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Could the bark of a tree actually increase libido and improve impotence? Well yes it can… Yohimbe bark (Pausinystalia yohimbe), one of the most popular herbal remedies for male sexual dysfunction, has been shown in studies to increase blood flow to the genitals of both men and women, proving to be helpful for those with low libido. Though Yohimbe can be used by women, its actions have been shown to be extremely supportive for men experiencing erectile dysfunction due to stress or as a side effect of physiological health issues.
Yohimbe has been found to increase circulation to the erectile tissues; aiding in physiological and psychogenic (mental/emotional) impotence. Impotence; the inability to sustain erection, is the most common sexual disorder among men. Yohimbine is the active component found in yohimbe bark. Yohimbine has been shown to dilate the blood vessels and lower blood pressure, which enlarges the vessels in the sexual organs and increases reflex excitability in the lower spinal cord. In many cases, yohimbe has shown to make erections firmer. It is thought to help sustain erection by causing compression and preventing blood to flow back out of the penis while sexually aroused.
Benefits of Yohimbe:
- Supports healthy circulation to the male reproductive organs
- Shown to help sustain erection
- May help to make erection firmer
- Supports healthy libido
Help for Impotence
There are many different reasons a man’s ability to sustain or maintain an erection may be impaired. Impotence is the most common sexual disorder among men. It is thought that most men should be able to achieve and maintain an erection well into their 80s, but about 25 percent of all men over the age of 50 are thought to experience some form of impotence. By the age of 75, half of all men will be impotent. Impotence may come and go, depending on the state of their physical health as well as their stress levels. One of the number one causes of impotence is cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease may restrict blood flow to the penile tissues, which greatly affects a man’s ability to achieve and maintain erection during sexual arousal.
Stress is another main cause of impotence in men. Psychological stress lowers libido in general and may suppress a man’s ability to become aroused, causing impotence. This is usually temporary and is easier to reverse than cases of physiological health causes of impotence. Nonetheless it is extremely important to manage stress levels when working to reverse impotence. Whether a man is experiencing impotence due to physiological reasons or psychological reasons, stress plays a key role. Any man that is experiencing erectile dysfunction will experience higher levels of stress because of the condition itself. Stress management skills need to be in place when working to reverse impotence.
Main Causes of Impotence:
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Hormonal changes due to aging
- Stress
- Diabetes
Diet and lifestyle changes should come first when treating male sexual dysfunction. Any man experiencing erectile dysfunction should see a doctor right away to determine the cause and to diagnose any underlying health condition that may be contributing to this issue. Herbs can be a great way to support a man experiencing any type of sexual dysfunction. In the case of impotence, Yohimbe may be a great help support to the body when working to support a man through this very difficult reproductive issue.
Hormonal Production
Yohimbe has been shown to be an alpha-adrenoceptor blocker. This action reduces the effects of hormones that increase the constriction of blood vessels as a person ages. Yohimbe also increases production of norepinephrine which plays a role in achieving erection during sexual arousal. Yohimbe increases the amount of adrenalin that reaches the nerve endings, enhancing sexual sensations, and allowing for a more satisfying sexual experience. Yohimbe has been shown to support sexual longevity.
Yohimbe: History As An Aphrodisiac
Yohimbe is an evergreen tree with large, leathery leaves. It is native to the tropical west coast of Africa, from Nigeria to Gabon. Natives in that region have used the inner bark of Yohimbe to treat angina, hypertension, fever, cough and leprosy. It was also smoked or snuffed to attain an altered state of consciousness. Its main use and rumored “power” was that as an aphrodisiac. Today science recognizes it as a sensual stimulant, but Native Africans also recognized that drinking Yohimbe tea encouraged sexual arousal. It was traded with Europeans and the tales of Yohimbe’s “powers” spread, giving rise for its increased demand by Europeans.
People across the world revere Yohimbe as an important herb for increasing libido in both men and women. Herbalists often combine Yohimbe with Muira Puama, Damiana, Ginseng and/or Saw Palmetto to improve libido.
