Damiana

Turnera diffusa

Damiana is a traditional aphrodisiac of the Mayan people in Central America. Damiana continues to be considered valuable as an aphrodisiac and general tonic, and its stimulant, tonic action also makes it a valuable remedy for people with mild depression. Damiana has a strongly aromatic, slightly bitter taste, and the leaves are used in Mexico as a substitute for tea and as a flavoring for liqueurs.

Damiana leaves, drunk in the form of a tea or smoked like tobacco, produced a relaxed state in the user and a kind of subtle high with sexual overtones, somewhat reminiscent of the effects of marijuana. The drug is supposed to be especially effective in women. Damiana liqueurs, produced in Mexico and subtly advertised as aphrodisiacs, contain only minute quantities of the drug. The amount is sufficient, however, to give these beverages a distinctive flavor.

Chemical studies have shown that damiana contains between 0.2 and 0.9 percent of a complex volatile oil which is responsible for most of the characteristic odor and taste of the drug. In addition, quantities of a resin, a bitter principle, tannin, mucilage, starch, etc., are present. The reported presence of caffeine requires verifying. No constituent responsible for claims of damiana as an aphrodisiac has ever been identified. On the basis of available evidence, we must conclude that the drug lacks significant physiological activity and that no basis exists for its consumption by human beings. Indeed, the purported virtue of the product has been described as nothing more than an "herbal hoax."

Parts used

Leaves.

Uses

Tonic - Damiana is a tonic and restorative for the nervous system, and has always been considered an aphrodisiac. Its tonic action is partly due to the constituent, thymol, which has an antiseptic and tonic action.
Antidepressant - Technically, damiana is a thymoleptic (having a life-enhancing and stimulating action on the body and mind). It is given people suffering from mild to moderate depression and nervous exhaustion. Its stimulating and restorative properties make it valuable when anxiety and depression occur together, as often happens after long-term stress.
Sexual restorative - Due to its testosterogenic quality, damiana has always been seen principally as an herb for men, helpful in treating premature ejaculation and impotence. It is, however, beneficial for both men and women, being considered restorative to the reproductive organs of both sexes.
Gynecological problems - Damiana is often given for painful and delayed periods, and is used specifically for headaches connected to menstruation.
Urinary antiseptic - Being a diuretic and urinary antiseptic, damiana is useful in the treatment of urinary infections such as cystitis and urethritis. This action is partly due to the constituent arbutin, which is converted into hydroquinone, a strong urinary antiseptic, in the urinary tubules. This constituent is also found in number of other plants, notably uva-ursi.
Laxative - Damiana is a mild laxative, useful in the treatment of constipation due to poor bowel muscle tone.

Habitat & cultivation

Damiana is native to the Gulf of Mexico, southern California and the northern Caribbean Islands, and Namibia. Damiana grows wild and is also cultivated in these areas, preferring a hot, humid climate. The leaves are harvested when the herb is in flower in summer.

Research

Inconclusive research - Virtually no detailed research has yet been undertaken. What little research there has been is inconclusive in its findings, but in the words of Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations (1988), "The aphrodisiac activity has not yet been demonstrated experimentally, however this is very difficult to do."

Constituents

Damiana contains essential oil that includes pinene, cineol, cymol, arbutin, cymene, cadinene and copaenen; alkaloids, bitter; flavonoid; cyanogenic glycoside; tannins; resin.

How much to take

To make a tea, add 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water to 1 gram of dried damiana leaves; allow to steep ten to fifteen minutes. Drink three cups per day; To use in tincture form, take 2-3 ml three times per day; Tablets or capsules may also be used in the amount of 400-800 mg three times per day. Damiana is not usually used alone; it is believed to be more effective when combined with other herbs of similar or complementary activity.

Side effects

Higher doses of damiana may induce a mild sense of euphoria. The leaves have a minor laxative effect, which is more pronounced at higher intakes, and may cause loosening of stools.

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