How to Use Yohimbe

Yohimbe comes from the bark of a tree by the same name found in Africa. It was then used as a tea in West Africa to enhance virility and treat the symptoms of colds, fevers and leprosy. In America, it has become a very popular herbal preparation and it has also been approved as a prescription drug by the FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Instructions

1. Boost your libido. One of the main things yohimbe is known for is it's ability to increase sexual desire and performance in males and females. It gives off an aphrodisiac effect by enlarging the blood vessels near the sexual organs and stimulating the lower center of the spinal cord.

2. Use it for impotence. Fifty years before Viagra even came into being, yohimbe was used for erectile dysfunction. It's popularity by prescription has since diminished, but it can still be used in supplement form. It has been known to increase blood flow to the penis by relaxing and dilating blood vessels while simultaneously exciting areas in the brain that are responsible for sexual desire.

3. Increase weight loss. Yohimbe has been known to stimulate the central nervous system, decrease fat synthesis and increase fatty acid mobilization. It also increase the release of a hormone in the body called norepinephrine which gives the body bursts of energy. Lisa Alschuler, medical director at Bastyr University in Washington, listed yohimbe as her number one choice for weight loss.

4. Stay awake. Yohimbe has also been used for mental alertness, clarity and energy. According to a 1994 study done by the Eastern Virginia Medical School, it was specifically known to help with narcolepsy. This is a condition characterized by falling asleep at inappropriate times and suffering from extreme drowsiness.

5. Take the right dosage. For all uses of yohimbe, there is no concrete recommended dosage. It is a good idea to start off with recommended dose on the ingredient label and watch how your body reacts to it. Then adjust accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• When taken in herbal form, yohimbe is usually found in a tincture at health food stores. This is a little bottle with an eye dropper lid.

• Yohimbe has been known to cause harmful side effects. It should not be taken by people who have heart problems, high blood pressure, anxiety, kidney disease or anyone who is pregnant or on antidepressants.