As we mentioned in previous articles, infertility is defined asability of a couple to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intervention. It effects over 5 millions couple alone in the US and many times more in the world. Because of unwareness of treatments, only 10% seeks help from professional specialist.We have spent most of the time in this series discussing the conventional and Chinese medicine in treating fertility. I believe, it is the best time to change the subject by discussing how to treat male infertility with horny goat weed (epimedium grandiflorum).
I. Definition
Horny goat weed is also known as Epimedium grandiflorum and Yin Yang Huo in traditional Chinese medicine, belongs to the family Berberidaceae and native to central, southern and eastern Asia. It has been used broadly in enhancing the sexual activity and fertility in men.
II. How horny goat weed effects men fertility
1. Icariin
Horny goat weed contains icariin, which helps to increase the levels of nitric oxide, which relax smooth muscle, thereby increasing the flow flow to the reproductive organs in men resulting in increasing the sexual libido and decreasing the risk of sexual dysfunction.
2. Aphrodisiac effects
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that horny goat weed helps to enhance the fertility in goat by increasing the production of testosterone thereby, it may have the same effect in men as well. In fact, it has been proven effectively in the rural China and many men have used it to increase sexual performance and the chance for fertility.
3. Yang qi deficiency
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that most cases of sexual dysfunction and libido are caused by yang qi deficiency or low levels of testosterone. Horny goat week contains substances which help to raise levels of yang qi in the body and reduce the qi stagnation in the abdomen resulting in increasing sexual desire and enhancing production of quality sperm.
4. Kidney enhancer
Horny goat weed also helps to increase kidney function in strengthening the levels of kidney jing
and in regulating the sperm production. Deficiency of kidney yang may interfere with the function of reproductive organ in sexual activities including sexual libido, low sperm count and sexual dysfunction in some cases.
5. Liver enhancer
It also helps to increase the liver function in regulating the spleen function in insulin production, resulting in reducing the risk of insulin fluctuation leading abnormal production of serotonin and increasing the risk of sexual libido.
III. Risks
1. Hypertension
Since it helps to increase the qi and blow flow to the reproductive organs, peole with hypertension should consult with their herbalist before applying.
2. Insomnia
Over dose may cause over abundant yang qi, leading to sleeplessness.
3. Nervous tensions
It may cause yin qi deficiency leading to nervous tensions.