Healthy Passion, Power, and Performance with
Horny Goat Weed 10:1 Powder Extract*

One translation of the Chinese name means
“The Herb for the Man that Likes It Too Much, Like a Goat.”

Millenia ago, in the mountains of China, a herder noticed something unusual about his goats. After grazing on the leaves of a certain wild plant, the animals suddenly became far more frisky. Their energy and desire skyrocketed. 

Curious, the man decided to try the leaves himself. He took some home, making tea. Soon after, he discovered the same invigorating effects.* Both he and his wife were quite satisfied!*

That plant was Epimedium, called Yin Yang Huo in Chinese, and later nicknamed Horny Goat Weed. (On this page, you’ll see both Epimedium and Horny Goat Weed used interchangeably.)

Of course, stories like this often sound too good to be true. There’s almost the same origin story for coffee (but then again, humans have learned a lot from animals over the years). Yet what makes Horny Goat Weed remarkable is that the ancient legend didn’t fade away as just folklore. It became a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine for supporting vitality, virility, and longevity. It was first written about in The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica over two thousand years ago.* 

And now, modern science has begun to look into what those randy mountain goats first revealed: this plant really does have potentially profound effects…*

The Science of Vitality: Icariin, PDE5, Nitric Oxide and More

The secret behind Horny Goat Weed’s long history lies primarily in a natural compound called icariin. Icariin is a plant-derived flavonoid that helps support healthy circulation and normal physical vitality.*

Icariin has been studied for its potential to support healthy circulation by influencing certain enzymes involved in vascular function.

Nitric oxide (NO) signals your body to produce a molecule called cGMP, which allows your blood vessels to relax and increase in blood flow. This is the process that makes erections possible. Yet, PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) is an enzyme in the body that breaks down cGMP. Too much PDE5 activity means cGMP gets destroyed too quickly, leading to lost erections, weak erections, or even no erection in the first place. 

Research shows that icariin naturally supports healthy PDE5 levels, helping your body preserve levels of cGMP and NO.*¹ 

Truth is that icariin, while it may be the main compound, is one of many compounds, such as icarisides and epimedins involved that science is just starting to look at.¹ (For example, icariin is mostly converted into baohuoside I in the gut.²)

“This horny goat weed is very powerful. It definitely lives up to its name. I will definitely order again.” – Jay Stolz 

Systemic Sexual Health Benefits*

But there is more. Epimedium’s natural complexity means it contains multiple bioactive compounds that synergistically support healthy circulation.

• Supports Nitric Oxide Production – Studies show icariin enhances the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), the enzyme your body uses to generate nitric oxide itself.¹* It’s not just keeping NO around, but supporting healthy levels in the first place.*
• Supports Gene Expression for Circulation – Research reveals that Epimedium can actually up-regulate genes involved in NO production and vascular health, creating a long-term foundation for stronger performance — not just a temporary effect.¹*
• Protects Erectile Tissue – Icariin has been shown to reduce smooth muscle cell death in penile tissue and even support the body’s process in nerve regeneration (promoting neural stem cells) in animal models.¹* This suggests benefits that go deeper than surface-level circulation, even supporting the nerves which initiate an erection in the first place.*
• Encourages Hormone Balance – Animal studies indicate icariin helps maintain healthy testosterone levels and reproductive organ health, further supporting stamina and vitality.¹*

In plain terms: Horny Goat Weed helps your body unlock and sustain multiple pathways that drive passion and performance.*

Despite this being the main thing it is used for across the world, there aren’t many human trials for these effects. Two randomized human trials in men featuring Epimedium, but formulated along with four or five other herbs each, have been done with positive results.^3,4*

So, for the most part, we look to the preliminary animal and cell research, the long historical use, as well as a wide range of anecdotal reports.

“Moby is up and coming! The best bang for the buck! Thank you!!” – Gregory Morse

“This is another one of their herbs that helps me to feel virile, feel the tingle in my loins, a feeling all men know, when a pretty woman walks by. For maximum effectiveness, I use it at most once a week if at all.” – Kenneth Middleton Jr.

“Just bought this product and omg the best ever!!! Urges grew extremely. It’s like my sexy drive is stronger than ever. I will buy this again n again n again etc etc I love this!” – Terrence

Beyond the Bedroom: Bone Health

Today, many men reach for it to support circulation and bedroom vitality.* Meanwhile, much more modern research has focused on women, especially its ability to protect bones during and after midlife.* In fact, it is far more scientifically studied for this than the former.

