Does Horny Goat Weed Work for Erectile Dysfunction? 2020 Updated
If you’ve looked for supplements to help with an erectile dysfunction problem, then you’ve probably heard of Horny Goat Weed. It’s supposed to be one of the most effective natural solutions on the market — but does it really work?
In order to find the answer to this question, we took a deep look at this herb, including its history, uses, and effectiveness. Read on to find what we discovered — the answer may surprise you.
What is Horny Goat Weed?
Horny Goat Weed is a genus of flowering plant that’s also known by its scientific name, Epimedium. It’s native to Asia, and the vast majority of plants are found in China.
It’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It’s also supposed to help with hay fever, osteoporosis, and nerve pain — but people mainly use it to treat erectile dysfunction.
According to Chinese legend, the plant got its name when a goat herder noticed that his animals became rather, ahem, excited after eating the plant. He wondered if it would also be effective for him, and he was pleased by the results, as the plant has been incredibly popular ever since.
It contains an ingredient called “icariin” which works as a PDE5 inhibitor — which is a fancy way of saying it relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis. This allows users to enjoy a strong, hard erection.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a medical condition in which sufferers are unable to get and maintain an erection long enough to have sex.
There are many potential causes, including stress, cardiovascular problems, and alcohol or drug abuse.
It’s important to note that occasionally having problems with your erection is common, but if it happens often, it’s important to seek help.
Doctors will often prescribe drugs like Sildenafil or Tadalafil to treat male sexual issues. Getting these medications through your doctor can be very expensive (not to mention embarrassing), which is why many men are turning to services like BlueChew.com instead.
BlueChew offers Sildenafil and Tadalafil at a fraction of the price you’d pay at a pharmacy, and you don’t have to speak to anyone face-to-face in order to get them.
Does Horny Goat Weed Work?
It’s incredibly difficult to answer a question like this with a simple yes or no answer. The fact is, different men will respond to it differently. There are also thousands of factors that could complicate its effectiveness as well, like your overall health, arousal level, and how much you’ve had to drink.
That being said, there is some evidence that Horny Goat Weed could be effective in treating erection problems by increasing blood flow to the penis. For example, a 2010 study showed that rats who were given Horny Goat Weed showed markedly improved erections.
Another study, this one from 2008, showed that the plant works as a PDE5 inhibitor — which is exactly what Sildenafil does.
However, while Horny Goat Weed may work, that doesn’t mean it’s as effective as erection drugs. That same 2008 study showed that, while Horny Goat Weed can help, it’s 80 times less potent than Sildenafil.
How Much Should You Take?
Given that there haven’t been very many clinical studies on Horny Goat Weed, there isn’t a consensus on the proper dosage.
Its effectiveness can depend on a number of factors, like age and health. Generally speaking, the older you are, the more you’re likely to need. However, that doesn’t mean you should take as much as possible. It’s important to find the sweet spot.
If you take too little, you won’t see any effect. If you take too much, you could suffer serious side effects (more on this later).
Your best bet is to find a reputable supplement and follow the manufacturer’s dosing directions. You may also need to experiment with different dosages until you find one that’s right for you.
How to Take Horny Goat Weed
Horny Goat Weed is most often seen in capsule form. However, sometimes it’s sold as a loose herb, in which case you’re supposed to make a tea from it. There haven’t been any studies comparing the effectiveness of the two forms, so it’s up to you which you prefer.
You’re not supposed to take Horny Goat Weed on an as-needed basis the way you’d take Viagra. Instead, you’re supposed to take it every day, preferably in the morning. This allows it time to take effect before it’s needed.
Of course, this makes it less convenient than Viagra, as you have to commit to taking it (and buying it) regularly.
Who Really Uses This Stuff?
Horny Goat Weed has been a staple of Eastern medicine for thousands of years, so it’s no stretch to say that millions of people have used it at one time or another.
It’s still incredibly popular today, and chances are that many people you know have used it. After all, it’s one of the few sexual health supplements that could potentially be effective.
People aren’t just using it to improve their sex lives, either. It’s also used to help:
Osteoporosis
Fatigue
memory loss
High blood pressure
Low libido
Postmenopausal issues
How Long Does It Take to Work?
The idea behind Horny Goat Weed is that you take it every day to improve blood flow to your penis. That way, you’re always ready to go whenever the mood hits you.
However, it can also be taken before sex to give you a little extra boost. It usually works in 30-90 minutes, so give yourself some time for it to take effect.
You can take it regularly and right before sex, of course. Just be careful not to take too much of it in a 24-hour period, or potentially serious side effects can occur.
If you know you’re going to be having sex on a specific day, we’d recommend skipping your morning dose and taking it right before you have sex instead.
Where Can You Find Horny Goat Weed?
Horny Goat Weed is one of the most widely-available sexual supplements on the market today. You can find it in most pharmacies and health stores, and it’s even sold in many gas stations.
However, most people nowadays buy it online. Getting it over the internet makes things easy, is often less expensive, and saves you from any potential embarrassment.
It’s most often sold in capsule form or as a powder you mix in water. You’ll also see it sold as loose herbs that you can make into a tea or as a liquid extract you take orally.
There isn’t much difference in effectiveness between the forms, but drinking it as a tea or as a liquid extract may cause it to have an effect more quickly.
