If you have been aiming to improve libido, you may have heard of horny goat weed. This plant plays a role within traditional Chinese medicine, based on its ability to enhance one’s sex life. Horny goat weed is actually made up of 15 different species, within a genus that contains overs 60 unique plant species. Of these plants, only some possess medicinal properties.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the benefits of horny goat weed have been known for thousands of years. It is referred to as ying yang huo, treating conditions where individuals have a yang deficiency. Since yang balances ying, horny goat weed is used to correct this imbalance. Some of the conditions in which horny goat weed targets, include impotence, poor circulation, lower back pain, and low libido.
Within the United States, horny goat weed is mainly used to treat sexual issues, as this supplement aims to correct low libido and sexual dysfunction. Although this is what it’s known for, it’s also gaining traction within the athletic community. If you’re an athlete, you know that training can be challenging. Based on horny goat weed’s ability to stimulate the production of nitric oxide, horny goat weed is benefiting both strength-training athletes and bodybuilders.
What Is Horny Goat Weed Generally Used For?
One of the most common uses for horny goat weed is treating erectile dysfunction. When men are sexually healthy, their brain is able to trigger the release of nitric oxide when aroused. Once released, this chemical compound widens blood vessels, enhancing circulation. In turn, the penis is filled with blood and becomes erect.
For those who experience erectile dysfunction, horny goat weed is often used to improve functioning. Although there is little clinical evidence to support this, advocates of this supplement support the notion that it improves one’s sexual dysfunction. Based on these reports, many continue to take horny goat weed in order to boost libido and reduce undesired symptoms relating to sexual ability.
What Does the Research Say?
Although there’s a lack of clinical evidence, some of the key components within horny goat weed have been linked to improved sexual functioning. More specifically, horny goat weed contains a flavonoid known as icariin. This nutrient is actually a PDE5 inhibitor, which is popular within sexual enhancement drugs.
PDE5 is a substance in which restricts blood flow, not allowing blood to reach the corpus cavernosum of the penis. In turn, individuals struggle to become erect. When taking synthetic drugs that correct this issue, they contain a PDE5 inhibitor.
When comparing icariin, as found in horny goat weed, it’s been reported that it is far superior to the synthetic PDE5 inhibitors found on the market today. The icariin from horny goat weed is associated with a greater circulation of testosterone. This hormone is, of course, critical for male sexual function and is closely linked to a man’s libido.
Horny Goat Weed and Athletic Performance
When aiming to improve performance and fitness levels, many athletes and bodybuilders are turning to horny goat weed. Based in its high concentration of icariin, horny goat weed is able to increase the production of nitric oxide in the body. This compound causes the lining of the blood vessels to both relax and expand. Once expanded, blood flow increases without spiking one’s blood pressure.
Since enhanced blood flow delivers more nutrients, hormones, oxygen, and proteins to muscles, this helps to support growth and overall recovery. Based on these effects, strength athletes often use horny goat weed supplements to promote muscle size and strength, while decreasing the overall time one’s muscles need to heal, especially after a strenuous workout.
What Else Does Horny Weed Benefit?
Once again, there’s a lack of clinical evidence regarding this plant, even though it has been used for centuries. Although scientific evidence is lacking regarding the wide array of horny goat weed benefits, many effects are reported and rooted within traditional Chinese medicine. Also, research is ongoing, continually uncovering new information. Currently, horny goat weed has been said to:
- Improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis
- Reduce general joint pain
- Reduce bone degeneration, especially along the spine and hips within postmenopausal women
- Help support the treatment of heart and liver disease
- Lower blood pressure, aiding in symptoms of hypertension
- Display a reduction in mental and physical fatigue
- Reduce symptoms of bronchitis
- Prevent memory loss
- Fight viral infections
How Safe Is Horny Goat Weed?
When taken properly, horny goat weed is not generally associated with any side effects. With that being said, this plant should not be used in excess, as this weed is known to damage the body’s ying. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness. As long as you take the recommended dose, horny goat weed is well-tolerated.
It’s important to note that some of the properties of horny goat weed, make it ill-suited for some groups of people. For instance, pregnant and nursing women should not be taking this supplement. Also, horny goat weed has been shown to affect one’s platelets, meaning that blood will not clot as quickly. For those that are scheduled to have surgery or suffer from any blood or clotting disorders, should also avoid use.
Last, horny goat week can impact hormone levels, especially those who suffer from hormone-sensitive cancers, such as uterine or breast. If you have any concerns or are currently suffering from any health complications, it’s important to speak with your doctor.
