Otherwise known as ‘yin yang hou’ and ‘epimedium’, goat weed has lately become one of the most popular supplements available to modern day man, and for many good reasons.
Although it has only recently been introduced into health food stores as capsules and powders, the herb has been used elsewhere around the world for millennia. It has been an important ingredient in Chinese medicine for over two thousand years, used to treat and prevent a variety of ailments.
Legend has it that herb’s unusual name was born when farmers noticed that their goats became considerably more sexually active after consuming it. It seems that a similar effect can also occur in humans…
As well as improving sexual performance, super goat weed presents a myriad of other health benefits.
Let’s take a look at some of the main reasons why you might want to consider adding it into your supplement regime.
1. A Natural Testosterone Booster
Testosterone is a male hormone, which amongst other things is responsible for putting hair on your chest, building muscle, and maintaining sexual function.
As you age and become subjected to environmental stressors such as work deadlines and weight gain, your body’s ability to produce testosterone naturally diminishes. This can cause symptoms ranging from lethargy and tiredness, all the way up to an increased risk of cancer and heart disease.
Super goat weed is amongst a number of foods that you can use to help improve the production of testosterone. It contains the active ingredient icariin, a flavonoid that behaves similarly to testosterone when in the body.
Improved testosterone levels can help ward off a number of diseases, help improve muscle mass, and enhance your libido.
2. Banish Erectile Dysfunction
The same testosterone boosting icariin found in super goat weed can also help those who suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Icariin acts in a similar way to Viagra in that it inhibits PDE-5, an enzyme that restricts blood flow to the penis. Icariin also boosts nitrous oxide levels in the blood, helping to relax arterial walls. Again, this improves blood flow to the sexual organs, increasing libido and sexual performance.
Studies suggest that super goat weed may even rival traditional sexual enhancement medications, providing a natural, affordable alternative.
3. Beat Inflammation
Super goat weed shows promising anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a huge problem in the western world, often a result of our stressful, high paced lifestyles. As well as causing joint issues and muscle aches; inflammation is the precursor to a number of different chronic diseases, including many forms of cancer.
Super goat weed has been shown to improve conditions such as arthritis and swollen joints by reducing inflammation and acting as a muscle relaxant. It helps to keep the body in an alkaline state, reducing the risk of developing illness and disease.
4. Avoid Those Allergies
Hay fever is a common problem for many people, especially in the spring and summer months. It is caused by a reaction to pollen and other allergens in the air.
It seems that symptoms of hay fever can be improved if super goat weed is consumed regularly. Interestingly the results are particularly effective when the herb is combined with other ingredients such as liquorice, nettle and ginger.
5. Cut Your Cancer Risk
Although not a cure in itself, goat weed may help to treat some forms of cancer when used alongside other treatments.
An extract of the herb has been shown to prevent the growth of cancer cells, and in one study it was shown that the flavonoid icariin actually turned some cancer cells normal. As mentioned above, goat weed helps to boost testosterone levels, which has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
6. Punch Through Plaque
Arteriosclerosis is a condition where the arteries of the body become hardened from the build up of plaque and cholesterol. Although genetics may play some role, many professionals agree that the condition is often due to lifestyle and dietary choices.
Super goat weed may help to reverse the damage of atherosclerosis by reducing the amount of plaque build-up. Although some studies show promising results, more research is needed into this area before definite claims can be made.
7. Boost Your Brain Power
Goat weed has shown promising results regarding brain health. A Chinese study found that the herb could potentially help reverse brain cell damage and cure symptoms of dementia.
This is thought to be due to the reduction of plaque build-up in arteries surrounding the brain. The herb also helps to destroy harmful toxins such as beta-amyloid, which would otherwise disrupt cognitive function and encourage the onset of dementia.
8. Handle High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is a growing problem, particularly in the West. If left untreated, it can often lead to further complications such as heart attacks and stroke.
Although the mechanism is not completely understood, goat weed seems to be somewhat effective in reducing high blood pressure.
9. Strengthen Your Skeletal System
Research suggests that regular consumption of goat weed over a prolonged time period can help to maintain bone density and reduce the risks associated with osteoporosis.
A 2013 study showed how the herb was effective in reducing bone loss from the spine and pelvis. Again, it is thought that the magical flavonoid icariin plays a role in this phenomenon.
10. Boost Your Immune System
Our immune systems are responsible for protecting us from a wide range of sicknesses and diseases. Many environmental factors can cause our immune systems to be compromised, but regular consumption of goat weed may have some benefits.
Human trials have so far shown that goat weed can improve the performance of various parts of the immune system, which my help you bat off the common cold and stay free from other illnesses. However, more research is needed into this area.
11. Slow Down the Ageing Process
Research has shown that goat weed can have significant benefits with regards to ageing and age related diseases. The antioxidants found in the herb can protect cells and DNA from free radical damage and oxidation, keeping your body looking young and free of wrinkles.
The antioxidants have also been shown to reset amino acids and nucleotides to their infant stage, another factor that helps to maintain lasting health.
12. Build Healthy Joints
Cartilage is a substance that caps the end of bones, allowing your joints to move freely and protecting your bones from rubbing and becoming damaged. Often cartilage wears down or is torn, either as a result of an injury, or due to a chronic disease such as arthritis.
Preliminary research suggests that goat weed may help to maintain healthy joints by encouraging the re-growth of damaged cartilage. Add to this the anti-inflammatory properties, and the herb could be a miracle worker for arthritis sufferers.
13. Cut Stress and Improve Your Mood
Goat weed has adaptogenic properties, meaning that it can help to improve your body’s reaction to stress. When your stress levels rise, it is able to reduce the amount of cortisol running through your body, which can have calming effects. On the other hand, when your energy levels are low, the adaptogen encourages the release of feel good hormones dopamine and serotonin to give you a much-needed boost.
14. Improved Body Composition
As mentioned several times throughout this article, goat weed can effectively boost testosterone levels, helping to build and maintain lean muscle mass. It can also benefit body composition by improving insulin sensitivity, which lowers the risk of abdominal fat build up.
Avoiding obesity significantly reduces your risk of developing a number of different chronic disease, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and even certain forms of cancer.
[…] (sometimes known as ‘horny goat weed’) is an ancient herb that is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a natural treatment for […]
Can anyone tell me if
Horny Goat Weed is better or
Ashwagandha ❓
since there are no one is educated I will ANSWER it’s Ashwagandha
can you please list your references for horny goat weed