Horny goat weed, alternatively referred to as Epimedium, is utilized to treat postmenopausal symptoms and sexual issues, among other potential health benefits. Nevertheless, the body of research confirming its purported medicinal properties is limited.
“Horny goat weed is a well-known plant in traditional Chinese medicine,” explains herbalist and proprietor of The Botanical Institute, an authority on botanical and herbal medicine Daniel Powers. When administered in suitable dosages within a brief timeframe, it is generally safe and well-tolerated by the majority of individuals.
Continue reading to discover more about horny goat weed, including its potential benefits, risks, and adverse effects, as well as instructions on how to take the supplement.
What Is Horny Goat Weed?
Horny goat weed is a botanical supplement derived from a number of species of the plant genus Epimedium, which is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Traditional Chinese medicine refers to horny goat weed as yin yang huo. It is readily available for purchase online, in natural food stores, and over-the-counter at box stores.
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“Horny goat weed is believed to have health benefits that [help] treat a variety of health issues,” explains Laura Purdy, M.D., chief medical officer of OpenLoop, a digital health care company and board-certified family medicine physician based in Brentwood, Tennessee.
“Over the past decade or so, Goat Horny Weed has gained popularity due to its positive effects on male health,” Powers continues. “Generally, it is consumed as a dietary supplement to enhance sexual function.” Low libido and erectile dysfunction are two sexual health issues that are linked to the herb.
Potential Health Benefits of Horny Goat Weed
Additionally, research is required to validate claims that horny goat weed has health benefits. As per the findings of Dr. Purdy and Powers, horny goat weed may provide the following prospective health benefits:
- Improving sexual function. Horny goat plant is frequently utilized for its purported aphrodisiac attributes. Powers explains, “Horny goat weed is believed to function as a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, [which] aids in dilation of blood vessels and enhancement of blood circulation to the sexual organs.” He adds, “However, additional research is required to verify this claim.”
- Managing joint pain. Hypothesized to be the active constituent of horny goat weed, the chemical compound icariin may possess anti-inflammatory and antiosteoporotic properties (abnormally beneficial for osteoporosis treatment, promoting bone regeneration). By reducing inflammation in the body and increasing bone density, Goat Horny Weed may therefore alleviate joint pain and promote bone density, thereby potentially treating osteoporosis.
- Relieving menstrual and postmenopausal symptoms. Phytoestrogens, which are estrogen-like compounds found in horny goat weed, may provide potential benefits for individuals experiencing hormone imbalances that result in menstrual cycle difficulties or post-menopausal symptoms, including vaginal dryness and hot flushes.
- Lowering cholesterol. The active compound in goat horny weed, icariin, may have anti-atherosclerotic properties, meaning it may aid in the prevention of cholesterol accumulation in the body, according to scientific research. However, due to the supplement’s potential to disrupt hormone levels and induce arrhythmias, those with cardiovascular disease should refrain from using it or seek guidance from a medical professional before beginning.
- Lowering blood pressure. Scientific evidence indicates that horny goat weed may aid in reducing blood pressure. Individuals who are currently on blood pressure medications should refrain from consuming the supplement, as it has the potential to induce a dangerously low blood pressure.
- Increasing energy. An purported advantage of horny goat weed is that it may cause an increase in vitality, which is a potential adverse effect.
How to Use Horny Goat Weed
Horny goat marijuana is available for purchase in various forms. “Horsey goat weed can be consumed in capsules, tablets, powder, or even tea,” explains Dr. Purdy. However, dosages may differ due to the fact that the herb is available over-the-counter and is unregulated.
Powers states, “There is no research examining the optimal dosing strategy for horny goat weed.” “However, the dosage range for the majority of commercially available formulations is 500 to 1000 milligrams, which seems to be well tolerated.”
Users who are uncertain about the appropriate dosage of goat horny weed should adhere to the instructions provided on the product or consult a healthcare professional, as no research has been conducted on the subject.
“I suggest beginning with lower doses and gradually increasing them as needed to rule out the possibility of developing sensitivities, allergies, or adverse reactions,” advises Dr. Purdy. “Always heed your body’s advice and consult a physician.”
Side Effects of Horny Goat Weed
Prior to ingesting the supplement or in the event of encountering any adverse effects, individuals who are interested in horny goat marijuana should notify their healthcare provider. Horny goat weed may cause the following adverse effects, as reported by Dr. Purdy and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center:
- Dizziness
- Muscle spasms
- Dry mouth and thirst
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Changes in mood
- Difficulty breathing
- Nosebleeds
- Rapid and/or irregular heartbeat
Due to the paucity of research on the effects of goat horny weed, individuals who consume the herb may encounter additional adverse effects. “Consult a physician if you experience any adverse effects,” indicates Dr. Purdy.
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Risks of Horny Goat Weed
Individuals should avoid using horny goat weed if any of the following apply:
- Pregnancy. The supplement may pose potential safety risks for expectant women and those who are breastfeeding due to the dearth of research on it.
- Hormone-related cancers and health conditions. Individuals with uterine or breast cancer or other conditions that react to estrogen should refrain from consuming goat horny weed due to its phytoestrogen content.
- Bleeding disorders and surgery. Due to the potential impact on blood clotting speed, horny goat weed should be avoided by individuals who are undergoing surgery or have a bleeding disorder. Anticoagulant (blood-thinning medications that prevent the formation of blood clots) and antiplatelet (drugs that prevent the blood from becoming viscous in order to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots) medications have the same effect.
- Cardiovascular disease. Horny goat weed has the potential to induce arrhythmias and stimulate agitation; therefore, those with cardiovascular disease should refrain from consuming the dietary supplement.
Blood pressure medications. Horny goat weed has the potential to affect blood pressure. Consequently, concurrent use of the supplement and blood pressure medication is potentially hazardous, as it could induce an excessive decline in blood pressure. - Medications broken down by the liver. The potential interaction between horny goat weed and medications that impede hepatic metabolism, including cytochrome P450 substrates (which aid in the hepatic breakdown of ingested substances, vitamins, and medications), could be hazardous.
- Breathing difficulties. Prolonged respiratory distress has been cited as a potential adverse effect associated with the consumption of goat horny weed.
Additionally, horny goat weed may exacerbate the adverse effects of supplements and products containing caffeine. Dr. Purdy adds, “If you have a preexisting medical condition, consult your physician before using horny goat weed, as there may be increased risks.”