Forskolin is a potential substitute for yohimbe. Helpful for allergies including asthma, lowers blood pressure, increases testosterone in men, helpful for weight loss and appetite / craving control, helps reduce the eye pressure with glaucoma, vision improvement; helps with the conversion of T4 to T3, therefore helps with energy and may be helpful as part of a chronic fatigue protocol. May boost metabolism and melt belly fat.

I recently began researching Forskolin when I attempted to place an order for Yohimbe from my favorite online health supplement store, and discovered to my dismay that it has now become banned in Canada (among other countries).  Don’t get me started on my thoughts on our government banning products that actually help our health, in the interest of “protecting” us, and yet they happily keep cancer-causing cigarettes on the market – which they profit from in the extreme, of course. Anyway, I digress.

My husband has experienced some significant benefits from using Yohimbe, so I set out to determine whether there is an herb with similar properties, known to be a yohimbe substitute.  I discovered Forskolin, and was fascinated to learn of the many benefits it can provide.

What Is Forskolin?

Forskolin (Plectranthus barbatus) is a member of the mint family. Recent clinical studies show that Forskolin significantly decreased body fat percentage and fat mass, as well as significantly increased lean body mass.  Dr.Oz did a segment on Forskolin, apparently, and this supplement gained huge attention for its fat burning benefits as a result.

One of the ways in which Forskolin works is by increasing the levels of an enzyme called hormone sensitive lipase, which burns fat within your body. In addition, Forskolin also promotes the production of cyclic AMP (cAMP), a molecule that releases a hormone that burns fat and calories. Combined, these effects boost your metabolism and give you a natural, long-lasting energy boost that melts fat all day.

cAMP works by:

Lose Weight with Forskolin

  • Burning Body Fat
    cAMP burns body fat by promoting the production of hormones and enzymes that speed your metabolism and burn extra calories. This keeps your body from creating new fat and burns away existing fat by turning it into energy. [Clinical Study]
  • Building Lean Muscle
    cAMP increases your thyroid hormone and testosterone levels, which in turn prompts your body to burn fat and increase lean body mass. An increase in testosterone also stimulates more efficient protein synthesis, which promotes lean muscle growth. [Clinical Study]
  • Breaking Down Fatty Tissue
    cAMP stimulates protein kinase, which is used by the body to break down triglycerides (the building blocks of fatty tissue). Low levels of triglycerides are very beneficial to your overall health and well being! [Clinical Study]

In a recent study, Forskolin was put to the test and studied for its effect on body composition, testosterone, metabolic rate, and blood pressure in overweight and obese patients. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study followed 30 subjects for 12 weeks.

So What Were The Results?

Forskolin was shown to cause positive changes in body composition by decreasing body fat percentage and fat mass as compared to the placebo group. In addition, the group taking Forskolin experienced an increase in lean body mass as compared to the placebo group. Serum free testosterone levels also increased in the Forskolin group compared with the placebo group. The study concluded that, “Oral ingestion of 250 mg of Forskolin extract once a day for a 12-week period was shown to favorably alter body composition while concurrently increasing bone mass and serum free testosterone levels in the overweight and obese. The results indicate that Forskolin is a therapeutic agent for the management and treatment of obesity.” Learn more about the clinical study here.

What People Say About Forskolin

I always like to customer read reviews on the supplements I am interested in because it gives really good insight into the real benefits a particular supplement can offer, as well as potential downsides or side effects.  Here are some user comments about Forskolin:

” Since I have started using it (1x day), I’ve notice that I look more tone and people have asked what I’m taking since I look so “buff”. Nothing has changed in my diet or fitness routine, the only thing that has changed was that I added this product to my daily diet.”

“Saw this product on the Dr. Oz show. They said that it would explode fat cells so that they can be passed out through your waste. I’ve been taking two pills a pay for three weeks. I haven’t lost much pound wise but fat doesn’t weigh much. I have lost some inches. I didn’t measure myself so I don’t know how much. I do know that the shorts that I could barely button a month ago, fit comfortably now. Not only that, but within just a few days of taking these I started feeling better. I have more energy & feel better all around.”

“Helped to shrink my belly fat. Another great product from Planetary Herbals.” (Planetary Herbals Forskolin)

But as with any herb you are using for health issues, don’t rely on it to solve all your issues before you correct any deficiencies and toxicity in your body (dental infections, tooth decay, root canal teeth, SIBO…)

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