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Yohimbe
Yohimbe, also known as yohimbine, is the more common name for a chemical called
17 alpha-hydroxyyohimban-16- alpha-carboxylic acid methylester. This herb is
extracted from the bark of the Yohimbe tree, an evergreen from Cameroon, West
Africa.
What is yohimbe used for?
Yohimbe is a clinically proven aphrodisiac, a drug that boosts sexual desire
and performance ability. It is thus potentially useful both for enhancing sexual
experiences and for treating impotence, erectile dysfunction and sexual unresponsiveness.
Yohimbe also has anitdepressant properties.
How does yohimbe work?
Yohimbe dilates the blood vessels of the skin and mucous membranes all over
the body, including in the sexual organs. It also increases reflex excitability
in the sacral region, or lower region, of the spinal cord. These activities
combine to give yohimbe its aphrodisiac powers. These aphrodisiac powers have
been confirmed through studies in which male rats experienced increased levels
of sexual arousal after receiving doses of yohimbe.
Yohimbe can also act as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), an agent that
allows the accumulation of monamines and thus inhibits depression.
How much yohimbe should I take?
Because of its potential side effects, yohimbe is not widely available in North
America or Europe. However, if you do find yohimbe, it will likely be in standardized
capsule or tincture form. If using the capsule form, take 15-30 mg a day, as
directed on the package. If using the tincture form, take 5-10 drops three times
a day. Use yohimbe under the supervision of a herbalist, as this herb is thought
to produce severe side effects.
What are the side effects of yohimbe?
Standard doses of yohimbe can Unfortunately, there are many potential side
effects of yohimbe. Firstly, because of its MAOI properties, it can react poorly
with several substances. (See Who should use caution with yohimbe, below.) Yohimbe
may trigger psychosis in individuals with schizophreniasometimes lead to:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
Doses of over 40 mg a day can lead to:
- Loss of muscle function
- Chills
- Vertigo
- Hallucinations
Because of these possibilities, health authorities in both Europe and North
America remain skeptical of yohimbe use in spite of its sexual benefits.
Who should use caution with yohimbe?
Avoid yohimbe if you suffer from:
- Hypotension
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Schizophrenia (may induce psychosis)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (may increase anxiety levels)
- Panic or anxiety disorder (may worsen condition)
Conversely, because of its MAOI actions, yohimbe users should avoid foods containing
the amino acid tyramine (such as liver, cheese, chocolate and red wine) or decongestants
and/or diet aids containing the amphetamine-like chemical phenylpropanolamine.
Yohimbe should also not be used in combination with other antidepressant drugs.
Yohimbe should never be used by pregnant or lactating women.
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