Yohimbe

Yohimbe is an extract from the bark of a West African evergreen tea (Pausinystaslia yohimbe). Yohimbe has long been used as a sexual stimulant. Traditional healers used the brewed tea from the bark to reduce prostate inflammation, treat menstrual pain and anesthetize skin when undergoing minor surgical procedures. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, European researchers were able to isolate a compound that helps enhance sexual performance. Thus, giving support to the traditional use of yohimbe as a sexual stimulant. The isolated alkaloid was called yohimbine which was found to increase blood flow to the penis. It can be done by increasing adrenal output of norepinephrine which is a hormone necessary for erections. The well-known impotence pill Viagra works similarly this way.

The FDA requires that a doctor should write prescription for this concentrated extract because the enhanced levels of norepinephrine can raise the blood pressure and heart rate. A number of yohimbine products are widely circulated over the internet (illegally). But these products do not contain enough yohimbine to be able to get the results desired. Aside from that, products that contain yohimbe bark and/or yohimbine are sold in health-food stores but they may contain little of the vital substances to be really effective. To avoid this scam and to get the results, men who suffer from impotence, also called erectile dysfunction (ED), should get prescription from their doctor.

To avoid general drug or nutrient interaction associated with yohimbe use, do the following:

§ Consult your doctor before combining yohimbe with anti-depressants or mood-altering drugs. Possible negative reactions may result.

§ Yohimbe falls under the monoamine-oxidase (MAO) inhibitor classification. This type of medication should not be taken with tyramine-containing foods such as types of red wine, aged cheese or dark chocolate.

§ Do not take yohimbe with diet aids or nasal decongestants containing the ingredient phenylpropanolamine. It can result to serious adverse reactions.

Clinical studies conducted revealed that a commonly used dose to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) is 6 mg. of yohimbine taken three times a day. All of the studies were conducted in a span of ten weeks. Using yohimbe and yohimbine beyond that period or for extended period of time is not known to be effective or could cause side effects. Low doses of yohimbe and yohimbine (less than 20 mg per day) may result in mild nervous stimulation and increased breathing capacity. Yohimbe taken in higher does (50 mg or more per day) can block both enzyme called MOA or monoamine oxidase and neurotransmitters specifically dopamine and serotonin.

As precautionary measures, you should consult your doctor for a prescription formula before taking yohimbe. Mention to your physician any medications you are currently taking to avoid harmful interactions. Follow the prescription religiously. Serious side effects are linked with yohimbe bark and its alkaloid yohimbine even it taken in small recommended doses. Reactions include: anxiety, nervousness, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, fast heartbeat and tremors. Do not take yohimbe or yohimbine if you have heart disease, liver or kidney problems, low blood pressure or prostate inflammation.

Wild yam

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) is a climbing vine with twisted, brown rhizome. It has reddish stem that is long and thin. It has ovate, broad and small flowers with hues of green. It is known to contain healing properties in its roots. It is used to relieve pain. Then later, Native Americans and early colonists used it to treat joint pain and colic that it became known as ‘colic root’. Currently, wild yam is being used as herbal alternative to hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms. The recent practice of rubbing wild yam cream into belly, thighs or other soft areas to relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or menopause has no sound scientific basis yet. Although wild yams in other formulation do appear to relax muscles and reduce inflammation. These properties are partly due to the substances called alkaloids, which is why it is used to provide temporary relief from menstrual cramps, endometriosis and digestive problems. Wild yam plant produces large tubers that are similar to potatoes but it is not related to sweet potatoes or true yams.

Health benefits associated with using wild yam include the following:

- It is used for rheumatic conditions

- To treat bilious colic

- Provides relief to dysmenorrheal, nausea and menstrual cramps.

- It is thought to relieve menopausal symptoms although this is under debate.

- It is anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, antispasmodic and mild diaphoretic.

Wild yam formulation include: capsule, pill, tea, tincture and lotion or cream for external purposes. You should consider these tips in choosing wild yam extract supplement:

- Choose wild yam extract supplement that is from standardized extracts. These extracts are potent and contain the highest therapeutic benefits.

- Purchase wild yam supplements at reputable companies to ensure the best quality of products.

Dosages of wild yam will depend on the type and severity of the ailment. But for general treatment purposes, this dosage is safe:
Decoction/fluid extract – 2 to 4 ml/day

To make decoction or tea: use 1-2 tsp root to one cup water, simmer for 15 minutes three times a day.

Generally, it is safe to consult a doctor first if you are taking progesterone and/or estrogen. There are no known drugs or nutrient interactions associated with wild yam. There is also no toxicity reported with the use of wild yam. But rare cases of nausea and diarrhea have been reported if taken in excessive dosage. As a precaution, you should take wild yam pills or tincture with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset. Very high doses may result to nausea and diarrhea. Pregnant women should refrain from taking wild yam until its benefits or side effects could be ascertained.

To treat endometriosis, take ½ tsp of liquid extract of wild yam twice daily.

To treat acute kidney stones, drink ½ tsp of liquid extract mixed in warm water for every 15 minutes until it subsided. Stop when the pain-free or when stone is gone. Do not drink more than 8 doses in a span of 24 hours.