Yohimbe: What It Is and How to Use It

Yohimbe (Pausinystalia johimbe) is the bark of an evergreen tree native to West Africa, traditionally used by local cultures and later adopted into Western herbal commerce. You can find yohimbe bark at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805, sold by weight from our bulk herb section.

Available in Bulk

We carry yohimbe bark in our bulk herb section, so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful to try a traditional preparation, all the way up to a full bag. Our staff can help you find it on the bulk wall and talk through how it is traditionally prepared.

What We Carry

• Yohimbe bark, cut and sifted — dried bark pieces, the classic form for traditional preparations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does yohimbe taste like?

Yohimbe bark is intensely bitter and astringent — one of the more challenging-tasting barks. Traditional preparations are strong decoctions, and it is almost never taken as a pleasant-tasting tea on its own.

What is yohimbe traditionally used for?

In West African traditional practices, yohimbe bark was used as a stimulant and for vitality. In the West it became known for traditional use related to energy and male vitality, and the isolated alkaloid yohimbine was once a prescription drug. These are traditional uses, not medical advice — and the bark is not the same as the standardized drug.

Is yohimbe safe?

Yohimbe is a potent herb that deserves respect. It can raise blood pressure and heart rate, cause anxiety or restlessness in some people, and interact with many medications — including antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and stimulants. Traditional guidance strongly suggests not combining it with other stimulants or MAO inhibitors. Talk to your doctor before using yohimbe, especially if you take any prescription medication.

How is yohimbe bark traditionally prepared?

The traditional preparation is a decoction: simmer the bark in water for 15–20 minutes, then strain. Because it is so potent and bitter, traditional use involved small amounts. We don't give dosage advice — talk to a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider about preparation, and read the safety notes above.

Did you know? Yohimbine, the alkaloid isolated from yohimbe bark, was an FDA-approved prescription drug (under brand names like Yocon) for decades before being discontinued in the U.S. — a rare case of a bulk-bin herb also having a pharmaceutical history (source: documented in FDA drug records and the Natural Medicines database).

Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find yohimbe bark in the bulk herb section.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions, especially before using potent herbs like yohimbe.