Horny Goat Weed

If there is ever an interesting herb discovery story, this one is the GOAT (see what we did there?). When a Chinese goat herder walked his fields, he noticed the goats would become sexually excited during certain times of the year. After paying more attention to the goats’ behavior, the herder discovered that they got ‘randy’ while feeding on a particular type of flowering plant…hence the name Horny Goat Weed.

The substance Icariin is thought to be the active ingredient in horny goat weed. Although Icariin is a flavonoid that possesses antioxidant properties, it’s mostly used as an aphrodisiac and libido enhancer.

Icariin has been shown to block (or inhibit) phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5), a protein linked with erectile dysfunction. Since PDE5 limits the increase in blood flow to the penis that is needed for an erection, blocking it allows for greater blood flow. This inhibitor is what’s in Viagra – which is a drug originally created to increase blood flow in the heart.

Horny Goat Weed can increase testosterone levels, increasing sexual desire in both men and women, especially as they age. It has also been used to support the kidneys, reduce joint pain and inflammation, and improve circulation throughout the entire body.