The Native Use of Yohimbe

Yohimbe is an herbal supplement traditionally obtained from the bark of the yohimbe tree. Native to Western Africa, this herbal preparation is now harvested for the world market due to yohimbe's reputation as an aphrodisiac and a psychedelic drug. The active ingredient in this supplement, yohimbine, was approved by the FDA in the 1980s for erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe has a long history of use in traditional settings and is still used today in tribal communities.

Use as Cure All

In African folk medicine, especially in the nations of what are now Cameroon, Gabon and Zaire, yohimbe had a privileged place as a cure-all. The bark of yohimbe was used by tribal Africans to treat fevers, coughs and leprosy. Additionally, the herb works as a local anesthetic, and people created poultices to place on wounds to numb pain. The aphrodisiac qualities of yohimbe were also well known.

Use in Battle

Because of its stimulating affects on the central nervous system, Pygmy and Bushman warriors ingested yohimbe before battle. Some of the physical effects that would be useful in battle include increased stamina, heart rate and sleeplessness.

Shamanic or Religious Use

Yohimbe, when snorted as a powder in large doses, induces hallucinations and visions, according to the American Cancer Society. Known scientifically as Pausinystalia johimbe, the psychedelic effects are comparable to LSD, lasting up to four hours in duration. Sensations include audio and visual hallucinations, as well as feelings of euphoria.

Construction Use

Yohimbe grows tall and straight, so it still is used by local populations for construction. Its flexibility makes for good poles, and its bark is used to make straps and tie-downs. Yohimbe makes good animal snares for the same reasons. Additionally, the tree is a preferred source of firewood, according to the World Agroforestry Centre.

European Discovery and Exploitation

In the 1890s, yohimbe was brought back to Germany as "the love tree" and incorporated into modern medicine as a reliable stimulant and aphrodisiac. For the last hundred years, Africans have continued using the plant, while it has also been harvested in greater quantities for the European market. Today, some argue that the tree is being harvested unsustainably, impacting tribal groups and the availability of the tree, as the common practice is to fell the entire tree and strip the bark on location. The greatest exploitation of yohimbe for the world market is taking place in Cameroon, according to a research paper by M.L. Ngo Mpeck, E. Asaah and Z. Tchoundjeu, submitted to the XII World Forestry Congress in 2003.