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.
Yohimbe remedies are usually taken from the bark of the tree. It is harvested from May to September when the bark has its largest alkaloid content. When the bark is stripped from the tree it dies so it is advisable that new trees be planted by companies that take the bark. The trees grow very fast and sometimes even sprout from trees that have died.
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.
Yohimbine is the active compound within the tree bark and studies have been held to find out how effective it is in treating erectile dysfunction. However, there have been no medical studies done on Yohimbe extract so the success rate is questionable. The FDA has approved Yohimbine as a valid treatment for erectile dysfunction but it has not approved the extract.
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.
There are many side effects to yohimbe extract and they include insomnia, dizziness, and nausea. If you have a problem with high blood pressure it is probably not a good thing to try since blood pressure can be increased and another side effect is that the heart beats rapidly. People with kidney problems or peptic ulcers should also avoid yohimbe. If tablets are taken the highest dosage should not exceed 40 mg. Women that are pregnant should avoid the substance as it has been known to cause miscarriages or birth defects. Yohimbe can cause allergic reactions of swelling of mouth or throat or rash. If any of these symptoms are experienced you should go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital.
Side effects experienced by regular healthy people should only last for about an hour. If you start sweating drink a glass of cool water and relax for awhile. You may find you are sweating profusely and feel agitated. A rapid heart beat lasting more than 1 hour can be a problem and a trip to the emergency room is advised.
People with any long lasting medical problem should never take Yohimbe extract. Those that have blood pressure, kidney or heart issues should not even try the substance. It can effect a healthy person as well so side effects should be monitored and those lasting over one hour should be looked at by a doctor. Those people in their 50’s and 60’s should probably not use the substance because it can cause permanent damage.
Yohimbe is an evergreen tree that is native to the Congo, Nigeria, Cameroon and Gabon. Yohimbe bark specifically yohimbe extract was originally used to treat leprosy in West Africa and it is also effective for treating fever and coughing.
