What is Horny Goat Weed?
Horny Goat Weed is among the most well known libido herbs in the west, and how could it not be with that name...
Its Latin name is Epimedium, which is what I call it, as I can’t quite bring myself to go around saying “horny goat weed”. It’s also called: barrenwort, bishop's hat, fairy wings, or yin yang huo in Chinese medicine, where this native endemic species has been used for millenia to treat fatigue, increase libido and enhance sexual function.
Legend has it that goat herders first noticed it when their goats couldn’t stop having sex after eating the leaves of this plant.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a complex and integral system for understanding health, vitality and balance, Epimedium is considered a valuable means by which to “enhance kidney yang”, and though our Western conceptions of these processes are quite different, the benefits remain undeniable.
In addition to centuries worth of empirical evidence, there is also plenty of modern science to support Epimedium’s efficacy. It’s active compound, a flavoanoid called icariin, is known to act as a PDE-5 inhibitor, which basically means it increases blood flow to sex organs. This is the same mechanism through which Viagra works, but unlike Viagra, PDE-5 inhibitors that are part of a whole plant, like epimedium, aren’t associated with the same risks or dangers.
But importantly, the clinical trials on epimedium also show a decrease in cortisol, a stress hormone that suppresses sex drive, and an increase in testosterone. Of course this gets the gentlemen very excited - boosting sex drive and enhancing performance; providing mental clarity and physical stamina; keeping the body lean and muscular - but testosterone is important for women as well. The ovaries produce testosterone in small amounts, and it’s vital that women of childbearing age produce just the right amount of testosterone though, that is another discussion.
There is a common misconception that epimedium is only effective for men, but in clinical trials not only do women respond nearly equally, it tends to balance female hormones as well, and reduce symptoms of PMS or perimenopause.
This herb also: increases overall circulation, prevents osteoporosis, is cardio-protective, supports immune function and some evidence suggests it may even support a better mood.
Nearly all of it is cultivated, produced and exported from China, and I use an importer that I really trust for fresh organic medicine-grade Epimedium. Like so many of the herbs for sex and sexuality, this one is a fascinating and dynamic herbal ally in the pursuit of healthy, robust sexuality.
