other parts of Asia and the Mediterranean. The icariin found in the plant is responsible for most of its health benefits.
Horny Goat Weed: Chemical Composition
There are about 60 species of Epimedium that have already been identified. However, only six of these are used in making herbal supplements. These are the Epimedium acuminatum, Epimedium brevicornum, Epimedium koreanum, Epimedium pubescens, Epimedium sagittatum and Epimedium wushanense.
The icariin, the most active ingredient present in horny goat weed, is a prenylated flavonoid compound that metabolizes to the Baohuoside I. flavonoid. Flavonoids are a kind of antioxidant that have been shown to have a lot of anti-aging properties. They are present in some of the healthiest foods on this planet, including blueberries, oolong or green tea, parsley, raw cocoa and more.
Health Benefits of Horny Goat Weed
Here are some of the most astonishing health benefits of horny goat weed:
- May help improve bone health. Studies show that horny goat weed has positive effects on the restoration of bone density, thus helping prevent symptoms of osteoporosis, like decreased bone density or spinal fractures.
- May help increase muscle strength. Various studies have shown that icariin has a positive effect on the production of lean muscles. Furthermore, the neurotrophins, a type of protein, help with the development, function and growth of the neurons.
- May help balance hormones after or during menopause. The prenylflavonoids of the horny goat weed act as a phytoestrogen, increasing estrogen levels and reducing the symptoms of menopause.
- May help increase testosterone levels. The icariin has natural testosterone-copying properties, helping improve sexual desire, athletic performance and strength.
- May help treat erectile dysfunction. Horny goat weed increases circulation in the blood vessels.
- Considered a natural aphrodisiac. Horny goat weed may be able to help normalize cortisol levels and reduce the negative effects of stress on the body, such as low sex drive.
Possible Side Effects of Horny Goat Weed
Because horny goat weed is an herbal treatment and not a medication, the quality of the icariin or epimedium supplements are not controlled by the FDA. You must always purchase herbal products from a reliable company, and always read the ingredients thoroughly to make sure you are getting the right product. If taken excessively, there might be side effects of epimedium, including short-term symptoms like nosebleed, nausea and dizziness.
Those who have a history of cancer, liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease or other serious health conditions need to consult with their doctor before taking horny goat weed.
