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Yohimbe is an active chemical found in the bark of a west African evergreen tree. This chemical has become increasingly popular over the years not only for its effects regarding impotence and libido but also as a tool against decreased body fat.
In 1938, the alkaloid hydrochloride was discovered as the active component that produces the effects of this tree’s bark. Today, this compound has been isolated and sold for both its aphrodisiac and fat loss properties.
What is Yohimbe?
Yohimbe grows in Nigeria, the Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon. As mentioned, it’s the bark of an evergreen tree that contains the active alkaloids. Traditionally yohimbe was used in Africa to treat coughs, fever, leprosy, and as a natural aphrodisiac.
Today, yohimbe is prescribed in the United States for treating erectile dysfunction. Mainly sold in health stores and online, this is a natural supplement that can essentially be used to replace Viagra. It’s also used as a weight-loss supplement and to treat depression.
How Does Yohimbe Work?
Yohimbe works by widening blood vessels, increasing blood flow. It is also believed to increase fatty acid mobilization. Yohimbe stimulates the central nervous system by causing the body to increase noradrenaline. In turn, nitric oxide levels increase which dilates the blood vessels.
The combination of both increased blood flow and energy contributes to Yohimbe’s effectiveness as a natural aphrodisiac. When targeting impotence, yohimbe causes the dilation of blood vessels while stimulating the central nervous system. This has been shown to be effective when treating organic impotence, especially regarding patients with diabetes.
The Benefits of Yohimbe
When it comes to Yohimbe, users can experience a wide range of benefits by including this supplement into their routine. Some of the main reasons individuals take this supplement is in order to:
- Increased sexual performance
- Supports healthy libido
- Promotes healthy circulation and blood flow to male reproductive organs
Impotence can be caused by a wide range of conditions, such as diabetes, stress, high blood pressure, age, smoking, and obesity. Yohimbe is known to be an alpha-adrenoceptor blocker. Meaning, it reduces the effects of hormones that increase the constriction of blood vessels.
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Regarding norepinephrine, yohimbe increases levels playing a key role in erections and libido. When taking yohimbe, the amount of adrenalin that reaches the nerve endings increases, allowing for an enhanced sexual experience. It’s also been shown to support sexual longevity.
Although enhanced sexual health is one of the main reasons individuals take yohimbe, the benefits do not stop there. As mentioned, yohimbe is a vasodilator which helps expand blood vessels. This boosts circulation and allows blood to flow easier. When examined in studies, it was shown to improve blood flow to hands and feet which could be beneficial for diabetics. Lowered blood pressure has also been reported.
If you’re looking to lose weight, yohimbe can burn fat and suppress your appetite. In some studies, yohimbe was able to target stubborn fat, especially within the abdomen and thighs. This slimming effect is due to the way in which yohimbe blocks alpha-2-andrenoreceptors. This increases levels of norepinephrine which break down fat cells and increase blood flow to fat tissue.
Taking yohimbe could also protect your health as it’s also a powerful antioxidant. In order to protect your body against free radical damage, antioxidants are required. Free radicals are inevitable and increase due to smoking, radiation, poor diet, and environmental toxins.
For those that suffer from anxiety disorders, yohimbe can enhance the effects of adrenalin. In response to stress, adrenalin levels rise, creating feelings of anxiety and fear. In turn, one’s heart rate increases and puts further stress on the body. When treating symptoms of anxiety, yohimbe was more effective than propanolol, a medication used to treat anxiety disorders.
Potential Side Effects
Like any supplement, it’s critical to understand what the potential side effects are before taking your first dose. Most of the side effects associated with yohimbe are due to the way in which they influence neurotransmitters. As neurotransmitters increase, blood pressure and heart rate also rise.
Some users have experienced dizziness, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and headaches. Before taking yohimbe, you should speak to your health care professional, especially if you are taking any medications or suffer from any health issues. In particular, those who suffer from high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart disease.
There are possible interactions regarding medications for depression and mania as well. It’s said that taking yohimbe could interfere with their effectiveness. It’s believed that taking yohimbe with medications for depression can increase side effects as well. Since this is not a complete list, ask your doctor if are taking any over-the-counter medications.
Recommended Dosage
If you are experiencing issues with sexual performance, then 15 to 30 mg of yohimbe are recommended. However, doses up to 100 mg have been used. At high doses, your risk of experiencing negative side effects significantly increases. Always speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
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