What is Horny Goat Weed?

Also known as Epimedium grandiflorum or ying yang huo, horny goat weed is a plant that is used in some forms of Chinese medicine to function as an aphrodisiac. Its function is considered to be beneficial for both men and women. Many people believe that the plant boosts libido by increasing a healthy blood flow to the genitals and thus making the nerve endings located in those areas more responsive to stimulation.

Horny goat weed is native to parts of Asia as well as the general area of the Mediterranean. For centuries, the properties of this leafy plant have been used to treat male impotence and also help with brides who exhibited little interest in physical intimacy. While the evidence for its value is more anecdotal than scientific, there are people today who state that the weed has successfully helped with sexual issues when other treatments have failed.

The exact process whereby horny goat weed is purported to function is not fully understood. Some theories believe that consuming the dry powder made from the weed increases levels of nitric oxide in the body. This leads to promoting healthy blood to several parts of the body, including the reproductive organs. As a result, sexual activity is more enjoyable and people are more likely to engage in the activity with more frequency.

Another theory is that the plant can help to restore low levels of various hormones to normal levels. Consumption of the weed may aid in increasing lower levels of cortisol or testosterone and thus helping to raise the desire for physical intimacy as well as the ability to achieve orgasm. More recent theories focus on its ability to inhibit the level of PDE-5 enzymes in the body, which is one of the ways that some prescription medications for erectile dysfunction help to restore healthy sexual function.

While the exact manner that horny goat weed aids in enhancing sexual desire is not fully understood, many people believe the plant is a natural alternative to other products and medications. No negative interactions with other drugs had been documented as of 2007. Some recent tests have identified a possibility that excess consumption of the plant could trigger problems with the kidneys or the liver. However, there are few controlled studies on the herb's efficacy available; this means the support for the use of the plant remains largely anecdotal.