Horny Goat Weed, otherwise knows as epimedium, is a Chinese herb that has been used for several thousand years. Commonly used as an aphrodisiac and to treat erectile dysfunction, the herb has several recognized medicinal uses. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, studies conducted by the Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences in 2000 and the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2007 show effectiveness in using horny goat weed to treat certain cancers and to prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Horny Goat Weed
Horney goat weed grows natively in the central plains of China. As such, the herb is a common remedy in Eastern medicine. Horney goat weed first appeared in ancient Chinese medical texts, and today, the herb is recognized as a part of the region's traditional medicine. Historically, Chinese herbalists used horny goat weed to promote male potency and as an aphrodisiac for both sexes.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a sexual dysfunction where you can not develop or maintain an erection. According to the Mayo Clinic, horny goat weed may help treat erectile dysfunction. However, the clinical evidence supporting the use of horny goat weed as a treatment for erectile dysfunction is limited. The Mayo Clinic also warns that little is knows about the safety or long-term side effects of using this herb.
Aphrodisiac Effect
According to the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine and the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, horny goat weed is an effective aphrodisiac that increases the libido of both men and women. Horny Goat Weed is also purported to increase energy and reduce fatigue. These energy-boosting properties may explain some of the aphrodisiac effects of the herb. However, according to Drugs.com the actual clinical evidence supporting the aphrodisiac claims do not exist.
Possible Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid taking horny goat weed. You should also avoid long-term use or excessively high doses of this herb that, according to RxList.com, can cause allergic reactions, dizziness, dry mouth, nosebleeds and vomiting. The Mayo Clinic warns that horny goat weed may also cause blood thinning leading to a drop in your blood pressure. Due to the limited medical studies of horny goat weed, you should exercise caution when using this herbal supplement. If you experience any adverse reactions, stop taking the supplement immediately and contact a medical professional.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Epimedium; March 2011
- Mayo Clinic: Erectile Dysfunction Herbs: A Natural Treatment for ED?; September 2010
- Drugs.com: Horny Goat Weed
- Rx List: Epimedium; 2009
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1997
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs With All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
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