The Yohimbe tree is an evergreen tree that grows in Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon and in the Congo. The bark of this tree has medicinal uses and has been used to relieve the symptoms of leprosy in that area. It has also been found to work against high fever and a serious cough. Some African doctors use it to help prevent disease of the heart but the most popular malady it has been used to treat is sexual dysfunction in both men and women. African’s have been taking the substance for years to enhance sexual stimulation.
The part of the tree used is the bark. It is usually taken from the tree when it has the most alkaloid content in May to September. The unfortunate part of it is that the tree usually dies once the bark is taken, but most companies producing Yohimbe extract plant new ones. The good thing is that the Yohimbe tree is very prolific and grows very quickly sometimes growing from trees that succumbed to the bark stripping.
Yohimbe extract helps blood vessels open allowing for better flow to the penis while it also allows the nerves in the genital area to be stimulated. This substance has been known to aid in depression and sexual dysfunction is a symptom of depression.
Studies have been done using yohimbine, the active compound in the bark of the yohimbe tree as to the effectiveness in treating erectile dysfunction. There have been no studies on Yohimbe extract and it is questionable as to the success of treatment using the extract. Yohimbine has been approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction by the FDA while Yohimbe extract has not.
Females can also be helped by yohimbe extract. It also conducts blood flow to female genital areas to make for a better and longer lasting orgasm. It has been known to heighten the sex drive in both women and men that have a low libido.
Yohimbe extract is sold in many different potencies from 2% to 20%. Dosages vary because of many reasons and it is often difficult to figure out what dose to take. It is advisable to start with the lowest dose possible and if it does not work and does not cause any side effects the dose can be raised.
Yohimbe extract does produce side effects and it is not often that you will have none. It should be noted that this is a dangerous substance to take and can cause serious damage to the heart and other organs in the body. You are taking a risk if you take it without a doctors direction. Mild side effects are nausea, insomnia and dizziness. Other side effects are elevated blood pressure and heart beat that is rapid. Woman who are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant should not take it because it can be a contributing factor to birth defects. Yohimbe can cause allergies and if you have swelling in the throat or rash and hives you should seek medical help immediately. If you are taking tablets no more than 40 mg should be taken in one day.
If a person experiences some of the side effects and has no existing medical problems it should stop in about one hour. Drink cool water and lie down. You may experience hot flashes and excess sweating. If you notice the heart beating at a rapid rate for over one hour you should seek medical assistance.
Yohimbe extract should never be taken by anyone who has an existing medical problem of any kind. It should especially be avoided by those that have heart, blood pressure, or kidney issues. Even those in good health should be careful how much they take and watch to make sure the side effects do not last more than one hour or that they are severe. Yohimbe can cause substantial damage anyone having medical issues or those that are older than 60.
Yohimbe is an evergreen plant that is native to the African continent. specifically was originally used to treat leprosy in West Africa and it is also effective against fever and coughing.
