Yohimbe has long been known for its fat-burning and aphrodisiac properties

Yohimbe is an evergreen tree that grows in Western and Central Africa, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo and Equatorial Guinea. It belongs in the rubiaceae botanical family, and has a scientific name of Pausinystalia yohimbe.

It’s traditionally used by Pygmies and Bushmen as an aphrodisiac and stimulant. In the 19th century, German missionaries brought this herbal plant to Europe, where it became known as the “love tree.” The extract of this herb is clear and odorless with a bitter taste, and is traditionally prepared and consumed as a tea. Nowadays, medicines and supplements that contain yohimbe bark are available in capsule and tablet form.

The unfortunate part is that over-harvesting of yohimbe trees for its valuable bark and extracts has resulted in a dangerous drop in the availability of trees, particularly in certain West African countries. Always be sure to get a yohimbe tree extract, or anything claiming to contain yohimbine, from a certified herbal practitioner or health food store. Due to its range of applicable conditions, you want to ensure that you are dealing with a proper dose, as too much yohimbine can be dangerous.

Erectile Dysfunction

It is a complicated situation for men suffering from symptoms of impotence. The increase in circulation that you receive from yohimbe extract also affects the flow of blood to the genitals, which can help treat erectile dysfunction, increase fertility, and significantly boost libido. If your sex life has been suffering, perhaps a natural solution in the form of yohimbe is in order. Pharmaceutical aphrodisiacs can have a number of side effects as well, so yohimbe is frequently turned to. After all, this was the best traditional use of yohimbe!

Boosts Circulation

If you have a sluggish circulatory system, which might be evidenced by low energy levels, slow healing rates, and cognitive cloudiness, you may need a vasodilator. Yohimbe is a good vasodilator as it expands the blood vessels and helps in improving the flow of blood to provide additional oxygen and necessary nutrients to cells and organs. You can, therefore, improve cognition, boost energy levels, and improve healing if you add an appropriate amount of yohimbe extract to your herbal supplement regimen.

Reduces Hypertension

Related to the above health benefit, this easing of tension in arteries and blood vessels does wonders for your overall cardiovascular health. Your heart has to work extra hard to pump blood through tight, constricting blood vessels, causing a rise in blood pressure. This can be a major contributor to heart attacks and strokes, as constricted blood vessels are more likely to become blocked. By adding yohimbine to your diet in some way, you can improve your overall heart health and prevent an acceleration of coronary heart diseases.

Weight Loss

One of the most valuable and widely relied on uses of yohimbe relates to its effect on losing weight. For people that frequently work out and still are not able to reduce fat, yohimbine is capable of blocking certain adrenoreceptors in the body, which allows for higher norepinephrine levels in the body. Norepinephrine doesn’t allow for fat mobilizing to take effect, which leads to an additional fat break down in those difficult areas of the body. These effects on your hormone levels should be monitored carefully, so be sure to speak with a medical professional before adding this to your workout regimen.

Yohimbe Side Effects

While the health benefits of yohimbe are impressive and well documented, there are some side effects you should know.

Interaction with medicines: Combining this herbal element with other drugs can be dangerous, particularly due to its impact on hormone levels and blood pressure. If you combine this drug with another vasodilator, then you can suffer from low blood pressure.

Pregnancy: It is unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women to consume yohimbe as it can poison the baby.