We all look out for home remedies and supplements whenever we are unwell or diagnosed with some medical condition.
In the case of medical conditions such as Erectile Dysfunction (ED), many men are afraid of consulting a medical expert due to the embarrassment of talking about their sexual life, so they opt for home remedies and supplements such as horny goat weed for managing ED.
So what is horny goat weed, and does horny goat weed really work for ED?
Horny goat weed is an ancient plant used in traditional Chinese medications for treating low libido, Erectile Dysfunction, and high blood pressure.
Epimedium is the scientific name of horny goat weed.
Now coming to the next question, does horny goat weed really work for ED? Yes, horny goat weed might help manage ED.
Some studies have mentioned its efficacy in men or Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB) with ED. However, the research on its efficacy is limited.
Let’s proceed with the article and understand how horny goat works and helps with ED.
We will also look at the alternatives to horny goat weed for managing ED.
How does horny goat weed work
Before determining the effectiveness of horny goat weed for managing ED, let us understand how horny goat weed works.
Horny goat weed contains a chemical compound known as Icariin.
Icariin might help to improve sexual functions by increasing the flow of blood.
According to a study, it might inhibit the effects of PDE-5 enzymes like PDE-5 inhibitors. By inhibiting the effects of the PDE-5 enzyme, horny goat weed increases the blood flow that might help treat ED.
Now that we have understood the working of the horny goat weed let’s find out whether it works for ED.
Does horny goat weed really work for ED
Several studies have mentioned that horny goat weed might help to treat Erectile Dysfunction.
A study conducted on rats mentioned the effectiveness of horny goat weed in improving erectile function.
Another study mentioned that the chemical compound, Icariin, present in horny goat weed, was able to inhibit the human PDE-5 enzyme, which may affect erections.
Though studies have mentioned the efficacy of horny goat weed, it still lacks research on humans on its effectiveness for treating ED.
It’s also not approved by FDA as a treatment option for Erectile Dysfunction.
According to FDA, you should avoid all-natural supplementations for ED; it might be risky to consume these natural supplements.
It is beneficial to take a doctor’s consultation if you are facing difficulties in achieving an erection.
They may prescribe FDA-approved medicine such as Viagra for effective treatment of ED.
Side effects of horny goat weed
Horny goat weed is relatively safe to consume. However, just like any other medicine or supplement, there are several side effects of horny goat weed you need to look out for.
Horny goat weed might cause-
- Sweating or feeling hot
- Rapid, irregular heartbeat
- Increase in energy
- Mood changes
It might also interact with the following medicines-
- Estrogens
- Medications for Hypertension
- Anticoagulant
Talk to a doctor immediately if you are experiencing these side effects of horny goat weed.
They may prescribe alternatives to horny goat weed, such as Viagra or Sildenafil, for managing ED.
Alternative to horny goat weed for Erectile Dysfunction

There are various alternatives to horny goat weed that are effective for managing and treating Erectile Dysfunction.
Always consult a healthcare advisor for the effective treatment of ED.
Oral medicines such as PDE-5 inhibitors are the first-line treatment for Erectile Dysfunction.
These medicines are Sildenafil, Avanafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil. All of these ED medicines are approved by FDA for the treatment of ED.
PDE-5 inhibitors increase the blood flow to the penis and improve the ability to achieve and maintain an erection
Studies have also mentioned the effectiveness of these medicines for managing ED.
A study has mentioned the efficacy of Vardenafil for treating Erectile Dysfunction. Vardenafil might help to treat moderate to severe ED safely and effectively.
If you want to know more about these erections pills, it is recommended to read: Different Erection Pills Available: Are They Safe and Effective.
Besides these PDE-5 inhibitors, lifestyle changes might help to treat ED.
If ED is caused due to Obesity, smoking, and drinking alcohol, changing the lifestyle may effectively treat ED. Exercising and avoiding smoking and drinking might help treat ED.
According to the American Journal of Cardiology, aerobic exercises might help manage ED.
Key Points
Horny goat weed is an ancient medicine in China that might help manage ED, low libido, and Hypertension.
It is often used as a natural supplement for treating ED.
It contains a compound called Icariin that may block the effects of human PDE-5 and improve blood flow.
So does horny goat weed really work for ED? Yes, it might work for ED.
Several studies have mentioned the efficacy of horny goat weed for managing ED. However, it lacks enough research on humans for its effectiveness in ED.
It is also essential to know the side effects of taking horny goat weed for ED. It might cause mood changes and irregular heartbeats.
There are several safe and effective alternatives to horny goat weed that might help manage ED.
ED pills such as Viagra and Cialis, lifestyle changes, and therapy sessions may help to treat ED effectively.
It would be best to visit a doctor to treat your ED safely and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the other uses of horny goat weed apart from ED?
Apart from managing Erectile Dysfunction, horny goat weed might help manage low libido, Osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and fatigue. It is advised to visit a healthcare provider before consuming horny weed to manage these health conditions.
Does horny goat weed work for women?
Yes, horny goat weed might work for women. It might help improve the lack of libido and relieve menopausal symptoms. Horny goat weed lacks research on its effectiveness in women. Always take a doctor’s consultation before taking horny goat weed.
Can a 17-year-old individual take horny goat weed to manage ED?
No, it is not advised for a 17-year-old individual to take horny goat weed for managing ED. It lacks research on its safety and effectiveness for this age group, and consuming it might cause side effects. The best would be to call a doctor if you are experiencing ED symptoms.
How long does it take for horny goat weed to start working?
There is no set time for horny goat weed; it may vary in individuals. For some people, horny goat weed might show its effect within a few hours and might even take weeks for some individuals.
Is horny goat weed safe to use in the long term?
The long-term use of horny goat weed depends on the compound present in it. Horny goat weed containing Icariin might be safe when taken up to 6 months. However, some of its types might be unsafe when taken for the long term. It might cause side effects such as severe breathing problems. Visit a doctor’s clinic immediately if you are experiencing severe side effects of horny goat weed.
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