Material: The inner bark of a tropical West African tree.
Usage: 6-10 tsp. of shaved bark boiled 10 minutes in 1 pt. water,
strained and sipped slowly. Addition of 500 mg vitamin C per cup
makes it take effect more quickly and potently (probably by forming
easily assimilated ascorbates of the alkaloids).
Active Constituents: Yohimbine, yohimbiline, ajmaline (indole-
type alkaloids).
Effects: First effects after 30 minutes (15 minutes with vitamin
C), warm, pleasant spinal shivers, followed by psychic stimulation,
heightening of emotional and sexual feelings, mild perceptual changes
without hallucinations, sometimes spontaneous erections. Sexual
activity is especially pleasurable. Feelings of bodies melting into
one another. Total experience last 2-4 hours. Aftereffects:
pleasant, relaxed feeling with no hangover. See YOHIMBINE.
Contraindications: Tannins and alkaloids make tea somewhat bitter
and unpleasant. Addition of honey may help. Slight nausea may be
experienced by some individuals during first 30 minutes. Vitamin C
lessens this. MAO inhibitor; see dangerous combinations. See also
YOHIMBINE.