Horny goat weed`s benefits?

Horny goat weed  (Epimedium) is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Chinese herbal medicine. Known for its potential aphrodisiac effects, it  is often promoted as a natural solution to boost libido,  improve energy, and even promote overall sexual health. But does it live up to the hype?

  Let's dive into what Horny goat weed herb is and its potential benefits.

What is Horny goat weed?

It is a plant belonging to the genus Epimedium, native to various parts of Asia, particularly China. The name " Horny goat weed " originates from an ancient tale about a goat herder who noticed that his goat became especially more energetic and active after eating the leaves of this plant. While the name may raise some eyebrows, it is clear that this herb has earned a reputation for supporting sexual health.

Icarin is the active compound in Horny goat weed that is believed to provide health benefits. Icariin is thought to have effects on the body's production of certain hormones and blood flow , which may explain the potential effect of the herb on sexual function and energy levels.

There are many names for Horny goat weed  and China, Japan, and Korea are the original home of Horny goat weed  or shepherd's herb, but today it is grown in many regions around the world, and has a long history of use in Chinese folk medicine. goat weed is often used orally to treat sexual performance problems such as erectile dysfunction and low desire, in addition to a variety of uses for back pain, arthritis, mental and physical exhaustion, and memory impairment (most of these uses need to many researches to prove).

Scientific name  is Epimedium

       
Horny goat weed herb is used in many areas, but there are not enough clinical studies to confirm its effectiveness, and the benefits of Horny goat weed include:

• Horny goat weed  is  a natural aphrodisiac.

The Horny goat weed plant helps to equalize cortisol levels in the body and reduce the negative effects of stress and tension, which include:

• Decreased libido, stress, mental exhaustion, and other problems related to the balance of body hormones and sexual performance.

The icarin compound found in the goat weed plant  dilates blood vessels, which improves blood circulation, and has some anti-inflammatory properties.

Icarine may work by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinestase, which has an effect on neurotransmitters and many neuromuscular functions.

  Horny goat weed to treat erectile dysfunction The Horny goat weed plant helps to treat erectile dysfunction, where goat weed or shepherd's weed increases blood circulation in the vessels of the penis, which improves erection.

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  A study conducted on mice proved that providing a specific mouse infected in the nerves of the genital area with the compound icarin on a daily basis as a dietary supplement significantly improved penile function and erection compared to other mice that were not provided with it.
  Another study showed that icarin is effective in inhibiting the enzyme diester V phosphate, which is responsible for erection problems.

Horny goat weed  to increase testosterone levels
  The compound icarin in the Horny goat weed plant has  natural properties that make it imitate the properties of testosterone, one of the reasons that improve sexual and athletic performance and strengthen the body.

• One study in mice proved that those given eicarin extract improved reproductive system function and increased testosterone level in the blood compared to other mice, but clinical studies are still needed to prove the effectiveness of icarin in humans.

Horny goat weed to equalize hormone levels during or after the cycle period in women
It is believed in Chinese folk medicine that goat weed or shepherd's weed helps restore energy and help people who feel tired, especially during hormonal fluctuations during menstruation or even after interruption.

Some flavonoids found in goat grass or shepherd work, such as estrogen, which explains the benefits of goat weed for women, and it has been found that it helps raise estrogen levels and reduce menstrual symptoms in women.

  Horny goat weed 
  to strengthen muscles It has been proven that the compound icarin has a positive effect on the body's production of muscle mass, as a result of possessing properties similar to neurotrophins, which are proteins that help the development and growth of nerves and improve their functions, and it is believed that it helps the body secrete certain proteins that help tissues grow and recover.

Some athletes and bodybuilders use supplements containing the compound icarin to help build muscle mass, and have been linked to improved recovery after exercise or after injuries, and improved athletic performance.

Horny goat weed to strengthen and improve bone health
goat weed or shepherd's weed has a positive effect on restoring bone density, helping to:

• Prevention of some symptoms of osteoporosis, such as fractures or decreased bone density of the spine, also pointed out that the compound icarin is a strong candidate for use in the field of bone tissue engineering for the treatment of osteoporosis, where a significant increase in bone formation and increased bone density was observed in mice.
  Ecarin helps prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone density and reducing the process of bone imbibing: Bone resorption, during which calcium and minerals are broken down from the bone and released into the blood, as taking Horny goat weed extract or shepherd for 24 months helped stop bone imbibition from the spine and hip bones in women after menopause.
  
   

Possible Horny goat weed side effect:
Preparations containing  Horny goat weed extract or shepherd's weed supplement are dietary supplements, not medicines, so care should be taken to obtain them only from trusted companies and places.

Horny goat weed extract or shepherd's weed is relatively safe when taken correctly, as it can be used safely for two years, but when taken in high doses and for a long time, some side effects are likely to appear.