Horny goat weed; or Epimedium spp. is a famous and trending supplement for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and supporting bone health. This is also known as yin yang huo and helps to minimize menopausal symptoms. Although it is preferred by many people, more human trails are required to determine safety. 

Users mainly search “When to Take Horny Goat Weed: Timing, Benefits, and Safety”, so here is a full detailed article on risks, experiences, recommendations and tips etc. 

Does timing matter?

Immediate effects: If you are using it for sexual enhancement, users have claimed to get benefit within 30-90 minutes before intimacy. 

Sustained effects: Regular usage can help you to get hormonal balance and bone health. But still, a doctor’s prescription is highly recommended. 

Other purposes: Some people use it as a pre-workout supplement as it helps in boosting stamina. 

Though different people suggest Horny goat weed for different purposes, we suggest you consult with your doctor before going for any medicine. 

Recommended dosage & scheduling

1. Different sources suggest taking approximately 500 mg of horny goat weed extract daily. Don’t increase its intake without a doctor’s prescription. 
2. Take a dose with morning and evening meals. Don’t take it on an empty stomach. 
3. Taking medicine on an empty stomach can definitely improve absorption but you might feel upset stomach, nausea or digestion issues. So, it is recommended to take it after meals. 
4. For better results, take it 1 to 1:30 hours prior sexual activity. It can maximize your libido-enhancing potential. 
5. Some users prefer to take it before workout to get support for hormonal effects. 
6. Regular use of this medicine is not recommended so try to take 1-2 weeks off after taking it regularly. It can reduce side-effect risks. 

Side effects: 

1. Common side effects like nausea, dry mouth, mood swings, mild dizziness, headache, rapid heartbeat are very normal. 
2. Breathing difficulties, hypotension, allergic reactions, bruising. These side-effects are not normal. You should immediately contact your doctor if you feel any of these symptoms.

Who should avoid this tablet: 

1. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it. 
2. People with heart disease or on blood-thinning medication shouldn’t take it. If you have low blood pressure issue, don’t take this medicine. 
3. If you have scheduled a surgery for any reason, try to avoid this medicine 2 weeks before surgery due to its clotting effects. 

Stop taking medicine if you feel:

 

1. Any chest pain, fainting, bleeding, dizziness, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat. Stop taking medicine in any of these conditions and contact your doctor. 
2. If you have any underlying condition, or taking any blood pressure medicines, anticoagulants etc. then seek medical advice before starting. 
3. If you are planning for any surgery, stop taking it in advance. 
4. Regular health check-ups are recommended for long-term extract users.  

 

Why should you take it 1.5-2 hours before activity?

 

Trails on humans have proven that taking medicine on an empty stomach works faster but it can lead to other common side-effects. So, it is recommended to take with or after meals which can take time to absorb. So, taking medicine 90-120 minutes before activity can improve your performance as medicine will be most active till that time. 

 

Conclusion: As there is no fixed time to take this medicine. So, choose nighttime or pre-activity based on your goals. Make sure to start with low doses just to confirm if you are sensitive to this medicine or not. Don’t take it regularly. Breaks are important to avoid any side-effects. Most importantly, it is recommended to choose high quality products and consult your doctor regularly.