Used for centuries in Africa to enhance performance and virility, clinical studies indicate that Yohimbe is effective in some 80% of men with impotence. Yohimbe bark has traditionally been used in western Africa as a sexual aphrodisiac, especially in male erectile disorders. Found native to southwestern Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Congo, the bark is stripped of the bark of an African tree. These trees can reach the height of ninety feet with a circumference of some forty feet.
Its popularity has been ignited not only by its claimed effects as an aphrodisiac and hallucinogen but also by new research that shows it could be an herb with very effective antioxidant potential. Research shows it is a vasodilator, which means that it increases blood flow to the extremities and appendages. In other words, it can treat male impotence quite effectively, as well as increase the sex drive (libido) in men and in women.
Yohimbe is also a short-term MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor and should be used with caution, especially if you have high blood pressure. Being an MAO inhibitor, Yohimbe should not be taken with any food or drink containing tyramines (cheese, chocolate, beer, aged meats, nuts, etc.) and particularly not with the amino acids tyrosine or phenylalanine. A rise in blood pressure can result from the body not being able to remove the tyramines from these foods. It may be dangerous if used with anti-depressants, sedatives, antihistamines, caffeine, or amphetamines. Yohimbe may have other side effects such as racing heart rate, irritability, headache, nausea, sweating, dizziness, and frequent urination. Anyone with a heart condition, kidney disease, glaucoma or history of gastric or duodenal ulcers should avoid this herb.
What is Yohimbe Use For
Today, Yohimbe is not only prescribed by physicians and herbal specialists for erectile dysfunction but for the following positive benefits:
- Effective in restoring potency in diabetic and heart patients who suffer from impotency
- Has been used in traditional medicine to treat angina and hypertension
- Effective weight loss agent
- Increase overall stamina and endurance
- Promotes a generalized feeling of well being
How much is usually taken?
Standardized Yohimbe products are available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. A safe daily amount of yohimbine from any product is 15–30 mg.7 Yohimbine should be used under the supervision of a physician. Traditionally, a tincture of the bark, 5–10 drops three times per day, has been used.