Key points
- No scientific evidence supports claims of horny goat weed for treating medical conditions. Also, no medical body has approved horny goat weed
- However, people who used it do experience stimulation of sexual function. This herb may also help men with erectile dysfunction it tends to increase blood flow in your penile system
- Horny goat weed also enhances your libido and this improves sexual performances
Horny goat weed belongs to the category of traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It improves sexual function in both men and women. Viagra – on the other hand – is a scientifically-proven medication, approved by the FDA to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
ED is a common medical condition men suffer from. ED responds well to Viagra. Viagra also aids in treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) – a serious medical condition causing an abnormally high blood-pressure.
Horny Goat Weed vs. Viagra
Horny goat weed contains a compound called icariin; this acts as a milder form of PDE – Type 5 inhibitor. This makes it similar to Viagra, but at a lesser level of potency. Horny goat weed has multiple uses. Researchers believe it has aphrodisiac properties to improve sexual performance / desire.
Some men consider horny goat weed as a natural remedy to treat conditions like ED. There are also a few who frequently use this herb. Flavonoids present in horny goat weed helps patients with a few cardiovascular ailments and cerebral conditions.
Studies are on to fully understand the efficacy of horny goat weed. In this light – you need to know – Viagra is a prescription medication. You can buy it only with a certified prescription while horny goat weed is available naturally.
Time it takes to work: Horny Goat Weed vs. Viagra
Horny goat weed starts to work only after a few hours from taking it. In order to experience its fullest benefits, you may need to wait for several weeks. But Viagra takes lesser time – say, as low as 15 – 30 minutes after taking a pill. Your system may start reacting within 45 minutes. It may take more than 5 hours’ time for effects of Viagra to wear off.
Drug test detection: Horny Goat Weed vs. Viagra
One of the objectives of drug tests is to detect presence of illegal drugs and substances such as opiates, cocaine, and amphetamines. Horny goat weed does not belong to such categories of drugs. Also, horny goat weed does not have any known-metabolites which stay in your urine for drug-tests to detect it.
Lab tests can detect traces of Sildenafil (Viagra) in your urine-samples for up-to 24 to 48 hours after consuming the pill. This depends on rate of metabolism and dosage strength. However, as sildenafil is not a controlled substance, it is not included in most drug tests.
Research shows that your system quickly breaks-down Sildenafil, as it has a relatively shorter half-life. Therefore, it is unlikely detectable in your system after a few hours of using it. There are however a few labs performing tests to detect presence traces of sildenafil and / or its metabolites.
Potential side effects: Horny Goat Weed vs. Viagra
Intake of horny goat weed may cause a few side effects; these include discomforts experienced while breathing, a marked increase in energy levels, pain in your chest region, an increase in heart beats, sweating profusely, and an increase in body temperature.
Other side effects include mood swings, changes in your sexual urges, upset of stomach, turning nauseated, vomiting and discharge of loose stools. You may also witness spells of dizziness, drying of mouth, muscular spasms, fever, migraines and rashes on skin.
Caveat: Use of horny goat weed may lead to hypotension; this is a medical condition triggering a reduction in blood pressure, due to irregular blood circulation in your system.
On the other hand, upon using Viagra, a few side effects may arise. Severity level of such effects differs from one person to another. It hence becomes a vital thing to discuss about safety of Viagra pills with your treating physician – especially, for men with prior cardiac conditions like cardiac arrests, myocardial infarction, etc.
You may experience some unwanted side effects upon using Viagra like bleeding from your nasal airways, blurring of eyesight, acid reflux, etc. Other side effects include migraines, discharge of loose stool, numbing of fingers – to name a few. A sudden loss of vision loss, passing out, acute spell of dizziness, a marked increase in chest pain, etc. may require emergency medical attention at a healthcare setting.
Beware of possible interactions horny goat weed is likely to have a few meds. Meds horny goat weed does not go well with include drugs taken to control high blood pressure and those broken down by your liver.
Above all, horny goat weed is not a substitute for approved prescription meds. This herb is also not equivalent to drugs used for erectile dysfunction.
URLs Reffered
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583203
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/20895s039s042lbl.pdf
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4925037
https://www.opss.org/article/horny-goat-weed-dietary-supplements
Edward S is a dedicated health writer specializing in men's sexual wellness and relationship dynamics. With a passion for demystifying topics like erectile dysfunction, performance anxiety, and intimacy, Edward S provides readers with accurate and relatable information to support informed decision-making.