The Effects Of Horny Goat Weed

Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a variety of purposes, including its purported ability to bulk up your sexual desire, horny goat weed goes by many names, including epimedium, Yin Yang Huo and barrenwort, to name just a few. Talk to your doctor before taking horny goat weed alone or in combination with other herbal supplements, especially if you're on other medications or have long-term health issues, such as asthma, high blood pressure or heart problems.

Aphrodisiac

One of the most highly touted effects of horny goat weed is its ability to enhance your sexual desire. Although there exist many anecdotal accounts regarding the efficacy of this natural sex-enhancing supplement, few well-designed studies actually investigate and prove the ability of horny goat weed to make you feel more frisky.
Dr. Jonny Bowden, a nationally acclaimed nutrition expert and author of the book "Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth," notes that epimedium contains a variety of compounds, such as polysaccharides, sterols and flavonoids, all of which may contribute to an overall sense of sexual well-being. According to Dr. Bowden, you should begin to notice the aphrodisiac effects of horny goat weed within approximately four days of beginning supplementation with two to four 500-mg capsules per day.

Improving Erectile Dysfunction

Often defined in medical circles as the inability or failure to achieve or sustain an erection, erectile dysfunction may affect up to 30 million men just in the U.S., according to general estimates from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. According to Chris Kilham, a renowned medicinal plant researcher and author of the book "Hot Plants," doctors practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine in China use horny goat weed successfully in clinical practice to treat erectile dysfunction. With respect to the exact manner in which it works, the Mayo Clinic notes that epimedium may improve low testosterone levels, as well as boost low thyroid hormone levels.

Side Effects

Although herbal supplements such as horny goat weed often appear to be attractive, natural alternatives to chemically based medication, they may possess potentially serious side effects, especially when taken in high doses or used as a long-term solution to health problems. The Mayo Clinic states that high intake of horny goat weed may result in breathing problems. According to James Duke, author of "Handbook of Medicinal Herbs," other possible side effects of epimedium include dry mouth, excessive thirst, dizziness and vomiting, as well as respiratory arrest. Discontinue use of the herb and talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms while using horny goat weed.