Maca and Yohimbe

Recently, we discussed exercises that could improve your sex life, and MFT reader Stevers made a comment that inspired this article. He mentioned herbal solutions, maca and yohimbe, and wanted to hear my take.

Maca is a Peruvian plant with a history of consumption for warriors, livestock, and Peruvians. The plant can be mashed, boiled, roasted, fermented, or prepared as a salad. The reason maca is being brought up in the same conversation as sex is that it has been shown to increase libido and semen quality. However, it’s important to note that a diet high in maca and low in iodine has been associated with high rates of goiter. In rats, it has been shown to enlarge prostate glands. However, maca is consumed in many parts of the world as a dietary staple with minimal risks.

Yohimbe, on the other hand, poses a far more serious risk. It’s promoted as a natural aphrodisiac and alternate option to medications such as Viagra. Yohimbe relaxes and dilates blood vessels in the penis, allowing enhanced blood flow and erection. While research has shown small benefits for men with erectile dysfunction of organic origins, the health risks outweigh the advantages. Yohimbe has been linked to seizures, kidney failure, dizziness, nausea, insomnia, high blood pressure, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat. Additionally, due to a chemical property of yohimbe, if you’re taking it, you need to avoid foods and products that contain tyramine – this includes liver, cheese, red wine, and nasal decongestants, among other things. Despite such risks, yohimbe has been used to treat depression and stimulate weight loss. The drug yohimbine targets erectile dysfunction. However, studies have demonstrated that there is a very narrow dosage window in which yohimbe is effective: too little or too much can either have no effect or a damaging effect on your body.

Right now, the jury’s still out on maca and yohimbe. Maca has some terrific anecdotal evidence on improving erectile functioning levels and enhancing libido with minimal risks. I would strongly caution anyone considering either of these supplements to consult with a medical professional before adding either to your diet. While there is promise for treating ED and improving sex, there are serious risks that need to be taken into account, especially with yohimbe.