Yohimbe is an herbal medicine produced from the bark of yohimbe evergreen trees. These trees are native to Africa, and their bark contains a chemical called yohimbine that can be taken for several different benefits. But yohimbine isn't always thought of as safe as other herbal medications, and its use should be preceded by a discussion with your doctor. This is particularly true if you have a kidney condition.
Kidney Pain Identification
Your kidneys are located near your sides just beneath your rib cage. Pain in the kidneys tends to be dull and usually only occurs in one of your kidneys. Pain in this location accompanied by a fever may also be due to damage or injury in the kidneys. Lower back pain is often mistaken for kidney pain, so you should be careful not to misdiagnose yourself before having a doctor identify the pain. However, unexplained pain that you think might be related to the kidneys should be reported to a doctor.
Yohimbe Use
Yohimbe is often used to stimulate sexual arousal. It can be an effective remedy for erectile dysfunction or for sexual problems caused by depression. According to Medline Plus, other uses include for athletic performance, chest pain, blood pressure, exhaustion depression, nerve pain and weight loss. However, not all of these uses are confirmed by medical science and/or deemed safe treatment methods. It is often taken orally as a dried herb or as a tea.
Kidney Effects
Medline Plus considers yohimbe to be possibly unsafe when taken orally. Though yohimbe has been linked to reports of severe side effects including kidney failure, research has not concluded that yohimbe directly causes kidney pain or other kidney problems, but its use is discouraged for people who have kidney problems.
Considerations
If you experience unexplained side effects after using yohimbe, call a medical professional and report your symptoms. Do not take yohimbe in combination with depression medications, and do not exceed the recommended dosage -- side effects can be severe, including organ failure and even death. Talk to a doctor before using yohimbe.
