Horny goat weed is an herb found in nature, which can be referred to as Epimedium. The leaves of horny goat weed are used to make medicine. Almost as many as 15 horny goat weed species are known as “yin yang huo” in Chinese medicine. Epimedium is actually made from horny goat weed extract. If you are wondering – “how long does goat weed takes to work?” Then read on to find out.
Horny goat weed is used for treatment of a wide range of ailments ranging from osteoarthritis and mental and physical fatigue to weak back and knees, joint pain and memory loss etc. It has also been found very effective in the treatment of high blood pressure and liver disease, polio, a blood disorder called chronic leucopenia, viral infections of the heart,
Horny Goat weed is most effective in the use in women patients for treating bone loss after menopause, weak bones (osteoporosis). This is also used as a tonic.
How long does horny goat weed take to work is a question many would like answered. The answer to this varies for what purpose it is being used, or the effect desired from using it. It is widely known that men make use of horny goat weed for boosting sexual performance by eliminating problems such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and involuntary ejaculation. It is also used to arouse sexual desire which is considered as a huge application.
How does it work?
Horny goat weed contains naturally occurring chemicals which might help increase blood flow and improve sexual function in human adults. It also contains phytoestrogens, which are nothing but chemicals that act very similar to the female hormone oestrogen and that has a possibility reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women.
The main component of horny goat weed is a flavonoid called Icariin that is also present in Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. Horny goat weed has been dubbed as an adaptogen, a substance that helps your body in coping with various stresses of everyday life. Horny goat weed has been used to treat disorders of the joints, liver and kidneys and back but is most widely used for its ability to stimulate sex drive.
A research report released by the clinical director of the RenaiSanté Institute of Integrative Medicine says that the sexual health benefits of horny goat weed is well supported by clinical studies and years of anecdotal evidence passed on from generations past.
How Do Factors Affect the Effectiveness of Horny Goat Weed?
Like most supplements, the diet and age of the person play a huge part in the effectiveness of the supplement once ingested. If the person is ingesting horny goat weed while on a balanced food diet, he is bound to accrue the maximum effectiveness of horny goat weed supplements.
When it comes to age, only men in their middle ages are advised to take this supplement as the benefits of taking this supplement outweigh the risks at that age.
Coming to the environment, certain individuals living in polluted environments are prone to more side effects than have come to be expected in less polluted environs. Hence living in a clean environment will boost the effectiveness of horny goat weed.
It is thought that icariin is likely to be the primary active component of Epimedium extracts. Icariin is a flavonol, a type of flavonoid. It is the prenylacetylation of kaempferide 3,7-O-diglycoside, icariin on erectile dysfunction
Oral treatment with icariin (>98.6% purity) for 4 weeks is found to potentially improve erectile function.
Recommended Dosage and Method of Administering of Horny Goat Weed
It is advised to maintain horny goat weed dosage between 200mg to 700 mg, and consume everyday with water. There is no fixed dosage, but this has been found to be the optimum dosage.
It is also advised to leave a gap of at least 7 days after taking it consecutively for 30 days. After which the results can be noted, and the dosage can be adjusted accordingly. There is no fixed time for intake or dosage regulation.
The green leaves of horny goat weed were traditionally brewed in a tea and consumed for sexual benefits. This is one of the more popular ways of ingesting horny goat weed.
While this is the recommended dosage you can try it out for yourself and make minor changes to see how it suits you best, for optimal results.
How long does goat weed takes to work and how to if it has already start to work?
We now know the benefits and working of horny goat weed, and can move on to understand how long it takes before this powerful herbal supplement starts showing its effects.
Horny goat weed is a natural plant remedy, and hence it is slow and steady. Unlike other ED prescription medicines with numerous side effects, which usually start working within 30 -40 minutes of consumption, horny goat weed doses have to be taken regularly for at least a month, to notice any changes.
Horny goat weed is a long term solution, that is it works gradually to maintain the nitric oxide and testosterone levels in the body which are two main factors responsible for sexual health.
More benefits of this wonder supplement includes that even if you forget to take a dose, in the interest of sexual health or performance, you needn’t worry as it will still be working in the body to make sure that you have very pleasurable sex.
Worldwide researchers have picked up on the herb’s strong antioxidant activity. It’s believed to help regulate hormone function, protect the heart, improve brain function, and strengthen the immune system. The most interesting amongst these are its anti-aging, energizing, and libido-stimulating properties. These are the epimedium grandiflorum benefits.
Epimedium is used to balance hormone function, but it has to be noted that it is not a hormone in itself. This could be helpful for women experiencing hormonal fluctuations during PMS or menopause.
The extract of horny goat weed includes Natural plant chemicals in epimedium, like icariin, which has shown bioactivity within the system longer than a conventional drug for menopause. Epimedium is known as an adaptogen, possibly explaining how its effects can help women adapt to certain changes occurring in the body and environment.
Side effects and When Not To Take Horny Goat Weed
The benefits of Epimedium grandiflorum usage far outweigh the risks. Most people seem to tolerate short-term use of horny goat weed fairly well, at least at the doses studied. It may cause upset stomach and dry mouth at the most if taken right. These are the yin yang huo side effects (Chinese name of horny goat weed). But as shown below rare cases do shoe other side effects though it is uncommon.
In some people, horny goat weed may result in irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, nosebleeds, and mood changes. High doses have been linked to spasms and respiratory failure. But this is extremely rare and almost never happens.
People who have health conditions – such as immune disorders, heart or lung problems, low blood pressure, bipolar disorder, or thyroid problems – should not use horny goat weed without their doctors’ approval. This once again is a normal precaution given to any type of herbal supplement, therefore should not be a cause of worry!
If you take any medicines or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using horny goat weed. Given the possible risks, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should not take horny goat weed.
Other general instructions while using this supplement include not to take the supplement if you are allergic to any species of epimedium, and not to take it with BP meds and other prescribed medication for major ailments. Otherwise you are good to go!