Horny goat weed and Viagra are two popular treatments for erectile dysfunction. But which is better? We compare the two to help you decide.
Horny Goat weed (Epimedium) – what is it?

It is a leafy native plant found in the world’s highest altitude areas, the mountains of central and southern China. Known in China as Yin Yang Huo. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. It is said to have been discovered by chance by a Chinese rancher, who noticed that animals showed increased sexual activity after eating the particular grass they found on the mountain.
After hundreds of years of use, the plant’s aphrodisiac properties have been scientifically confirmed and its mode of action is better understood. Today, horny goat weed is gaining popularity throughout the western world.
Behind the strange name of this plant is a time-tested aphrodisiac that improves erectile function in men, increases sexual desire in men and women, relaxes the nervous system, and relieves period pains. The leaves of the plant contain polysaccharides, sterols and a type of flavonoid called icariin.
The substance icariin is considered to be the main active ingredient of plant extracts. As it has been proven, this substance has common mechanisms of action with drugs used in Western medicine to treat impotence and improve sexual function. Particularly, icariin inhibits the degrading action of phosphodiesterase (PDE5) in the smooth muscle cells lining the blood vessels that supply the corpus cavernosum of the penis.
In this way, it causes the smooth muscle tissues to relax. The involuntary tension in the internal tissues relaxes as the nervous system shifts most of its function from sympathetic to parasympathetic. When this change occurs, sexual function is restored to normal levels because the body is no longer under stress.
Viagra – Introduction

A blue diamond-shaped pill that changed the world, opened new horizons in the love journey of millions of men around the world, and created a new market with a turnover of billions of dollars a year. And yet, this amazing drug was discovered by accident, by an observant nurse!
Let’s take a trip back in time, to the early years of the 90s, when in the research center of the multinational pharmaceutical industry based in the USA. Pfizer, clinical trials were underway for a new substance that it was suspected might prove effective in treating cardiovascular problems. The procedure proceeded normally, the male test animals received the prescribed doses, but an odd detail troubled a member of the nursing staff.
When he visited the volunteers in the morning, most were lying face down rather than on their backs. She asked one the reason for this prostrate posture and he replied: “Because I can’t get rid of my erection.” The others smiled slyly and said, “us too.”This was heard by John Lamattina, the inventor of Viagra, and he realized how much potential it has as a formulation.
Horny goat weed vs Viagra
Horny Goat Weed is a herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including low libido and erectile dysfunction. It is believed to work by increasing blood flow to the genital area and relaxing muscles.
Supplements containing icaridin may function similarly to those containing sildenafil citrate. They prevent the activity of PDE5, an enzyme that “turns off” erections.
Animal studies suggest that in addition to the observed PDE5 inhibitory actions, icariin may also have neurotrophic benefits. The vertebrate nervous system is maintained and developed in large part by neurotrophic factors. The effectiveness and ease of horny goat weed’s use make it a potential addition to an ED treatment.
Chemicals in this herb have the potential to increase blood flow and regulate sexual function. It includes phytoestrogens, which might function very similarly to the estrogen hormone.
Viagra, on the other hand, is a prescription medication that is specifically designed to treat erectile dysfunction. It works by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE5, which helps to increase blood flow to the penis. While both horny goat weed and Viagra may be effective at treating erectile dysfunction, it is important to note that Viagra is a regulated medication that has been extensively tested and proven to be safe and effective.
Differences and similarities
Both horny goat weed and Viagra are used to treat erectile dysfunction, which is a condition characterized by difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity. Both may be effective at improving blood flow to the genital area, which can help with achieving and maintaining an erection.
- However, there are also some significant differences between horny goat weed and Viagra. One major difference is that horny goat weed is an herbal supplement, while Viagra is a prescription medication. This means that horny goat weed is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way that Viagra is, and it may not have undergone the same level of testing and clinical evaluation. As a result, the safety and effectiveness of horny goat weed may not be as well-established as that of Viagra.
- With Viagra, you see results right away. When an erection is required, you can use the product and anticipate immediate results. Horny goat weed frequently needs to be used continuously. The results take time to show, just like with any herbal medicine.
- The phytoestrogen found in horny pills has estrogen-like properties. After all, erectile dysfunction can result from any sex hormone imbalance, such as high estrogen paired with low testosterone.
- Another key difference between horny goat weed and Viagra is the way they work. Horny goat weed is thought to work by increasing blood flow to the genital area and relaxing muscles, while Viagra works by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE5, which helps to increase blood flow to the penis.
Horny goat weed is being used as a natural alternative to Viagra for men. However, there isn’t enough data from research to back up these claims. But without sexual excitement, neither Viagra nor horny goat weed can help with erections. Lack of passion or foreplay makes it challenging to achieve the desired outcomes.
Benefits of Viagra for men
The majority of men using Viagra are able to achieve an erection within 30-60 minutes of taking the pill when they are sexually aroused. If the pill is taken after a large meal, the effects may take a little longer to develop.
The following are other benefits of Viagra for men:
- Easy to use
Viagra’s blue pill form is perhaps one of its most recognizable features. Swallowing a pill is an easy, discreet, and convenient way to take medicine for many people.
- Effectiveness
Viagra remains a popular choice for men experiencing erectile difficulties because it is a highly effective drug. A 2015 report said Viagra was “the most effective treatment for erectile dysfunction.” It was based on a study of over 150 separate tests.
- Minimal side effects
Years of clinical studies and testing have revealed Viagra to be a safe drug that is likely to cause mild to moderate side effects in a small percentage of its users.
- Trusted drug
Pfizer, a well-known and reputable pharmaceutical company, manufactures Viagra. Since the drug’s release in 1998, Viagra has successfully treated more men than any other erectile dysfunction drug.
Benefits of Horny Goat Weed
The chemicals contained in horny goat weed work as muscle relaxants, allowing greater and faster blood flow throughout the body. This increased blood flow can speed up the response time of the nerves connected to the male reproductive system, making horny goat weed a treatment for erectile dysfunction, low libido (in both men and women), and other such sexual ailments.
The relaxing effect of horny goat weed has led some users to use the herb to treat respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. In many of these diseases, the airways become narrow, and the relaxing effects can help calm inflammation and allow an easier flow of air through the body.
- Anti-anxiety
Some herbal supplement users have shown that horny goat weed can help with anxiety and other similar disorders.
The chemicals in the herb can help increase the brain’s production of certain chemicals in the brain, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. These are the same chemicals that arise from pleasant experiences and are present during happy moments.
Many anxiety disorders, such as depression, result in the formation of a lack or imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Increasing the production of these chemicals can lead to the relief of symptoms for some patients.
- Other benefits
Preliminary observations show that horny goat weed could be used to treat hematological problems such as arthritis, high blood pressure, and blood sugar problems. Some users show an increase in immune system function as well.
Horny Goat Weed side effects
The National Institutes of Health consider horny goat weed to be safe in acceptable amounts. The liver and kidneys may become toxic at high doses.
Before using horny goat weed, see your doctor. Whether you take any other medications, such as anticoagulants or blood pressure meds, he may check to determine if they would interact with it.
Taking horny goat weed might result in:
- Upset stomach
- Mood changes
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dry mouth
- Nose bleeds
Who Shouldn’t Take Horny Goat Weed?
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- People with bleeding disorders.
- People with low blood pressure or irregular heartbeats.
- Women with hormone-sensitive diseases (endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer).
What side effects can Viagra cause?

