Horny Goat Weed
Horny Goats Weed, scientifically known as Epimedium, also known as barrenwort, bishop's hat, fairy wings, horny goat weed, or yin yang huo is a genus of flowering plants in the family Berberidaceae, It is a herbaceous perennial originating from Western, and Eastern Asia and the Mediterranean.
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Sexual Health
Some men use horny goat weed for sexual performance problems including erectile dysfunction (ED) and involuntary ejaculation. It is also used to arouse sexual desire in both men and women.
Behind its comical name, Horny Goat Weed stands as a time tested aphrodisiac that increases libido and improves erectile function. This is thought to be due, in part, to the flavonoid “icariin”, which is also responsible for the best known health benefits associated with this herb.
Icariin has been found to have the ability to boost the successful transmission of Nitric Oxide, the primary chemical transmitter for the successful and ample delivery of blood to the penis tissue. Additionally it increases the natural circulation of free form testosterone around the body, not only boosting libido – testosterone is crucial to the health of the prostate and plays a dominant role in the production of healthy sperm.
With the increased blood circulation improving blood flow to the genital area of women too, this herb is excellent for stimulating female libido and decreasing sexual dysfunction. Whilst improved blood flow is a key element in sexual desire, Horny Goat Weed also provides alkaloids and plant sterols that have similar actions to testosterone. Although considered a male hormone, testosterone is produced by both men and women and plays an important role in human sexuality.
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Menopause
Several studies have found that the active constituents of Horny Goat Weed balance oestrogen and estradiol levels in women. Icariin is one of these prenylflavonoid compounds which acts as a natural phytoestrogen, associated with decreased symptoms of menopause, including low libido and vaginal dryness.
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Osteoporosis
Studies by the Institute of Orthopaedics Centre of Lanzhou General Hospital in China reported similar results. It seems that icariin is the wonder molecule responsible for many of this plant’s health benefits. They found evidence that icariin can prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone density and bone formation, decreasing bone re-sorption and improving the microstructure of bone. Research done by the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology at the University of Tokyo found that Horny Goat Weed has positive effects on restoring bone density.
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Horny goat weed is also used for the following:
Weak back and knees
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Joint pain
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Osteoarthritis
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Mental and physical fatigue
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Memory loss
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High blood pressure
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Heart disease
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Bronchitis
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Liver disease
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HIV/AIDS
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Polio
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Blood disorders ie. chronic leucopenia
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Viral infections of the heart
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Bone loss after menopause
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Erectile dysfunction (ED)
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Ejaculation problems
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Sexual problems (impotence)
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Fatigue
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Female Sexual Health
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As a strenghtening tonic
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