Horny Goat Weed for Testosterone, ED, and Sex Drive

The use of Horny Goat Weed for testosterone levels in men has ancient roots. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in which it is referred to as yin yang huo.

The herb is thought to act as an aphrodisiac and generalized yang tonic.

In fact, horny goat weed is thought to have gotten its name from a historic incident: more than two thousand years ago a Chinese goat herder is claimed to have noticed a strong increase in goat libido after the animals consumed yin yang huo, which literally translates to “obscene goat leaves of pulse plants.”

Today, Horny Goat Weed continues to be used as a natural testosterone booster and for improved libido. It is taken by both men and women to promote sexual function and as an aphrodisiac. It has been observed to inhibit the activity of the PDE-5 enzyme which is why some have called it “the natural Viagra”.

It is also believed to upregulate the production of Nitric Oxide, which is important for erectile function and may be useful for naturally combatting Erectile Dysfunction (ED). While research into the effects of Horny Goat Weed on testosterone has not yet yielded definitive results, the long history of traditional use does offer some testament to its purported effects.

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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What is Horny Goat Weed Made From?

Horny goat weed can be made from several species of the Epimedium genus.

Epimedium is composed of 64 different species of plant, but not all are thought to display medicinal properties.

The supplement known as horny goat weed may be made from up to 15 different species of Epimedium.

Many species of Epimedium are perennials that contain a number of beneficial phytonutrients (plant nutrients), such as phenylflavonoids, which are known antioxidants.

Scientific study of horny goat weed is limited and its mechanisms of action remain ill defined. Although it is often consumed for sexual dysfunction, few studies exist to verify this use. Additionally, although horny goat weed is thought to support testosterone levels, there is not enough scientific evidence to verify this claim.

Horny Goat Weed Effects

While the effects of Horny Goat Weed on testosterone are not well observed, there have been effects documented on estrogen balance in both men and women. Some species of Epimedium seem to exhibit estrogen-limiting traits that may play a role in some of the plant’s claimed medicinal functions.

Additionally, one particular substance found in Epimedium, icariin, is known to stimulate nitric oxide synthesis. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to relax, which may help improve circulation and reduce blood pressure.

When circulation is improved in this manner, more nutrients and other beneficial constituents are delivered through the blood, which may help support good health. Horny goat weed has attracted limited scholarly attention and constituents of the plant are being investigated for their ability to:

• Inhibit the generation and progression of cancerous cells;
• Support heart, kidney and liver health;
• Alleviate the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, including premature ejaculation, inability to get erect and low libido;
• Lower LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels;
• Stimulate the generation of osteoblasts, bone cells which are crucial in the development of bone tissue. This may help reduce symptoms of osteoporosis and other similar disorders;
• Treat various symptoms of HIV and AIDS, including muscular wasting

Horney goat weed has received limited scholarly attention compared to other medicinal herbs. However, of all its purported uses, Americans continue to experiment with horny goat weed as a natural alternative to existing sex enhancement drugs.

Horny Goat Weed and Testosterone

Testosterone plays a number of roles in the male body. It is involved in muscle development, strength and mental clarity. It is also thought to play an important role in libido. Testosterone levels are known to diminish considerably with age. In fact, male testosterone levels may decrease by up to one percent a year after the age of 40.

Deficient testosterone levels may lead to fatigue, lethargy and/or depression, increased fat stores and muscle atrophy, decreased bone strength, and reduced sexual ability and/or interest in sex.

The most effective way to naturally increase testosterone is to get proper rest, eat a water-rich diet, exercise daily, stay hydrated and work to reduce stress. Some individuals also look to supplements to help support testosterone levels.

Having a nutritional plan that encourages natural testosterone production is important: it is crucial to consume foods that enable and encourage the synthesis of testosterone. In conjunction with a healthy diet, rest is also important.

Getting proper rest and exercise are integral to staving off the detrimental effects of cortisol. Uncontrolled, chronic stress raises cortisol levels significantly. Too much free-circulating cortisol can decrease testosterone levels.

In addition to improving lifestyle factors, some also consume supplements that are thought to support testosterone levels in the body, such as horny goat weed. By promoting better circulation in the body, it may be the case that Horny Goat Weed extract does stimulate an increased level of testosterone production. However, this has not be demonstrated in research studies conducted thus far.

Negative Effects of Horny Goat Weed

Epimedium has a long history of use in TCM and is not commonly associated with severe side effects, provided it is taken properly and for an appropriate length of time. This supplement should not be taken for long periods or to excess.

Within conventional scientific practice, the possible side effects of horny goat weed supplementation remain poorly defined.

Some groups should avoid supplementing with Epimedium, including: pregnant women; nursing mothers; individuals suffering from a hormone-sensitive cancer, such as ovarian or breast cancer; and individuals with poor cardiovascular health.

Additionally, horny goat weed may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications. In all cases it is important to speak with your doctor before taking horny goat weed, for testosterone levels or any other use, to ensure the supplement is safe for you.

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