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Should You Use Horny Goat Weed?
Horny Goat Weed or its more common name Barrenwort a member of the Epimeddium plant family is an herbal supplement that acts like a natural form of Viagra. ‘Yin Yang Huo” (to the Chinese) as legend has it was seen being eaten by goats by the local goat herders and after ingesting the herb, the goats became very amorous. Hence the name ‘Horny Goat Weed”. Horny Goat is used in China as a medicine to treat a variety of conditions such as osteoporosis and hardening of the arteries and a variety of illnesses such as heart disease, Bronchitis, memory loss, and liver disease.

Horny Goat Weed works as a vasodilator and thereby increasing blood flow. Some men use it negate the symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction and to achieve an erection. While other healthy men use Horny Goat weed to prolong an erection. It is also reported to increase libido and sexual arousal in both men and women. Users have note a drop in blood pressure as well which opens the possibility of Horny Goat Weed becoming a Hypertension remedy in the future. However, no clinical trial are in the offing as of this writing.
Active ingredient
- Icariin: Icariin inhibits PDE 5 which like Sildenafil the active ingredient of Viagra. It increases Nitric oxide production which aids in Erectile Dysfunction.
- Maca Root Extract: This reviewer examined both the Chinese and GNC’s version of Horny Goat Weed which also contains Maca Root extract which is another ED relieving herb from Puru that also fights infertility.
- Polypodium Vulgare: common to France, Scandinavia and the Carpathian mountains is a herb when combined with the other two increase endurance.
The Chinese version does not contain the additional 2 herbs and is in tablet form.
1 GNC Capsule contains: 600 mg of Horny Goat Weed, 250 mg of Maca Root, 025 mg of Polypodium Vulgare
Advantages
However it does have some advantages over the prescription supplements. Some of the advantages of Horny Goat Weed are:
- Since it is a herbal supplement it can be bought over the counter (OTC) at many supplement stores, your local GNC, or online at Amazon.com and other websites
- It is less expensive than other Male Sexual Enhancement Supplements
- It is a natural product
Disadvantages
- Unfortunately Horny Goat Weed is not as fast acting as some other similar prescription medications
- It sometimes takes days for the effects to become apparent. But when it does it performs well and also gives a kick of extra energy as reported in many of the online review
Product Information
- Recommended dosage 1 capsule a day
- 60 capsules per Container
- Price under $20.00
Side Effects
According to various studies, Horny Goat Weed has shown in some users the following side effects.
- Upset Stomach
- Dry Mouth
- In some instances irregular heartbeat
- Low Blood Pressure
- Nosebleeds
- Mood changes
- In high doses spasms and respiratory failure may occur
Precaution & Safety Warnings
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, you should get your Physician’s approval before using Horny Goat Weed:
- Blood Thinners
- Heart lung problems
- Thyroid conditions
- Low Blood pressure
- Bipolar Disorder
- Use Nitroglycerin
You Should Not Use Horny Goat Weed If You Are:
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- A Child
Is There any Clinical Studies/Research Done
As of this writing, there have been no US Clinical studies.
Where to find it?
In China, it is listed in the Pharmacological manuals for Chinese medical practitioners and herbal guides for supplement stores. It can be purchased there at many of the supplement stores OTC there and many Pharmaceutical firms manufacture supplements using Horny Goat Weed in China for domestic consumption and export to other countries.
Craig Simms