A chemical found in the bark of the yohimbe tree, called yohimbine, can be used for some medicinal purposes. The bark is often ground and made into capsules or tablets, though an extract from the herb can also be processed into a liquid tincture form. The liquid form may be easier for some people to ingest, and choosing the best liquid yohimbe requires careful consideration of the source of the herb and the dosage.
Liquid yohimbe is most commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems. Sexual problems that arise as a side effect of a selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor, often prescribed for depression, may respond to low dosages of yohimbe. This can be a somewhat tricky situation, however, since many people with depression do not respond well to yohimbe and it can make manic and suicidal symptoms worse in people with these conditions. Some people use liquid yohimbe as a bodybuilding supplement to help increase their energy levels before working out, though there is no clinical evidence for this use of the herb and it may be unsafe.
People interested in purchasing liquid yohimbe should buy the product from a reputable supplement manufacturer or health food store. A doctor or naturopath may be able to provide a recommendation for a particular brand or type of liquid yohimbe, and patients should check with their health care providers before adding any new supplement to their regimens. Purchasing herbal supplements from non-reputable sources could increase the risk of side effects or illness because they may not extract the herb in sanitary ways and may not list the potency or dosage of the tincture.
Most people who take liquid yohimbe to fight erectile dysfunction or as a sexual stimulant benefit from a dosage between 15 and 30 mg per day. When selecting a type of liquid yohimbe, people should look for a bottle that includes an eyedropper with clearly labeled milliliters to measure dosages. Different types of tinctures may have different levels of the active chemical yohimbine, so patients should check with their doctors before determining an appropriate dosage.
Certain people should not take liquid yohimbe due to the risk of serious side effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use the supplement to prevent passing it to their babies. Individuals with kidney problems or who have been diagnosed with a mental illness should also avoid yohimbe because the herb may interact with medications taken for these conditions.