It’s extremely important to find a reputable brand when buying Horny Goat Weed, as supplements are very lightly regulated. There are too many options for us to list all of the good ones here, but a few trustworthy brands are:
GNC
Puritan’s Pride
Twinlab
Nature’s Way
NOW Foods
Source Naturals
Nature’s Design
Zhou Nutrition
What Are the Side Effects and Adverse Effects of Horny Goat Weed?
Some people experience unwanted Horny Goat Weed side effects . These effects aren’t common, but it’s important to be on the lookout for them. They include:
Nausea
Mood changes or irritability
Increased heartbeat
Sweating or feeling hot
Increased energy
Decreased thyroid function
Dizziness
Nosebleeds
All of these issues can arise even if you take the supplement as directed. However, taking too much can cause more serious issues, like:
Spasms
Breathing problems
Heart rhythm problems
Liver toxicity
It can be dangerous to take Horny Goat Weed if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
Pregnancy
Bleeding disorders
Hormone-sensitive cancers
Low blood pressure
Recent surgery
Also, Horny Goat Weed may interact dangerously with certain medications. Don’t use it if you’re currently taking:
High blood pressure medications
Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs
SSRI and tricyclic antidepressants
Opioids
Beta-blockers
Hormonal therapies
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
This list is not comprehensive, so it’s important to get qualified medical advice before you start taking Horny Goat Weed.
Can Women Take Horny Goat Weed?
Yes, women can take it, and many do. However, the same potential interactions apply to women, so they should talk to their doctors before taking it as well.
Women typically take it as a way to enhance their libido. It improves blood flow to the genitals, which can then increase their interest in and enjoyment of sex.
Horny Goat Weed can also function like estrogen. As a result, many women take it to improve symptoms of PMS and menopause.
How Does Horny Goat Weed Compare to Viagra?
If you’re suffering from erectile dysfunction, should you try Horny Goat Weed or get a prescription for Viagra? There are pros and cons to both.
Horny Goat Weed
PROS
Completely natural
Very inexpensive
Easy to get
Less likely to cause side effects when taken properly
No need to see a doctor
CONS
Less effective
Hard to find a reputable supplier
May interfere with some medications
Has to be taken every day
No reliable dosing information
Viagra
PROS
Extremely effective
Only needs to be taken as needed
Generic versions available
Proven to be safe when taken correctly
Effects fade after sex
CONS
Requires prescription
Very expensive without insurance
Not suitable for everyone
Has to be taken 1-4 hours before sex
More likely to cause side effects in older users
Are There Any Alternatives to Horny Goat Weed?
If you’re wanting to go the natural route, then Horny Goat Weed is likely your best bet.
However, if you’d like to try Viagra but are put off by the cost or the need to talk to a doctor, you might want to consider BlueChew.com.
BlueChew.com offers real Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, at a much lower price. There’s no need to get medical advice in-person, either, as the consultation is handled virtually.
All of BlueChew.com’s medications are made in the USA as well, so they’re as safe as anything you’d get from your doctor.
Horny Goat Weed — What’s the Verdict?
If you want an all-natural supplement that can potentially give you harder and more reliable erections, then Horny Goat Weed is a great choice. It’s very inexpensive and easy to get, and you don’t even need a prescription.
However, don’t expect it to work as well as Viagra or other erectile dysfunction medications. It’s simply not as potent.
Still, if you just need occasional help getting or maintaining an erection, then Horny Goat Weed is a great place to start. After all, you can always switch to Viagra later if you don’t see as much improvement as you’d like.
FAQs
Is It Possible to Get Horny Goat Weed Through My Diet?
Unless you’re planning on eating the leaves of the plant itself (we wouldn’t recommend it), then no. The easiest way is to take a supplement of some form.
Will Horny Goat Weed Make My Penis Bigger?
No. However, it can increase blood flow to your penis, making it as big and hard as possible. As a general rule, though, beware of any Horny Goat Weed supplement that promises to increase penis size.
What Should I Look For in a Supplement?
It’s impossible to list everything you should look for, but there are a few things to be aware of when shopping for a supplement. Look for one that:
Has a seal from a third-party evaluator like NSF International or Consumer Labs
Is made in the USA
Doesn’t make outlandish claims
Has plenty of scientific data to support its effectiveness
What Percentage of Icariin Should My Supplement Have?
The more, the better — so long as it doesn’t exceed 70%. At that point, the supplement can become dangerously potent.
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Horny Goat Weed?
It isn’t dangerous to have a drink or two while taking Horny Goat Weed. However, you should realize that the more you drink, the more likely it is that you’ll experience problems with your erection. The supplement can only do so much.
Some Supplements Have Other Ingredients Besides Horny Goat Weed. Do These Help?
You’ll see a variety of other herbs occasionally mixed into Horny Goat Weed supplements. Popular additions include Maca Root, Saw Palmetto, and Ashwagandha. While there’s little evidence that these other herbs help, they shouldn’t hurt, either.
What’s the Difference Between Horny Goat Weed and Other Male Sexual Health Supplements?
Typically, Horny Goat Weed only contains leaves from the Epimedium plant. If the supplement has a name like “testosterone support,” “male sexual enhancer,” or anything similar, it’s likely that there are other ingredients mixed in with the Epimedium leaves.
