YOHIMBE - Not Just a Sex Herb

Before the emergence of Viagra as the country’s most hyped impotency medication, it was the natural herb Yohimbe that rightfully earned the notoriety of being a powerful erection booster, and therefore was very commonly prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It is a potent herb, if used incorrectly it may cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure, as well as anxiety and other side effects.
 

Yohimbe belongs to a group of active compounds known as alkaloids and comes from the evergreen tree bark of West Africa. There, it is used to treat fever, coughs, and boost sexual desire (due to the high demand for the herb, it is said that the tree now faces extinction). It is sold worldwide as a libido enhancer and ED medication. It is one of a select few key herbal ingredients to have been isolated and identified as a blood vessel dilator; it relaxes and dilates the blood vessels in the penis. As a result, blood flow is increased and the erection process is prompted. It also works as a general aphrodisiac by encouraging and enhancing sexual desire.
 
Yohimbe is a mild monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor that can pull men who suffer with both erectile dysfunction and mood disorders out of their gloom. It has, in fact, been widely promoted as an herbal remedy for depression.

By blocking alpha-2 receptor activation and increasing the release of norepinephrine available to fat cells, yohimbe has been found to increase lipolysis, the breakdown of lipids that can contribute to weight loss. Therefore, it is sold as an over the counter dietary supplement as well.
 
Yohimbe is also used to increase blood pressure and for treatment of sexual side effects caused by certain antidepressants. The capabilities of the herb don’t end there – in almost a method of science fiction, it is administered to help patients recall memories lost or hidden due to post-traumatic-stress disorder.
 
Although it is widely recognized as a male sexuality enhancer, yohimbe belongs to the unique group of herbs that does more than what they’re typically identified to. A lot more.