Yohimbe Bark
Species Name: Pausinystalia yohimbe, initially this was classified as Corynanthe yohimbe and that was incorrect.
Also Known As: Johimbe, Johimbi, Aphrodien, Corynanthe yohimbi, corynine, Pausinystalia johimbe, quebrachine, Rubiaceae (family), yohimbehe, yohimbehe cortex, yohimbeherinde, yohimbene, yohimbime, yohimbine, Corynanthe johimbi, and Yohimbine HCl.
Native to central Africa, yohimbe is a small evergreen tree. It is important to note the terms yohimbine, yohimbine hydrochloride, and yohimbe bark are related but different.
- Yohimbe refers to the herb
- Yohimbine refers to the active chemical found not only in yohimbe but also in Indian snakewood, periwinkle, quebracho, and niando.
- Yohimbine hydrochloride in standardized form is a prescription drug available in the United States.
Yohimbe bark has about 6 percent yohimbine, an indole alkaloid classified as an alpha-2-adrenergic blocking agent.
What is Yohimbe Bark? Yohimbe bark is really the dried inner bark of the tree. It is ground before use and found in tablet, liquid extract or tincture, and powder forms.
Home Remedies Using Yohimbe Bark:
Benefits of Yohimbe Bark:
For centuries yohimbe bark has been used as a male aphrodisiac. The herb stimulates the general nervous system and can dilate blood vessels, causing a change in blood pressure.
It can raise body temperature, increase heart rate, and in larger doses Yohimbe Bark has a mild psychotropic effect.
Yohimbe bark is used as a treatment for both male impotence and female hyposexual disorder. It may boost sexual interest or libido in women and helps battle erectile dysfunction in men. It has recently risen in popularity as it is thought to trigger considerable fat loss for athletes.
Yohimbe bark is often used to treat dry mouth, as it can increase saliva. It is believed to inhibit platelet aggregation, and may help lower standing blood pressure and other autonomic nervous system dysfunctions.
Yohimbe bark has been the subject of several studies. One study noted that, "Yohimbe has a history of use as an aphrodisiac although it is increasingly used to enhance athletic performance. Yohimbine and yohimbe extracts are used to treat impotence by dilating the blood vessels, resulting in vasocongestion."
Yohimbine bark is sometimes utilized in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD. The intent is to help the patient recall the traumatic memories. It is not recommended that PTSD suffers use Yohimbine in Yohimbe extract outside of specialized treatment.
Side Effects of Yohimbe Bark:
Side effects of Yohimbe Bark can include an erection that lasts more than four hours. If this occurs, go to an emergency room. Other side effects of yohimbe bark or yohimbine include difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, anxiety, queasiness, sleeplessness, and vomiting.
While normal doses of yohimbine can make blood pressure rise, large doses of yohimbine (40 mg per day or more) can make blood pressure drop. It has been blamed for a few heart attacks and even deaths. Less common side effects include dizziness, headache, flushing, nausea, nervousness, sweating, and tremors.
Yohimbe bark should not be used if you have severe kidney or liver disease. It should not be consumed if you are taking blood thinners, alcohol, or other prescription drugs. Nor should Yohimbe Bark be taken over an extended period of time.
Yohimbe Bark should not be used in cases of inflamed sexual organs or prostate enlargement. Anyone with emotional or psychiatric problems should not take this herb as yohimbe bark may worsen post-traumatic stress disorder, sleeplessness, and anxiety. New onset of panic attacks or manic episodes have been reported. Yohimbine has been linked to psychotic episodes, which means someone losing touch with reality.
Yohimbe bark extract must be avoided during pregnancy and breast feeding. It may relax the uterus and could be toxic to the fetus. There have been reports of deaths in children due to Yohimbe use during breastfeeding.
