Horny Goat Weed Herb Benefits

About 2000 years ago, the Chinese noticed that their goats got sexually excited after eating yin yang huo. Since then, both men and women have been using the leafy plant which is also known as epimedium sagittatum, epimedium grandiflorum and barrenwort as an herbal aphrodisiac or sexual tonic.

There are about 15 species of epimedium. The most active constituent in the leaves of the epimedium plant is icariin which is a flavonol glycoside. According to researchers, icariin has the potential to stimulate the nerves, increase blood flow to the genital area and increase testosterone and sperm production.

A double-blind study found that after 45 days, healthy men who took epimedium extract daily increased sexual enhancement by 60% while those who were took Viagra had a 45% increase.

Epimedium supplement is now known for its effectiveness as a male performance enhancer and is used as a natural remedy to treat erectile dysfunction or impotence, boosting libido and rebuilding sexual vitality.

Besides icariin, barrenwort also contains beta sitosterol, kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin and many other phytochemicals. In vitro studies indicate that epimedium has the potential to protect neurons for degeneration. It also has immunomodulatory activities and is able to regulate the immune functions. A few studies suggest that epimedium has anti cancer effects.

So epimedium extract is more than just a sexual stimulant. In Chinese traditional medicine, yin yang huo is also used to increase energy and stamina and as a remedy for mental and physical fatigue. Its estrogenic action is helpful in treating menopausal symptoms and frigidity.

Epimedium has also been used for the treatment of osteoporosis post menopause. According to Chinese researchers, the herb has the ability to inhibit bone re-absorption activity, prevent bone loss and increase bone density. The herbal extract is also used as treatment for joint pain and osteoarthritis.

Horny goat weed is also used to restore kidney functions and may benefit the liver and the heart. It is also taken to delay the aging process.

The amount of icariin in horny goat weed dietary supplement varies from 300mg to 1200 mg. Epimedium may decrease blood pressure. Check your blood pressure level before taking this herbal extract especially if you are taking prescription medication.

Epimedium is also available in combination with other natural herbal male performance enhancers such as tongkat ali or eurycoma longifolia and maca root. It is also available in liquid extract, powder and in tea bags.

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