Horny Goat Weed Dosage Guidelines & Health Warnings

Horny goat weed dosages vary according to use. The supplement is sourced from different species of the Epimedium genus. Epimedium contains over 60 different species of plants that can be found in China, Japan and Korea.

Horny goat weed has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is referred to in that tradition as yin yang huo.

The active ingredient of this plant genus is a flavonoid called icariin, which is likely responsible for a number of the supplement’s purported medicinal properties. Dosages for Horny Goat Weed Extract are often determined based on the content of icariin.

The most detailed dosage information available on horny goat weed comes from TCM sources. Manufacturer’s websites and health websites can also be a good source of dosage information.

However, the best dosage information will likely come from an expert in Chinese herbal medicine, in conjunction with your physician.

In the West this supplement is mainly used for sexual dysfunction in men and women and it is being investigated for its ability to help prevent loss of bone density in post menopausal women. This supplement is also used in bodybuilding formulas to increase muscle mass and athletic performance.

Horny Goat Weed

Herbal Supplement

Libido

Erectile Function

Testo- sterone

How It Works:

• Inhibits PDE-5 enzyme & raises nitric oxide
• Boosts male & female libido
• Supports erectile function & performance

Dosage:

Between 250 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Horny Goat Weed Dosages

Horny Goat Weed supplementation has been investigated in several animal trials for its ability to increase testosterone production.

We can use these animal trials to approximate an optimal dosage for human usage.

The human equivalent for 200mg/kg of a 40 percent extract of Horny Goat Weed (80mg/kg icariin) are 900mg icariin for a 150lb person, 1,200mg icariin for a 200lb person and 1,500mg icariin for a 250lb person.

Studies that use a lower dosage of icariin (1-10mg/kg) are approximately equal to 11-110mg icariin for a 150lb person, 15-150mg icariin for a 200lb person and 18-180mg icariin for a 250lb person.

Note that the dosage here depends on the concentration of icariin in the Horny Goat Weed supplement. If you are using a more concentrated extract, you will need a smaller dose of Horny Goat Weed. If you are using a less concentrated extract, you will again need to adjust accordingly.

For this reason, it is best to follow manufacturer instructions when determining the dose for the specific product you are using.

Dosage Recommendations for Specific Uses

Kidney Health, Adrenal Support, Sexual Dysfunction: This supplement has been traditionally used for kidney and adrenal support, for male endocrine function, erectile support and enhancement of libido in men and women.

Amazing Herbs manufactures Horny Goat Express Plus and recommends taking two capsules one hour before physical activity. Each capsule contains 500 mg of Horny Goat Weed herb powder, for a recommended dosage of 1000 mg per day.

The formula also includes: horny goat weed, maca, macuna pruriens (L-dopa), polypodium vulgare, yohimbe bark, saw palmetto, muira puama, panax ginseng, and L-arginine.

Amazing Herbs also manufactures Horny Goat Weed Express Liquid Extract – 1oz. This tincture is made with Epimedium grandiflorum. The suggested dosage is 10-15 drops, two hours before activity.

Horny Goat Weed for Bodybuilding: To use this supplement for bodybuilding, the website called “Bodybuilding for You” has reviewed Pinnacle Horny Goat. This supplement includes 500mg of horny goat weed combined with 250mg of maca pure (Lepidium meyenii), 33.3mg Macuna pruriens and 25mg Polypodium vulgare.

This ingredient combination is claimed to help build muscle and improve athletic performance.

Osteoporosis: To support healthy bones, the website Medscape suggests a supplement containing a specific phytoestrogen extract of Epimedium and 60mg icariin, 15mg daidzein, 3mg genistein (both phytoestrogens that can be sourced from soy beans) and 300mg of elemental calcium be taken once a day.

Horny Goat Weed Dosages in TCM

Most TCM practitioners recommend 6-12 g of raw Epimedium, depending on the condition being treated.

This is different from the more concentrated form of Horny Goat Weed Extract powder that you will find in most supplements.

The herb can be decocted in water for an oral dose, macerated in wine for an infusion, simmered into a soft extract or mashed into a powder.

Dried Epimedium leaves can be found at some Asian markets and specialty health food stores. Epimedium powders and extracts are also available.

Female Infertility: A combination formula for female infertility is Nuan Gong Yun Zi Wan. The formula contains pure Horny Goat Weed extract. The recommended dosage is five to seven pills per day, taken in three doses. One bottle contains a 10-day supply.

The manufacturer notes you can expect results within three to five weeks of daily use. For infertility, results may take longer.

Yin and Yang Herbal Tea: Horny Goat Weed Tea from Triple Leaf is a popular brand of Epimedium tea. It contains 580mg of horny goat weed with other complementary herbs. In TCM yin and yang herbs are mixed together in a blend for balance.

To make this tea, pour one cup of boiling water over a tea bag. Let it steep 10-15 minutes. Squeeze tea bag gently and leave in the cup when drinking. The recommended dosage is to drink between one and three cups daily. For the most benefit, it is best to drink the tea before bedtime.

Horny Goat Weed Health Warnings

This supplement may cause irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure and upset stomach. This supplement should not be taken in high doses or for extended periods of time. Excessive use can lead to dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth and epistaxis (nosebleed).

Horny goat weed may also interact with aspirin, blood thinners, oral contraceptives and antidepressants. It should also be avoided by those individuals being treated for immune disorders or thyroid problems.

It is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, honey goat weed should be avoided by those being treated for an estrogen-sensitive condition, such as breast or uterine cancer. Horny goat weed dosages are often based on TCM practitioner traditions because limited clinical data is available.

Speak to your doctor before taking this supplement to learn more about potential side effects.

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