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Yohimbe
For centuries the bark has been used to treat impotency among African tribesmen. The drug yohimbine, from the same source, is a common ingredient in many proprietary medicines for impotency in the United States . However, self-administration is not recommended, the herb being highly toxic especially to the liver.
In Off-the-Shelf Natural Health the author talks of yohimbe as "... arguably the most potent herb with true powers of aphrodisia", relating how for centuries some African aboriginals have drunk tea made from bark shavings to treat impotence and to stimulate sexual desire and increase duration for the male.
Research into yohimbine shows it does indeed affect the male sexual organs, through an alkaloid called yohimbine. In the United States , yohimbine remains the only medicine approved by the Federal Drug Association for the treatment of some types of male impotence. Various tests have proved, almost conclusively, that one in three impotent men benefits from taking yohimbine hydrochloride, sometimes achieving powerful, long- lasting erections. However, there are side effects to yohimbine of which Dr. Julian Davidson of Stanford University says: "Yohimbine does help men get an erection, but they don't known what to do with it because they feel so lousy", reportedly due to nausea, tension, irritability, panic attacks, even hallucinations, headache and high blood pressure. Consequently, even the adventurous few should avoid using yohimbine, even in small doses, if they suffer from high blood pressure; heart, kidney or liver disease, or if they are psychologically disturbed. Although yohimbine also works on the female erogenous zones, it must be avoided at all costs during pregnancy. In fact, the FDA classifies it as an unsafe herb, as does Michael Murray the author of 'Male Sexual Vitality' who says: "I think there is some validity to this classification. I have used yohimbine in my practise and have found that, because of side-effects, it is very difficult to work with." Despite this, some people report positive effects from taking the herb in very small doses, but only under strict medical guidance.
Use: The herb is sometimes hard to find except from herbalists with extensive selections and actual experience of the herb. However, most recommend a maximum 500 mg capsule of the powdered herb taken in tea or with hot milk. A mild tea can be made by
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