One translation of the Chinese name means “The Herb for the Man that likes Sex Too Much, Like a Goat.”
The story goes that a man noticed his goats being particularly randy after eating the leaves of a certain bush. He tried the leaves for himself…and he and his wife were happier.
Although that is its primary use, the truth is this herb does quite a bit more than just that. Known as Yin Yang Huo in China this plant has been used for thousands of years.
Icariin
The so called “active” constituent of epimedium is icariin, a unique flavonoid. What is special about this molecule is that it is a PDE5 inhibitor. That probably doesn’t mean much to you until you know that this is what the various Erectile Dysfunction drugs are too.
PDE5 is an enzyme that breaks down the result of nitric oxide with cGMP pathway, causing the erectile tissue to lose its blood floow.
This is just one of the effects of Horny Goat Weed.*
While some people extract just the icariin out of this plant, turning it into something akin to these drugs, we provide a full plant extract. Ours is not standardized but has roughly 1-3% icariin.
Nitric Oxide and PDE5
Horny goat weed also helps to boost nitric oxide, not just inhibit its breakdown.* This has been shown to work through several different pathways in rabbits.[1] Also direct injection into the penis of rats increased penile blood pressure.[2] (We absolutely don’t recommend that way of administering it.)
Don’t take this expecting the same exact effects of Viagra®. It is an herbal extract not a drug.
But perhaps it can restore your own body to a healthful, more vigorous level. Epimedium has been shown to not just work on NO in the moment but also up-regulate genes associated with nitric oxide production in ways that other PDE5 inhibitors do not.[3]*
Other Non-Sexual Benefits
- Helps with Bone Mineral Density [4][5]*
- Cardiovascular Benefits [3]*
- Testosterone Mimetic Properties [6]*
- Rich in Bioflavonoids with Antioxidant Properties [7]*
- Protects DNA [8]*
- Emotional Balancing Effects [9]*
- Mediates HPA Axis and Stress [10][11]*
- Neuro-Protective [12]*
- Nerve Regeneration [13]*
- Lowers High Blood Pressure*
Traditional Chinese Medicinal Uses
- Organ Meridians affected: Kidney and Liver*
- Tonifies the Kidney Yang*
- Used for increasing Libido, Impotence, Infertility, Urinary Frequency, Forgetfulness, Lower Back Pain*
- Strengthens Lung Qi*
- Strengthens Sinews and Bones*
- Expels Wind-Damp-Cold*
Horny Goat Weed has been officially listed in China as an herb that can help prevent the growth of cancer.[17]*
Phyto-Estrogens in Epimedium
Because of its Yang nature this herb is mostly used by men, but can certainly be used by women too. Like other herbs the dosage is often cut in half. For best effects it is also combined with yin sexual herbs.
It does contain phyto-estrogens, Icaritin and Desmethylicaritin, which were shown to raise the levels of estrogen in post-menopausal women.[14]*
Based on lots of men taking this for positive sexual effects, I don’t think these phyto-estrogens are going to raise your estrogen levels or decrease testosterone in anyway. One study with men found no estrogenic activity [15]*
Epimedium Dosage and Directions
We have a 10:1 Water Extract available of Epimedium grandiflorum. This is far from isolated icariin as some other companies sell.
Recommended dose is 1 teaspoon which is 1 gram. Some people like to take it 30-60 minutes before sex.
Other people will find better results when they take it daily for a few weeks.
Contraindications: Not for use with those with yin deficiency with heat signs. Can also be drying.