Yohimbe Bark (Pausinystalia johimbe)

Yohimbe is a popular herb coming originally from South Africa and known worldwide as an excellent aphrodisiac. In fact it is the inner bark of the tropical West African tree Pausinystalia yohimbe (formerly known as Corynanthe yohimbe). For centuries, folks from these regions have used the crude bark as a tonic to enhance sexual prowess and pleasure. Traditionally it has also been used for fever, coughs, and leprosy in Africa, as well as a mild hallucinogenic.

Yohimbe was first discovered and used for it’s aphrodisiac qualities by the Pygmies and the Bushmen in West Africa, where it grows wild. The Bantu speaking tribes of West Africa still use and praise yohimbe today for it’s powerful aphrodisiac effects. But these West African tribes considered it also a treatment of fevers, leprosy, and coughs. It has also been used to dilate pupils, for heart disease, and as a local anaesthetic. It has a more recent history of use as an aphrodisiac, and as a hallucinogen.

In the 19th century, some German missionaries discovered yohimbe while in West Africa and brought it back to Europe where it quickly became very popular. The yohimbe tree was nick-named the “love tree” and the bark extract was inserted into delicious little candies. These “love candies”, as they were appropriately named, were a popular gift among European lovers.

In the 1960’s the American government ordered the US Food & Drug Administration to run scientific tests on yohimbe to see if it actually worked as an aphrodisiac. These scientists discovered that yohimbe was in fact a powerful and effective aphrodisiac, especially for men. But, it, unfortunately, is not able to help those who suffer from organic impotency. These studies also reported that yohimbe helps to heighten the sense of touch and send tickling sensations up and down the spine.