Those who have tried the power pill are aware that it causes some individual conditions that can be mildly or intensely disturbing. One of the most common Viagra side effects is the widespread redness of the face or the whole body. Which can make a man look like a northern tourist who has overdone it with sunbathing, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of heat. Many users also describe their experience as feeling stuffy in the nose for several hours, as if they were moderately high.
Taking Viagra can lead to:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Flushing
- Loss of vision
- Muscle discomfort
- Blemished nose
- Breathing difficulties
- Haring loss
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Sensitivity or discomfort near the cheeks and eyes
More than 1 in 100 sildenafil users experience these typical side effects. If you take the medication for a brief period of time and utilize it to treat erection issues, your risk of encountering adverse effects is minimal. You can get any adverse effects if you take it frequently.
When to take them?
One hour prior to having sex is the ideal time to take Viagra. Additionally, you must only take it once each day.
Horny goat weed is an herbal remedy available in a number of formats, including tea, tablet, powder, and capsule. Depending on the product you receive, the therapeutic qualities and dose will change.
For instance, you can drink tea, two to four times daily. But in order to gradually increase sexual desire, you must use it frequently.
Is it safe to combine Horny goat weed and Viagra?
A regular dosage of horny goat weed may increase the potency of Viagra. However, if you do intend to use this natural supplement frequently, consult your doctor beforehand.
Long-term use of horny goat weed is not advised, especially for people with certain medical conditions.
Wrapping up
This article gave a thorough comparison between horny goat weed and Viagra. Even though natural methods for getting an erection can’t always be as successful as prescription medication.
Important: It is important to note that both horny goat weed and Viagra may have potential side effects and interactions with other medications, and it is always important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement or medication. A healthcare professional can help you determine the best treatment option for your specific needs and medical history.