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Horny Goat Weed: How Long Until You Feel the Effects?

Horny Goat Weed: How Long Until You Feel the Effects?

Horny Goat Weed: How Long Until You Feel the Effects?

by Pragya Soni 02 Jul 2025 0 comments

Horny Goat Weed!

Well, that’s not a joke or a prank, but a centuries-old herb (with some spicy reputation).

Horny goat weed does exactly what its name suggests (but not just for goats). For years, people have used this Chinese herb to turn the heat up in the bedroom (and maybe even the gym).

Spoiler alert: If you are expecting instant fireworks, the plant will take a little while to start.

And that's the real question: how fast does horny goat weed work?

Hours? Minutes? Days?

Let's explore the science behind horny goat weed and how fast this herb works for humans.

Quick Storytime: What is Horny Goat Weed 

The name says it all! Horny goat weed is perhaps the most literally named supplement to date.

Centuries ago, a Chinese goat herder noticed his goats getting a little extra 'in mood' after chewing a wild herb. And that leads to the discovery of horny goat weed.

  • Locally known as yin yang huo or barrenwort, horny goat weed is a flowering shrub, Epimedium grandiflorum.

  • The plant is native to China but also grows in some Asian and Mediterranean regions.

  • In the traditional Chinese medicinal system, horny goat weed is a trusted herbal supplement for managing menopausal symptoms, erectile dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction (male or female).

Even today, horny goat weed and its supplements are used worldwide for their potential health benefits, including: 

  • supporting bone density

And it all comes down to one compound: icariin. Let’s see how horny goat weed actually works.

How Does Horny Goat Weed Works 

Icariin, the active ingredient of horny goat weed, is responsible for all the 'magic' it does. It works like popular ED drugs like Viagra or Cialis, but gentler. Here’s how it works.

  •  PDE5, or phosphodiesterase type 5, is an enzyme that signals blood flow.

  • If active, PDE5 reduces blood flow by tightening the blood vessels (less blood will reach your penis)

  • Icariin blocks that enzyme and reverses its actions, so blood can flow more easily. Results? Stronger and healthier erections. 

Studies show that icariin also increases testosterone production, increasing libido rate (what you call sex drive). Therefore, indirectly, by improving sexual desires, icariin can support erectile function.

But don't rush! Unlike geranylgeraniol, which has shown testosterone improvements in humans, the results of icariin research have been done almost exclusively on other animals. 

How Fast does Horny Goat Weed Work?

Here comes the juiciest question: how long does horny goat weed take to work? 

The scientific answer might leave you disappointed. There’s no clear scientific proof in humans yet. Most studies have been done on animals, so we don’t have exact timelines for people. But still, we can compare it with prescribed erectile dysfunction drugs.

Viagra & Cialis vs Horny Goat Weed: Which Works Faster

Evidence shows horny goat weed works more slowly than potent prescribed drugs like Viagra and Cialis.

  • In humans, both Viagra and Cialis start working within 30-60 minutes.

  • On the contrary, according to anecdotal reports, products containing horny goat weed have shown little effect after 2-8 months.

    Feature 

    Viagra (Sildenafil) 

    Horny Goat Weed (Icariin) 

    Evidence 

    Multiple RCTs

    Mostly animal/preclinical 

    Onset 

    30–60 min

    Unknown 

    Side Effects 

    Headache, flushing

    Possible dizziness, bleeding risk 

However, horny goat weed supplement producers advocate the weed as a safer herbal alternative to potent drugs like Viagra. When taken on an empty stomach, the horny goat can start functioning between 30 minutes to 2 hours. The results are definitely not instant, but might be interesting!

What Happens When Horny Goat Weed Works

Once horny goat weed starts functioning in your body, you may not feel instant fireworks but a steady spark uplifting your (that) mood. Here are the signs showing the supplement is finally working:

  • Improved energy levels and stamina

  • Less fatigue than usual

However, the results might vary among individuals, depending on the form of the supplement and other factors discussed below.

How to Use Horny Goat Weed Effectively?

Horny goat weed isn't magic; it is based on the pharmacology of icariin. Therefore, for effective results, one must be regular and consistent with the supplements for at least 2-3 weeks. Further, if you invest in premium GRAS-certified supplements, the results will be better.

Dosage

Horny goat weed is available in various forms: tea, extract, and capsules. Out of these, capsules are more effective when a recommended dose of 250-500mg per day is taken. For the other forms, refer to the table given below

Horny Goat Weed Form 

Dosage 

Horny Goat Weed Powder 

1-2 grams/day 

Horny Goat Weed Tea Extract 

1-2 cups/day 

Timings

Generally, leading medical websites, such as RxList, advise taking horny goat weed a few hours before sexual activity. You can take the supplements before or after meals as per your preferences.

Though It is Safe, don't Overdo

Studies highlight that despite numerous chemical constituents, horny goat weed isn't particularly toxic. Still overdosing on the supplement or continuing it for long terms can cause: 

  • Mood swings and irritation 

  • Irregular heartbeats

  • Vomiting and nose bleeding

  • Excessive sweating 

  • Delayed blood clotting 

Therefore, it is best to stick to the recommended dose and consult with your doctor if you have an underlying health condition. Moreover, switch to safer and clinically proven alternatives like geranylgeraniol.

Your Final Takeaway 

If you want instant results, horny goat weed might not be your thing! It won't change your romantic story overnight, but consistent usage can support your libido, blood flow, and energy levels in the long term. So have patience, and don't use it as a superpower, but the science behind icariin.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or health routine. Individual results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1. Does horny goat weed actually work?

There is no solid evidence of the advantages of horny goat weed for humans. But people who are using horny goat weed supplements report improved erectile dysfunction (ED), sexual drive, energy levels, and menopausal management.

Q2. What is the fastest way to treat erectile dysfunction? 

There is no single fastest way to treat erectile dysfunction. But you can address it through lifestyle changes, dietary supplements, and seeking medical help. 

Q3. What are the other names of horny goat weed? 

The other names of horny goat weed are barrenwort, bishop's hat, fairy wings, and yin yang huo. 

Q4. How fast does horny goat weed work? 

According to a few sources, horny goat weed capsules work within 30 minutes to 2 hours of consumption. If you are using powder or tea extract, you must be consistent for 2-3 months for visible results. 

Q5. Can women also take horny goat weed? 

According to a few sources, horny goat weed may help women with postmenopausal symptoms. 

References: 

  1. Fang J, Zhang Y. Icariin, an anti-atherosclerotic drug from Chinese medicinal herb Horny Goat Weed. Front Pharmacol. 2017;8:734-734. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00734. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00734/full 

  1. Chen M, Xu L, Zhang C, et al. Effects of icariin on reproductive functions in male rats. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2014;12:89-89. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6271987/ 

  1. Ma H, Zhao Y, Zhang L, et al. Erectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of horny goat weed (Epimedium spp.) in vitro and in vivo. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;150(3):1073‑1080. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3551978/ 

  1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Horny Goat Weed. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda, MD: NIDDK; Updated August 8, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583203/  

 

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