Researchers all across the world have specifically noted the herb's potent antioxidant activity. It's believed to help regulate hormone function, protect the heart, maintain brain health, and balance the immune system. Of particular interest is its anti-aging, energizing, and libido-stimulating properties. Women who use Horny Goat Weed (its most common name) may experience the following health benefits.

1. Promotes Graceful Aging

Researchers have observed significant benefits of epimedium on women, with one study observing its ability to reset age-related metabolites such as carnosine, nucleotides, and amino acids to younger levels. Powerful antioxidant properties drive this activity, protecting the body against aging free radical damage.

2. Stimulates Libido

Epimedium appears to encourage blood flow, a key component to sexual desire, and also provides alkaloids and plant sterols that have similar actions as testosterone. Although testosterone is often considered a male hormone, both men and women produce this important steroid hormone as it plays an important role in human sexuality.

3. Balances Hormones

Epimedium naturally balances hormone function without being an actual hormone itself. This could be helpful for women experiencing hormonal fluctuations during PMS or menopause. The herb may also reduce the incidence of dangerous side effects associated with many hormone therapies.

4. Relief from Menopause Symptoms

Studies have shown that epimedium may encourage balanced estrogen and estradiol levels in women, hopefully providing a beneficial effect for those with menopause. In one study, researchers compared epimedium extract against a common menopausal treatment. They found that the natural plant chemicals in epimedium, like icariin, demonstrated dynamic effects of bioactivity longer than a conventional menopause drug. Epimedium is known as an adaptogen, possibly explaining how its effects can help women adapt to certain changes occurring in the body and environment.

5. Supports Skeletal Health

Research to date shows icariin, among other active phytochemicals in epimedium, may prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women. One study found a significant difference in bone health between a group of women taking an epimedium supplement than the group taking placebo.

6. Soothes Sore Joints

Traditional Chinese medicine often employs epimedium as a natural therapy for joint discomfort -- a condition that can negatively affect a person's quality of life and be a huge, constant energy drain. Mainstream research has been a little slow in reviewing the traditional use of the herb, but so far animal models support the traditional application against the condition.