• In a two-year clinical trial, Epimedium flavonoids were shown to help support healthy bone metabolism and hormonal balance in postmenopausal women.⁵*
• A six-week placebo-controlled trial in women saw higher levels of a bone anabolic marker in those taking Epimedium flavonoids.⁶*
• Icariin is active on osteoblasts, the very cells that build new bone, while regulating bone metabolism at the cellular level.¹*
• Systematic reviews suggests Epimedium can support healthy bone strength and balance bone turnover.¹*
• The compound epimedin C was found to provide greater support for bone health compared to icariin.²*

The beauty of this herb is that it doesn’t just serve one purpose. Whether supporting men’s vitality or supporting women’s bone strength, Epimedium provides deep nourishment for the body’s foundation.*

Horny Goat Weed as a Jing and Kidney Yang Tonic*

In the West, Jing and Kidney Yang are seen as completely different energies, while in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the energy behind these two is the same. 

Epimedium is said to tonify Kidney Yang and replenish Jing, the essence of life.* Yang energy is warm, active, and driving. Jing is what governs fertility and longevity.

Both reproductive health and the bones have to do with Jing, which is considered to be stored in the Kidneys. This energy is shown in the strength of the gonads, the bone marrow, the sinews, and the bones. (Research even shows flavones of Epimedium protected bone marrow cells’ DNA from damage.*⁷)

The Yang energy particularly has to do with drive and vitality, as well as the hardest tissues of the body.

In TCM, this herb also helps to expel wind, dampness, and cold.*¹

And that is why Horny Goat Weed can be good for both bones and boners.* Not to be crude, but I couldn’t resist. :)

Epimedium’s Whole-Body Benefits

While Horny Goat Weed is most famous for its roles in passion and bone health, its benefits don’t stop there either.* Epimedium’s bioactive flavonoids — icariin, epimedins, and related compounds — work throughout the body to support resilience, balance, and vitality in a variety of ways.*

• Stress & Mood Support – Modern research shows icariin helps support the healthy functioning of the HPA axis, the system that governs stress hormones like cortisol.⁸* By promoting balance in this pathway, Epimedium can help your body adapt to daily stress, ease tension, and even support a more positive mood.* 
• Heart & Circulation – Icariin has been shown to support nitric oxide and endothelial function, two key drivers of cardiovascular health.¹* This means Horny Goat Weed doesn’t just influence circulation in the bedroom, it also supports overall vascular wellness.*
• Antioxidant – The flavonoids in Epimedium, especially icariin, act as potent antioxidants. Research shows they help the body maintain healthy levels of natural defenses like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione, your body’s frontline protectors against oxidative stress.*^1,7
• Supports Cognitive Health – Icariin protects neurons from oxidative injury, which supports healthy brain function and memory as the years go on.¹*

These actions don’t just keep cells alive longer — they help them function as they should, preserving vitality in both body and mind.*

Longevity and Healthy Aging

In studies on the tiny worm C. elegans, which is often used for longevity research, icariin and its metabolites were found to extend lifespan.*⁷

This same class of compounds has also been shown to influence longevity genes such as p16, linked to cell aging, and maintain normal mitochondrial activity — the energy powerhouses of your cells.⁷*

Beyond the flavonoids, Epimedium contains polysaccharides that can help to support healthy immune system functioning too.*¹

For Both Men and Women

Although Horny Goat Weed is often marketed as a men’s herb, the truth is that Epimedium supports vitality in both men and women.*

For Men:

Horny Goat Weed has long been valued for its ability to support normal sexual performance and stamina.* Icariin’s actions on circulation, nitric oxide, and PDE5 pathways help maintain healthy blood flow.* 

In addition, studies suggest it delivers systemic benefits supporting overall energy, vitality, and confidence.*

For Women:

The major biomechanical pathways involved in genital erectile tissue—such as cGMP, NO, and PDE5—are fundamentally the same in women as in men. These mechanisms are active in female erectile tissues, including the clitoris, labia, and vaginal walls. Same chemicals, just differing amounts. 

“Very clean and potent” – Nicole Wynnyk

“It works!” – Dawn Anderson

Beyond this, some of Epimedium’s flavonoids are described as phytoestrogens, looking for the mechanism for how it helps support healthy bones and more.* One study in women saw increases in estrogen with no change to progesterone or testosterone.⁹* Though another study saw no changes to estrogen levels.⁵* 

Overall, Horny Goat Weed does not seem to artificially boost hormones in either men or women.* Instead, it supports the body’s own natural balance, with most of its actions appearing to be non-hormonal in nature.* 

What Makes Our Horny Goat Weed Extract Different

Not all Horny Goat Weed products are created equal. Some companies chase high-percentage icariin isolates (30%, 50% or more), but in doing so, they strip away a host of other beneficial compounds that nature designed to work in harmony. 

Our third-party independent lab testing has revealed roughly 1% icariin in this extract. Not standardized, instead just as nature makes it (Epimedium typically contains about 1% icariin in the plant). 

