The most important health benefits of yohimbe include its ability to improve circulation, protect heart health, boost sexual energy, aid in weight loss, and improve mood.
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What is Yohimbe?
Yohimbe is the name of a tree found in Central Africa that has the scientific name Pausinystalia johimbe, and it is known around in the world because of a powerful chemical called yohimbine found in the bark of this tree. It has been approved by international drug agencies for various health issues. It has a powerful effect on our systems, and like so many herbal medicines, yohimbe emerged from traditional uses. The bark used to be prepared naturally and used as an aphrodisiac, among other things.
The unfortunate part of the story is that over-harvesting of yohimbe trees for its valuable bark and extracts has resulted in a dangerous drop in the availability of trees, particularly in certain West African countries. Always be sure to get a yohimbe tree extract, or anything claiming to contain yohimbine, from a certified herbal practitioner or health food store. Due to its range of applicable conditions, you want to ensure that you are dealing with a proper dose size, as too much yohimbine can be dangerous. Now, let’s take a closer look at the many health benefits of yohimbe.
Health Benefits of Yohimbe
Health benefits of yohimbe include:
Weight Loss
One of the most valuable and widely relied on uses of yohimbe relates to its effect on losing weight. For people that frequently work out, there can be certain problem spots on the body, namely where the fat is “stubborn”, and simply won’t go away, no matter how hard you work. Yohimbine is capable of blocking certain adrenoreceptors in the body, which allows for higher norepinephrine levels in the body. Norepinephrine doesn’t allow for fat mobilizing to take effect, which leads to an additional fat break down in those difficult areas of the body. These effects on your hormone levels should be monitored carefully, however, so be sure to speak with a medical professional before adding this to your workout regimen.
Boosts Circulation
If you have a sluggish circulatory system, which might be evidenced by low energy levels, slow healing rates, and cognitive cloudiness, then you may need a vasodilator. If you can improve the flow of blood through your system, then you will receive additional oxygen and necessary nutrients to cells and organ systems. You can improve cognition, boost energy levels, and improve healing if you add an appropriate amount of yohimbe extract to your herbal supplement regimen.
Reduces Hypertension
Related to the above health benefit, this easing of tension in arteries and blood vessels does wonders for your overall cardiovascular health. Your heart has to work extra hard to pump blood through tight, constricting blood vessels, causing a rise in blood pressure. This can be a major contributor to heart attacks and strokes, as constricted blood vessels are more likely to become blocked. By adding yohimbine to your diet in some way, you can improve your overall heart health and prevent an acceleration of coronary heart disease.
Improves Sexual Health
For men suffering from symptoms of impotence, it can be an embarrassing and complicated situation. The increase in circulation that you receive from yohimbe extract also affects the flow of blood to the genitals, which can help to treat erectile dysfunction, increase fertility, and significantly boost libido. If your sex life has been suffering as of late, perhaps a natural solution is in order. Pharmaceutical aphrodisiacs can have a number of side effects as well, so yohimbe is frequently turned to. After all, this was the traditional use of yohimbe!
Word of Caution: While the effects of yohimbe are impressive and well documented, combining this herbal element with other drugs can be dangerous, particularly due to its impact on hormone levels and blood pressure. If you combine this drug with another vasodilator, then you can suffer a variety of side effects. A range of symptoms have been reported, particularly from people who have taken too large of a dose; effects range from nausea and lightheadedness to increased blood pressure and frequent urination. Use of yohimbe is banned or restricted by some of the countries such as the UK. Always speak with a medical professional before adding a powerful herbal treatment to your health regimen.