what is horny goat weed

Horny goat weed is an herb that belongs to the Epimedium genus and is also known as yin yang huo, barrenwort, bishops hat, and fairy wings. It is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been used for centuries as a tonic, aphrodisiac, and antirheumatic agent. The herb contains chemicals that might help increase blood flow and improve sexual function, as well as phytoestrogens, chemicals that act somewhat like the hormone estrogen. People use horny goat weed for various conditions, including erectile dysfunction (ED), sexual problems, weak and brittle bones, health problems after menopause, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses. Some men take horny goat weed in the belief that it’s a natural alternative to drugs for ED. Although still preliminary, there’s new evidence to support the idea. Epimedium, the suspected active component of horny goat weed, appears to increase blood flow and improve sexual function, or act as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, similar to some drugs used for ED. However, more studies are needed to guarantee safety and identify potential side effects. If anyone does purchase herbs, they should be sure to buy from a known and reputable source. Some types of horny goat weed are possibly unsafe when used for a long period of time or in high doses, and serious side effects including severe breathing problems have been reported. Pregnant women should avoid taking horny goat weed as it might harm the developing fetus, and there isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to use when breastfeeding. If you take any medicines or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using horny goat weed as it could interact with some drugs.