Not only does this herb come with an intriguing name, but it also has an array of health benefits. This herb has quickly grown its reputation as a powerful plant remedy that is suitable for both ladies and gents. In fact, in traditional Chinese medicine horny goat weed has been used to enhance sexual experiences for thousands of years - this incredible herb is basically Mother Nature's version of Viagra (without all those yucky chemicals!).
Continue reading to learn more about the other amazing health benefits this herb brings to the table (other than the obvious).
Don't Be Fooled By Its Name...
Contrary to its quirky name, the active compounds in horny goat weed don’t have anything to do with bleating farm animals. Its botanical name is Epimedium Sagittatum and it belongs to a genus of flowering plants in the Berberidaceae family. Apparently, and don't quote me on this, the name was coined when farmers noticed that the goats munching on epimedium herbs quickly became more excited around other goats.
Rise Up Against Erectile Dysfunction!
Horny goat weed’s biggest claim to fame is as a supplement used to help manage the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (which effects approx. 40% of men over the age of 40).
Epimedium is widely coveted for its aphrodisiac properties thanks to a flavonoid known as Icariin. One of the biggest perks is its ability to normalize cortisol levels, which can help combat low energy and improve sexual vitality and vigor. Icariin can also neutralize the negative effects of stress which can drag down sexual performance and trigger issues like involuntary ejaculation.
Icariin is also a powerful vasodilator, meaning it has the ability to widen blood vessels and boost blood flow which, in turn, can help to increase blood circulation in the penis.
Lets take a quick detour to learn about how erections happen - when you're sexually stimulated, your body releases nitric oxide (NO) to dilate blood vessels in the penis and trigger a reaction. Nitric oxide signals a chemical, called cyclic guano-sine mono-phosphate (cGMP), that causes the smooth muscle to relax which results in an inflow of blood into the penis which results in an erection.
With erectile dysfunction, an enzyme named protein phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) interferes with and breaks down cGMP. As a result, the blood can't move through the arteries and create an erection.
Icariin, the flavonoid found in Epimedium, actively stops PDE5 from breaking down cGMP, which enhances the effects of NO - in other words, it helps gents stay harder for longer.
Balancing “Yin” for the Ladies.
Horny goat weed, also known as Yin Yang Huo in Chinese Medicine, offers a handful of benefits for ladies, too! It is considered a powerful form of "yin" energy. In women, prenylflavonoid compounds act as phytoestrogens, which means the herb can be effective in increasing estrogen levels and toning down the symptoms of menopause, including low libido.
Other Amazing Health Benefits...
One of the advantages of horny goat weed is that studies suggest that icariin, the flavonoid found in the herb, has the proven ability to increase bone mineral density in both the hips and the lower back. This explains why Chinese herbalists coveted the plant as a treatment for osteoporosis.
Research also suggests that horny goat weed may have properties that, apart from keeping bones strong, can also protect the nerves and support immune system function.
As a form of alternative medicine, the herb has also been used to treat fatigue and hay fever. So if you're sniffling, sneezing and wheezing, you may be able to find relief through horny goat weed.
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With so much love, why not consider adding horny goat weed to your daily supplement routine? We love that it can be taken by both ladies and gents, which means couples can enjoy the benefits together - not just in the bedroom but also in day to day life.
Get yours here - it won't let you down (literally!)
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The Food and Administration (FDA) and other government agencies do not monitor the quality, purity, or safety of herbs and extra caution is recommended. This product is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.