How to Extract Yohimbine

Yohimbine, derived from the bark extract of the West African Yohimbe tree, has aphrodisiac properties, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Although yohimbine is usually touted as a libido enhancer, it's also been used to treat dry mouth, raise blood pressure and counter side effects of antidepressants, according to National Health Institute's Medline Plus. Products containing yohimbine should be taken two to three hours before intimacy. Yohimbine is not recommended for people with hypertension or heart disease. The active ingredient in capsule dietary supplements sold in the U.S., must first be removed from the West African evergreen tree's bark.

Things You'll Need

• Small knife
• Coffee grinder of food processor
• Dehumidifier
• Sterile container

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Locate a Yohimbe tree. Evergreens that grow up to 90 feet tall are indigenous to West Africa. Let the local authorities know that you intend to extract the bark for medicinal purposes.

• 2

  Moisten a piece of bark slightly with water. Slice a small strip of bark with a sharp knife. If more than a tiny bit of bark is stripped, the tree will die. Apply light pressure when pulling the bark away from the tree to keep the yohimbine intact.

• 3

  Dry the yohimbe bark. Place a dehumidifier next to it. You will need to dry out the bark for three or four days, or until it has dried entirely.

• 4

  Grind the bark into a powder once its dried. Use a mortar and pestle to break the bark into small pieces. Place a few pieces of the bark into a coffee grinder or food processor. Alternately, you may use a microplane (grater) if you prefer to grind the bark by hand. After a sufficient amount of powder has appeared, add the rest of the bark.

• 5

  Place the bark powder in a sterile container for transport. The ground bark may then be added to food, used to make over the counter supplements, or steeped in hot water to make tea.