Horny Goat Weed Benefits: Any Truth to Sexual Health Claims?

Leslie Benson

Horny-Goat-Weed-BenefitsHorny goat weed is one of the most recognizable names in the wide world of herbs and supplements. It's a name that makes one look twice. It's a name that evokes ancient notions of strength and virility. But what potential horny goat weed benefits can the modern day individual hope for? Unfortunately, when it comes to purported horny goat weed benefits, there is a bit of a gulf between what people use the herb for and how it supports the body. We'll talk about some of the unsubstantiated potential effects, then zone in on what the herb might actually be useful for. This way you won't take horny goat weed if you don't need it, and if you do take it you won't be looking for effects that likely will not appear.

The Dubious Horny Goat Weed Benefits

Maybe it's its charismatic moniker, maybe it's the limitless historical uses; whatever the case, people use horny goat weed for just about everything. Here are some of the horny goat weed benefits that we don't see as much promise for, in science or in personal practice.
  • The promotion of youthful bone structure. There are many who claim that horny goat weed is a panacea for bone and skeletal ills, but there is nothing in the published scientific record which indicates that these reported effects have ever been formally observed. With so many other treatments for bone health on the market, users should not limit themselves to horny goat weed as a primary supplement.
  • Youthful muscle mass. There are those who claim that horny goat weed has such an effect of sex hormones that it can transform the user's entire physique. It is possible that certain hormones are slightly attenuated by horny goat weed, but to give this herb more credit than this is likely quite optimistic.
  • Positive impact on infectious agents. It is very difficult to say that a single chemical has a single effect in the human body. This is because any new chemical simply mixes into the thousands of natural chemicals already function. Even so, it can be said with confidence that there are better supplements and drugs on the market to handle issues related to disease and infection than horny goat weed.

Horny Goat Weed Benefits Observed By Science

One thing that science seems to agree upon, is that horny goat weed has an impact on the circulatory system. Those who claim to experience these effects (verified by a number of studies) see results in libido, the wellbeing of the circulatory system, a notable cardiac response, and other effects related to blood flow. It would seem that this is where horny goat weed got its name, and this is likely the case. It doesn't take a researcher's microscope to notice changes in circulation and their associated behavioral changes, in animals like goats or in humans. Because these effects are documented scientifically, and because horny goat weed has few or no side effects when take in medical dosages, this ancient herb may be something you wish to try yourself. If you are using horny goat weed in the attempt to achieve a purpose for which you are already taking medication, it's a good idea to consult with your doctor before adding an informal medicine to the mix. If you simply want to see what horny goat weed does for you, and are not taking a formalized regimen, horny goat weed is readily available. Follow provider dosage instructions and take careful note of how you feel. You may find that horny goat weed works wonders for you!
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About the Author

Leslie Benson

A Midwest-raised journalist and content marketing specialist living in Nashville, Tennessee, Leslie has been a natural health advocate for over 10 years. She is the Senior Content Marketing Manager of Renew Wellness Brands, which is the parent company of NHC. When she’s not at the local farmers’ market, you can find her writing songs and snuggling with her pets.

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