Studies Show Increase In Sexual Function with Yohimbe
Italian Study
An Italian study in 1994, on 63 patients with psychogenic impotence showed that yohimbine, the active ingredient in the inner bark of the Yohimbe tree improves libido and sexual stimulation. Half of the patients were given 15mg orally of yohimbine and the antidepressant trazodone 50mg orally per day, the other half a placebo, over an 8 week period. Of the half that received the yohimbine, 71 percent had an increase in sexual desire, erectile function and ejaculation, as compared with only 22 percent in the placebo group. Patients receiving the placebo then were given the yohimbine tablets over a new 8 week course and of that group, 74 percent showed improvement. After a 3 and 6 month follow-up, positive results were maintained in 58 percent of the patients. To me this is very notable, as the antidepressant trazodone is known to cause sexual dysfunction as a side effect.
French Study
Researchers in London set out to find out if the claims about Yohimbe were true. Could the bark of a tree actually increase libido and improve impotence? They performed a double blind trial using yohimbine for the treatment of erection inadequacy. Men, aged 18-70 years, seeking help for the secondary erection inadequacy for 6 months or longer took part in the trial. None of the participants had any serious psychiatric disease, hypertension or liver insufficiency. Half of the men were given 5.4mg of yohimbine, the other half a placebo, for 8 weeks. Patients were assessed in 4 week intervals. After 8 weeks of treatment 37 percent said they had good erections, as compared to only 13 % in the placebo group. After the 8 week treatment, the placebo group was given the yohimbine as well, results for improved stimulated erection after the second 8 week trial increased to a total of 42 percent overall.
General Suggested Dosage of Yohimbe:
Dry powder: 135mg-540mg per day, split into 2-3 doses per day
Liquid extract: 30-40 drops, 3 times a day
Yohimbe is one of our top 5 favorite herbs for male reproductive health and is part of our male reproductive blend Fertilica MH5. To learn more about that blend of herbs click here…
Important Caution: Before choosing Yohimbe be sure to let your doctor know you are interested in using this herb. Yohimbe should not be use in those people with low blood pressure or who are on blood pressure medications. Never exceed the dosage of this herb. Not to be taken at the same time you eat cheese, liver or red wine, all of which contain the amino acid tyramine. In addition, there have been many reports that French and American Yohimbine products did not actually contain any yohimbe, but caffeine instead. Before choosing to purchase any Yohimbe product, be sure that it is from a reputable, high-quality source. Never exceed suggested dosage of Yohimbe, as it may be toxic in high doses. Always follow the guidelines on the label of the product you have purchased.
- Tenny, Deanne. Yohimbe, Woodland Publishing, 1997.
- Effect of yohimbine-trazodone on psychogenic impotence: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. M.D. Francesco Montorsi,M.D. Luigi Ferini Strambi, M.D. Giorgio Guazzoni, Ph.D. Laura Galli, R.N. Luigi Barbieri, M.D. Patrizio Rigatti, M.D. Giuliano Pizzini, M.D. Alberto Miani. Institute of Human Anatomy and Departments of Neurology, Urology,and Medical Statistics, Scientific Institute H. San Raffaele and University of Milan School of Medicine, Milan, Italy. Volume 44, Issue 5, November 1994, Pages 732–736
- Alan J. Riley MSc, MBBS, Dobst RCOG , Raymond E. Goodman MSc, DobstRCOG, MRCGP , John M. Kellett MBBS, FRCPsych, FRCP & Richard Orr MBBS, MRCPsych (1989): Double Blind Trial of Yohimbine Hydrochloride in the Treatment of Erection Inadequacy, Sexual and Marital Therapy, 4:1, 17-26
Practicing natural health and herbalism since 2000, Dalene received her training and certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007.
I want to try this herb but I read somewhere that it can trigger a heart attack, is it true?
Dear Hansen,
I have not heard of the use of Yohimbe as herbalists suggest it to trigger a heart attack. Be sure your source of information is credible. If you have a heart health concern or are on treatment for your heart, do discuss the use of herbs with your herbalist or healthcare provider.