Horny Goat Weed

(Known as Epimedium, Yin Yang Huo, Horny Goat Weed)

tickStimulates libido
tickBoosts testosterone
tickMood enhancer
tickFor men
tickHerbal
tickHormone control
tickMuscle Builder
How does it work?
Horny Goat Weed is a very effective supplement for anyone wanting to raise their testosterone levels safely and naturally. It has developed a reputation for boosting muscle growth, improving sex drive and aggression, as well as "lifting" male performance in the bedroom.
Who is it used for?
Horny Goat Weed is effective for anyone seeking rapid gains in muscle size, strength and power. Stressed men wanting to perform better in the bedroom, restore a flagging libido and regain their sexual confidence will also benefit.
How does it work?
Known also as Epimedium or Yin Yang Huo, horny goat weed was first described in ancient Chinese medicinal texts. Legend has it that the name came from a herder who noticed his goats becoming more sexually active after eating the plant.

Used for over 2,000 years, the exact way that horny goat weed works remains unknown. But the plant is used to restore lost sex drive, boost erectile function and fight fatigue. Animal studies shown that epimedium acts as an adaptogen by increasing levels of epinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine when they are low (an energy-promoting effect), but reducing cortisol levels when they are elevated (an anti-stress effect) [2].

Horny Goat Weed may also help to prevents adrenal exhaustion There is also evidence that epimedium can restore low levels of both testosterone and thyroid hormone (bringing low levels back to their normal levels), which may account for some of the benefits of epimedium in improving sex drive [4].
How do I use it?
Take 500-750 milligrams of horny goat weed every day in 2-3 divided doses. The best products are those which are standardized to a flavonoid called icariin (10%).
What results can I expect?
It usually takes 3-5 days of supplementation with Horny Goat Weed before you'll notice an increase in aggression, libido and drive. To see and feel the gains in muscle strength and size takes a little longer, usually in the region of 11-15 days. Please note that some people may experience a strong increase in libido when using this product.
What can it be combined with?
Tribulus terrestris is a highly effective supplement when taken alone for promoting gains in muscle strength and size, libido and aggression. However, some Bulgarian strength coaches believe that it works well at promoting muscle growth when combined with some of the newer anabolic compounds, such as Beta-Ecdysterone.

Because of the important role played by minerals in raising testosterone levels, Tribulus terrestris can be combined with zinc and magnesium (preferably as ZMA). Men looking for a real boost in sex drive may also want to combine Tribulus Terrestris with Horny Goat Weed. Be warned that some men are uncomfortable with such a large rise in libido, and may benefit from starting with smaller doses to assess their tolerance.

1. Chermnykh, N.S., et.al. (1988). The action of methandrostenolone and ecdysterone on the physical endurance of animals and on protein metabolism in the skeletal muscles. Farmakol. Tok. (USSR). 51(6):57-60
2. Wu T, Cui L, Zhang Z, Chen Z, Li Q, Liao J, Huang L. (1996). Experimental study on antagonizing action of herba Epimedii on side effects induced by glucocorticoids. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi, 21, 748-751
3. Bucci, L.R. (2000). Selected herbals and human exercise performance. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 72, 624S-636S
4. Kuang AK, Chen JL, Chen MD. (1989). Effects of yang-restoring herb medicines on the levels of plasma corticosterone, testosterone and triiodothyronine. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, 9, 737-738

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