That also means there is lots of room for other compounds. Interestingly, one animal study found a lower dose of icariin was more effective than doses five or ten times as much.¹⁰ So in some cases, less may be more.

While we have focused on icariin here due to it being the most researched compound, there are many other related ones. Other flavonoids include Epimedin A, Epimedin B, Epimedin C, Icariside II (aka Baohuoside II), and Icaritin, which are all active to some degree.¹

More than 379 compounds have been detected in various Epimedium species!² Many species are used interchangeably. Our extract is made with Epimedium grandiflorum. Other species often used are E. brevicornum, E. sagittatum, E. pubescens, or E. Koreanum.

At Lost Empire Herbs, we believe in the wisdom of the whole herb. Thus, ours is a full-spectrum 10:1 hot water extract. Many find that this natural ratio works well for them.

“This is the purest and most powerful Horny Goat weed available in the market place without being in a multi-product complex where you have no clue to what may be working.” – Ron F.

“I have tried many products that didn’t measure up, this wasn’t one of them… I’ve tried the Horny Goat Weed in capsule form and the results were so so, some days yes others no effect… this product was noticeable each day… have only ordered it once, but I will buy it again…” – Jeff Young

Independent lab testing also reveals that it is low in heavy metals contamination, free from pesticides and GMOs.

Recent testing revealed the non-GMO corn maltodextrin amount is actually higher than previously thought, at around 40%. We’re in the process of looking for an extract with lower amounts, but it seems that all are actually higher than what companies claim. (They add 10% maltodextrin, but after drying, the amount by weight, which our lab testing reveals, shows a substantially higher amount.)

The taste is traditionally considered spicy and sweet. This extract has some saltiness and bitterness to it as well.

“It is an acquired taste but it is truly as advertised.” – Warner Adachi 

Epimedium Dosage and Frequency of Use

Because every person is different, the best way to use Horny Goat Weed may vary. The recommended dose is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, which is about 1.6-3.3 grams. 

Women may want to cut this dose in half at least to start, so ¼ to ½ tsp. 

• Daily Support: Take a daily dose. Many people find that consistent use over several weeks provides the most noticeable benefits, as the herb works to support circulatory pathways and more balance over time.*
• Before Intimacy: Some people prefer to take a serving 30–60 minutes beforehand to help promote healthy energy, circulation, and supporting natural vigor. Many find that occasional use works well for the purpose*

You can use it a single time and see if you notice a difference from that one dose. If that works, great! Use as needed. If you don’t notice anything with a single dose, take it consistently for a period of time and see if that makes the difference for you.

Customer Comments on Use and Effects

Here are a few varying customer comments regarding dose and frequency.

“I love this stuff! Personally, I find the Horny Goat Weed with lower icariin seems to work best. I guess the entire herb is more synergistic. This stuff worked great when taken every day for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, it seemed to taper off. So… I will start cycling this herb with other herbs that provide the same results.” – K Stiles

“It is a great product, but you may have to increase dosage beyond suggested dosage to feel results.” – Joe D.

“I use it on occasions it does make me feel good where it counts” – D. Martinez

“I really notice a difference when I use this product (no more than once per week). I simply mix it in with my first cup of coffee and enjoy the improvement in energy.” – Mark D. 

Of course, nothing works for everyone. So here are a couple of 1-star reviews to balance it out.

“I haven’t experienced the efficacy of the product so far” – George Trotman 

“Haven’t noticed an improvement yet” – Murray

That’s why you’re backed by our 365-day money-back guarantee. If it doesn’t deliver for you, you can get your money back or exchange it for a different herb.

Of course, it can be mixed with other herbs as well. Be sure to check out Thor’s Hammer for the combination of Horny Goat Weed, along with a variety of other herbs that can help with supporting sexual health.*

Horny Goat Weed Side Effects and Contraindications

Horny Goat Weed has been used safely in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, but like any potent herb, it does come with a few notes of caution.

In TCM, Epimedium is considered warming and drying. It is not recommended for those with yin deficiency accompanied by heat signs (such as night sweats, hot flashes, or excessive dryness).* In some, this can also mean an elevated heart rate.

“I like it takes about a hour to kick in makes my heart rate increase. But all in all good stuff.” – James Flood

Scientific studies and human trials show that Epimedium is generally well-tolerated, with few reported adverse effects.*^1,7

Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort. 

Reclaim Your Vitality

Horny Goat Weed is more than a quick fix. It’s a time-honored tonic that strengthens the very foundations of life force — circulation and resilience — so you can live with passion now and for years to come.*

Reclaim your vitality with the ancient herb that has stood the test of time — Horny Goat Weed.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.