Epimedium, also known as horny goat weed is a herb that has been used for centuries in china and other parts of the world. The active ingredient in the herb is icariin that works by relaxing the smooth muscle tissue. The weed has many applications including:
Libido stimulation
Due to the active ingredient that relaxes the smooth muscle tissue, the herb encourages blood flow which is a key component to sexual desire. According to professionals, the herb also contains a few alkaloids and plant sterols that have the same roles as testosterone. You should note that the herb boosts libido in both men and women.
Bone loss prevention
According to a bone and mineral research study, people that received the herb in the form of a pill showed increased bone loss prevention. This is proof enough that the herb plays a vital role in promoting bone health. This aids in preventing bone diseases such as osteoarthritis and many others.
Hormonal balance
Scientific studies have shown that epimedium brings about a balance in estrogen and estradiol levels in women. The balance comes in handy in women that have great hormonal fluctuations during menstruation or menopause. The herb has also been shown to reduce incidences of dangerous side effects that are associated with hormonal therapies.
Anti-aging
I bet no one wants to get old or do you? Researchers have observed that people that take the herb tend to maintain their youthful look for a long time. This is attributed to the fact that the herb is able to reset the age-related metabolites which include: amino acids, carnosine, and nucleotides. The herb also has powerful antioxidant properties that kill the aging free radicals.
Safety concerns when taking the herb
While the horny goat weed has plenty of benefits, it's not ideal for all people. According to medical professionals, the herb isn't ideal for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It also isn't ideal for people with bleeding disorders or low blood pressure. Horny goat weed also comes with a number of side effects such as difficulty sleeping, anxiety and high blood pressure.
According to the professionals, the side effects increase as the herb is combined with other similar herbs such as maca. To be on the safe side, you shouldn't take the herb without first seeking the advice of a medical professional. As rule of thumb ensure that you take it according to doctor's instructions. When buying it, buy it from a reputable herb store.
