Horny Goat Weed – Nature’s Aphrodisiac
With the introduction of our latest herbal blend, LOVE – Sexual & Reproductive Support, we wanted to share some of the science behind some of its key active ingredients to enlighten the Farmacy family as to how this blend will actually improve their lives.
Horny goat weed is one of the key herbs in LOVE and has been used in China for hundreds of years to treat low libido as well as a myriad of other conditions including heart health and symptoms of menopause. Also known by some of its other names such as yin yang huo, epimedium, barrenwort, rowdy lamb herb, randy beef grass, and brain tonic of the immortals, the active ingredient responsible for most of the benefits in this herb is called icariin. Medical studies have shown it may also help improve bone density, treat hypertension, brain injury, bronchitis, allergies, joint pain, numbness, and performance related fatigue.
Our focus in this blog will be on its functions as an aphrodisiac for men and our next blog will discuss its benefits for women.
Aphrodisiac for Men
When men are sexually stimulated, nitric oxide signals a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) that causes the smooth muscle to relax, resulting in an inflow of blood into the male reproductive organ that causes an erection.
In cases where men have trouble obtaining or sustaining erections, an enzyme called protein phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) interferes with the nitric oxide and cGMP that relaxes the smooth muscle in the arteries. As a result, the blood can’t move through the arteries and create an erection. This is quite common in men from time to time and when it happens consistently over a period of time it is usually diagnosed as erectile dysfunction (ED).
The active ingredient in horny goat weed, icariin, is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and thus allows blood to fill the arteries and create an erection by removing the obstacle to proper blood flow. This process is similar to what Viagra does except it is 100% natural and can be taken regularly by most people without side effects.
A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine investigated its effects and found that low doses of horny goat weed showed improved erectile function in animals.
There have also been a number of human studies conducted in China that all came to the conclusion that horny goat weed significantly improves or cures erectile dysfunction.
Some people are tempted to take large amounts of horny goat weed at once to see immediate effects but this is not recommended. The best way to achieve results is to take it daily and assess its effects after at least one month. After that, it will continue to work in the background even if you skip a day or two. Since it is a natural herb, you can continue to take it regularly without side effects.
That said, consult a doctor before taking horny goat weed if you are already on heart medication, about to undergo surgery, are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also try avoiding over the counter pain medications while you are taking horny goat weed supplements.
Stay tuned for our upcoming blog discussing the benefits of horny goat weed for women. Love, peace and blessings!
- Written by Ali N (Director of Science and Research at Farmacy For Life Inc.)