Horny goat weed, known scientifically as Epimedium, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for centuries.
It's believed to have various health benefits, including enhancing sexual function and libido, there seems to be evidence to back up some of these claims too.
In this article, we'll discuss how fast horny goat weed takes to work, its duration of action and the best ways to take it.
Mechanism of Action
Horny goat weed is believed to work by increasing blood flow and improving sexual function.
Icariin, the main active ingredient, is known to have phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitory effects, similar to drugs used for erectile dysfunction.
It may also help increase libido by balancing hormones and reducing stress.
Onset of Action
Some users of horny goat weed report feeling effects such as increased libido or mild stimulation within a few hours after consumption.
This immediate response is not universal and depends heavily on individual sensitivity.
Unlike pharmaceuticals designed for immediate action, horny goat weed may work more gradually.
The cumulative effects of the active compounds, especially icariin, could take days or even weeks to become noticeable.
This is particularly true for benefits related to hormonal balance or improved blood circulation.
Factors Influencing Effectiveness
There are several factors influencing how fast horny goat weed may take to work, such as those listed below.
1. Dosage
Higher doses or extracts with higher concentrations of icariin may produce quicker results. However, it's crucial to balance efficacy with the potential for side effects.
2. Body Chemistry and Metabolism
Each person's metabolism and body chemistry can significantly influence how quickly they respond to horny goat weed.
Factors like age, sex, weight, overall health, and metabolic rate play a role.
3. Underlying Health Conditions
For individuals with certain health issues, such as hormonal imbalances or circulatory problems, the effects of horny goat weed might be more pronounced or take longer to manifest.
4. Lifestyle Factors
Diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle can also impact how quickly and effectively the herb works.
5. Medications and Other Supplements
Some supplements or medications could increase/decrease absorption of horny goat weed, add to or reduce its effectiveness.
Typical Timeframes
Altering the dosage and how often its taken may better suit your own needs from this supplement.
For Immediate Needs
If taken for immediate effects, such as before sexual activity, some users might notice mild improvements in libido or erectile function within hours.
Increasing the dosage towards to higher-end of the recommended range may help increase how fast it works, the following doses are on the higher end of the range.
900mg Icariin for a person weighing 150lb
1,200mg Icariin for a person weighing 200lb
1,500mg Icariin for a person weighing 250lb
However, this is not guaranteed and varies widely among individuals.
For Cumulative Benefits
When taken regularly over weeks or months, horny goat weed may offer more substantial benefits in terms of hormonal balance, sexual health, and overall vitality.
Using a dosage closer to the lower-end of the recommended range (listed below) may reduce potential adverse effects such as hepatoxicity.
11-110mg Icariin for a 150lb person
15-150mg Icariin for a 200lb person
18-180mg Icariin for a 250lb person
This long-term approach is more in line with traditional uses of the herb.