| |  | | Yohimbe and Dong Quai
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Name Not Given
Posted on: December 18, 1998
I would like to know more about the herb yohimbe and dong quai. What does it do? and if there’s any side effects? I would appreciate any information you can share with me about these herbs.
Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe) is an African herb containing the compound, yohimbine. Yohimbine is known to be an adrenergic blocking agent, and has been used to treat angina, arteriosclerosis, and as an aphrodisiac. It acts to lower blood pressure while having slight stimulant and even halucinogenic effects. Studies have shown that yohimbine does sexual performance in impotent men.
The main side effects are dizziness and gastrointenstinal upset at high dosages. It is not recommended in patients with liver or kidney disease, chronic inflammation of the sexual organ or prostate gland.
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) has a potent effect on the hormonal system. You can read more about its uses in our online catalogue at http://www.richters.com, or consult Steven Foster’s book "Herbal Emissaries" (available from Richters). In women, it has a stimulating and relaxing effect on the uterus. Despite no evidence of any danger, the Canadian Health Protection Branch dictates that dong quai products have warnings against taking dong quai during pregnancy.
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