Horny Goat Weed in the UK: Where to Buy & Legal Status

The use of Horny goat weed in the UK is popular particularly among men for bodybuilding and sexual dysfunction.

Horny goat weed has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems throughout Asia and its purported medicinal properties have now made it popular around the world.

It is available in the UK as a dietary supplement and can be purchased online, from specialty supplement stores as well as in raw form from some Chinese herbalists.

Horny Goat Weed is typically sold in capsule or tablet form, but can also be purchased as a liquid tincture or extract for making tea as well as a bulk powder.

This supplement is commonly taken to improve the libido and enhance energy. It is also used in the treatment of some medical conditions by a small number of natural health practitioners.

However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of horny goat weed as a medical treatment for any particular condition. Advocates point to a long history of medicinal use and preliminary scientific investigation to argue that horny goat weed exhibits useful therapeutic properties.

The supplement known as horny goat weed is comprised of a number of plant species from the Epimedium genus. This genus contains over 60 species of plant, but only a portion is known to exhibit medicinal properties.

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

Top Horny Goat Weed* ❯

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Horny Goat Weed in the UK

Horny goat weed’s popularity in the UK can be traced back to China, where the plant is commonly grown.

Horny goat weed has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries and is known within that tradition as yin yang huo.

Within TCM yin yang huo is classified as a yang tonic, which is used to treat conditions stemming from yang deficiency. Horny goat weed (also commonly called barrenwort) is considered particularly useful for regulating kidney function and stimulating energy production.

After a long history of traditional use, which is thought to have begun around 200 BCE, horny goat weed has gained international notoriety for its purported health benefits.

Individuals use the supplement for a variety of purposes, including:

• Inducing vasodilation and supporting good circulation;
• Treating the symptoms of erectile dysfunction;
• Improving libido (sex drive) in men and women;
• Treating heart disease, kidney disease and liver disease;
• Supporting mental clarity and preventing memory loss;
• Boosting nitric oxide and testosterone synthesis and use;
• Boosting insulin levels in the body, accommodating enhanced mineral and nutrient absorption;
• Alleviating the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and anemia.

Buying Horny Goat Weed in the UK

Horny Goat Weed is sold in the UK as an herbal supplement and is available legally without a prescription. In the UK, the sale of herbal remedies is regulated by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory).

The MHRA maintains a Traditional Herbal Registration which all products must be registered under to be sold as an herbal medicine. However, the MHRA has not yet issued a registration for Horny Goat Weed.

This does not mean that the supplement is illegal to sell in the UK. However, Horny Goat Weed pills cannot be sold explicitly as “herbal remedies” and the manufacturers cannot make any health claims on the products. This significantly limits the market for suppliers of the herb in the UK.

For this reason, UK, Ireland and Scotland residents who wish to purchase Horny Goat Weed supplements may find it easier to purchase it online from other countries such as the USA or Canada.

Horny Goat Weed and Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

As is the case in much of the world, horny goat weed demand in the United Kingdom is based primarily on its purported ability to reduce erectile dysfunction. Also, it is believed to increase sex drive in men and women and support fertility in both sexes.

Horny goat weed is said to have received its name after a Chinese goat herder observed his herd becoming “frisky” after consuming yin yang huo. Although the herb has long been associated with sexual health, there is not enough scientific evidence to support these claims.

However, preliminary studies have revealed constituents of Epimedium spp. that may prove therapeutically useful.

Horny goat weed contains a flavonoid called icariin. Icariin has been observed to act as a natural PDE5 inhibitor – one of the only ones known. Current pharmaceuticals for ED are comprised of synthetic (manmade) PDE5 inhibitors. Many men opt to use horny goat weed because it is a natural source of icariin.

Horny Goat Weed and Nitric Oxide

UK strength-training athletes, such as bodybuilders and rugby players, have used horny goat weed supplements. Aside from acting as a PDE5 inhibitor, icariin has been observed to increase nitric oxide (NO) synthesis.

A main consequence of NO synthesis is vasodilation, where the vessels that carry blood widen. Vasodilation occurs when the endothelium that lines the inner walls of blood vessels become relaxed.

Vasodilation supports good circulation.When circulation is improved, the muscles that are targeted during intense physical workouts are flooded with blood, which brings oxygen, nutrients, proteins and growth hormones to the working muscle.

Individuals use horny goat weed to support strength training, improve muscle size and decrease recovery time. Although this is a common use of horny goat weed there is insufficient evidence to verify the safety and efficacy of this use.

Possible Side Effects of Horny Goat Weed Supplementation

If taken properly and for appropriate periods of time, horny goat weed is generally well tolerated. Side effects may include stomach upset and dry mouth. However, because of its potential to induce vasodilation, horny goat weed is not recommended for some groups.

Do not use horny goat weed if you have recently suffered a heart attack. Additionally, Epimedium supplementation is not recommended for those with immune disorders, low blood pressure, thyroid issues, bipolar disorder or lung problems. Horny goat weed is not intended for pregnant women or nursing mothers.

These are only a portion of the possible contraindications for horny goat weed. Always check with your physician before purchasing horny goat weed in the UK.

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