Exploring Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium)

Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) is also known as barrenwort, bishop’s hat, fairy wings, or yin yang huo. It is a genus of flowering plants in the family Berberidaceae.  Epimedium species are deciduous or evergreen hardy perennials. Legend says that this plant got its name long ago, when a Chinese shepherd noticed his male goat’s affectionate reaction to the female goats after digesting the weed.

For centuries, this herb has been used as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine for both men and women. Due to the low cost, it’s been called, “the poor man’s Viagra”.

It has also been used to treat kidney and bone disease.  Regular consumption of this herb will improve mineral uptake, thus lowering the risk of osteoporosis.  It assists in our natural aging process; increasing bone mineral density helps to keep the body strong.

As a sexual herb, Horny Goat Weed is known across the world.  It has been purported to increase testosterone production, increase estrogen levels (particularly in post-menopausal women), increase libido and treat symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

This herb increases blood circulation, helps to increase lean muscle mass, and normalizes cortisol levels.  Icariin is the active ingredient found in horny goat weed. It’s a prenylated flavonoid compound and metabolizes to the flavonoid baohuoside I.

Horny Goat Weed has a positive effect on restoring bone density and may be used to treat osteoporosis.