Plants With the Same Effects As Yohimbe

Epimedium

• "Epimedium grandiflorum," commonly known as horny goat weed, is an ivy-like shrub found growing wild in northern China and Tibet. The legend of this herb is that a Chinese goat herder discovered the properties of epimedium by observing his billy goats' uncontrollable sex drives after grazing on the herb. It's used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine to correct the balance of yin and yang and restore men's sexual performance. It works by increasing the pleasure chemical dopamine while decreasing the stress hormone cortisol. It's important not to take more than the recommended dosage as it may increase blood pressure and heart rate.

Red Ginseng

• "Panax ginseng," or Asian ginseng, is found in China and Korea and is stronger than the white version. It's also commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote yang energy, which is said to restore balance, strength and circulation. Among its many benefits, such as adapting the body to stress and improving energy, it also may correct erectile dysfunction and boost sexual performance. The University of Maryland Medical Center reported that a study of 46 men who took Asian ginseng had an increased sperm count and excitability, and another study of 60 men had increased libido and erectile function. Taking more than the recommended dosage, especially in combination with caffeine, may cause nervousness or insomnia.

Ginkgo

• "Ginkgo biloba" is more than 225 million years old, making it one of the oldest living species on earth. Ginkgo is also one of the most popular and widely studied herbs. It is said to benefit those suffering from memory loss, tinnitus, dizziness and poor circulation. Ginkgo also may aid in correcting erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the genital areas. It also may ease symptoms that cause sexual dysfunction when taking antidepressants. Ginkgo has relatively few side effects, although people taking blood thinning medications should steer clear of this herb.

Ashwagandha

• Ashwagandha is part of the nightshade family, although it doesn't contain the same poisons as other nightshade members. It's widely used in Ayurveda, the oldest form of eastern medicine still practiced in India. It is used to aid sexual function by adapting the body to stress, relieving tension and providing performance enhancing energy. Ashwagandha boosts sperm count, restores erectile function and boosts libido. Pregnant women should not take ashwagandha as it may be a mild abortifacient.