Horny Goat Weed for Women – Benefits for Libido, Menopause & More

Horny goat weed is used by women for symptoms of sexual dysfunction and menopause.

The supplement known as horny goat weed is sourced from up to 15 different species of Epimedium, a genus comprised of plants native to China, Japan and Korea.

Although the genus contains more than 60 different species, only a portion are considered medicinal. Within traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medicinal species of Epimedium are referred to as yin yang huo.

The active ingredient of horny goat weed is a flavonoid called icariin. Icariin increases nitric oxide levels, which relaxes smooth muscle and may help ease the flow of blood to the genital area of men and women. This supplement is also used to enhance libido (desire for sex) in males and females.

The increased blood flow to the genital area (clitoris for women), helps increase the likelihood of reaching an orgasm. Horny goat weed supplements for women also help modulate the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, as well as testosterone, which may help improve the mood.

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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Benefits of Horny Goat Weed for Women

A study in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, published in July 2007, showed Epimedium brevicornum helped prevent bone loss in late postmenopausal women without a hyperplasia effect.

Hyperplasia is characterized by an increase in the amount of organic tissue caused by cell proliferation, which may result in tumors. This study was a 24-month randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

This study found Epimedium brevicornum maxim was high in phytoestrogen flavonoids. These types of flavonoids are thought to help improve cognitive performance and mood, as well as to help reduce hypertension, osteoporosis and heart disease.

Additionally, a study on the estrogenic activity of plant extracts indicated Epimedium brevicornum may be useful in hormone replacement therapy for women. However, these results are still preliminary and further research is required.

Horny Goat Weed Use in TCM

Horny Goat Weed is listed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences as a group of herbs that slows aging and promotes longevity in men and women. A paper by Wuhan Botanical Garden noted that Epimedium species have been widely used in TCM for sexual enhancement, improved immunity and for their anticancer and anti-aging effects.

Within the Western context, flavonoid and polysaccharide constituents of Epimedium are thought to be the medicinally active components of the genus.

Modern Chinese herbal medicine uses Epimedium in combined herbal formulas for asthma, bronchitis, cervical dysphasia (a precancerous condition in which abnormal cell growth occurs on the surface lining of the cervix), congestive heart failure, leucorrhoea (a thick, whitish or yellowish vaginal discharge), leukopenia (a shortage of white blood cells in the system, which can be caused by anemia) and viral infections of the heart.

Horny Goat Weed extract of Yin yang huo is also used to tone the kidneys, strengthen yang and increase libido in women. Symptoms of kidney yang deficiency include impotence, infertility, infrequent urination, forgetfulness, social withdrawal as well as painful, cold lower back and knees.

Women who are yang deficient will likely have pale or watery menstrual blood, as well as back aches associated with their period. They may also look pale or anemic, have dark circles under their eyes and have a weak voice.

Acupuncturists use moxibustion in addition to Horny Goat Weed to address kidney yang deficiency in addition to warming tonic herbs. Moxibustion is a TCM technique that involves the burning of mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris) to facilitate healing.

Herbs, drinks and foods that are cold in nature or served cold should be avoided, in addition to raw fruits and vegetables, juices and iced beverages. Detoxification herbs should also be avoided as they are very cold and would be counterproductive for yang conditions.

Contraindications

This supplement should not be taken for long periods of time. Within TCM prolonged use is thought to damage yin, and may lead to dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth and nosebleed. Horny Goat Weed use may also cause irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure and upset stomach.

High doses of this supplement have been linked to spasms and respiratory failure. It may also interact with aspirin, blood thinners, oral contraceptives and antidepressants.

Horny goat weed should not be taken by women being treated for immune disorders or thyroid problems. The supplement may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications and should not be taken with any medications that lower blood pressure or cholesterol.

This supplement has been observed to slow blood clotting and might increase the risk of bleeding. It is not recommended for use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Epimedium should also be avoided by those women being treated for an estrogen-sensitive condition, such as breast or uterine cancer.

Conclusion

Horny goat weed for women is used to improve sexual dysfunction and may help improve blood flow and sensitivity of the genital area, which may support organisms. For menopausal women this supplement may help prevent bone loss and osteoporosis and help improve the mood.

Although Epimedium has a long history of use in TCM, scientific research on the genus is limited. It is important to speak with your doctor before taking horny goat weed to make sure the supplement is right for you.

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