Damiana is an aromatic flowering shrub that is indigenous to Mexico, where the ancient Mayans of the Yucatan employed it as a natural herbal remedy. The medicinal part of the herb is the leaves, which are harvested when the plant is flowering. Damiana has a number of properties that give it health benefits.
Aphrodisiac Properties
Damiana is most widely known for its aphrodisiac properties. In her book "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine," Jacqueline L. Longe notes that it has traditionally been used as a sexual stimulant to boost male and female libido. Folk healers also prescribe it to alleviate erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men and frigidity in women.
Nerve Tonic Properties
David Hoffman, a medical herbalist, writes that damiana has a strengthening tonic action on the central nervous system. It is an uplifting herbal antidepressant that promotes a general feeling of well-being. Hoffman notes that these properties are especially beneficial for sexually-related stress and anxiety.
Laxative Properties
Damiana has a mild laxative effect, particularly when taken in high doses, according to Shawn M. Talbott, author of the book "The Health Professional's Guide to Dietary Supplements." He recommends taking Damiana in doses of 400 to 800 mg, three times a day.
Hallucinogenic Properties
Smoking dried damiana may cause hallucinations, which are profound distortions in one's perceptions of reality. The ancient Mayans smoked it in religious rites to enable them to see visions and communicate with the spirit world. According to Todd Caldecott, a Vancouver Clinical herbalist, damiana also has a euphoric, marijuana-like effect.
Hormonal Balancing Properties
Damiana helps to regulates hormonal activity in the female body, particularly for pre-menopausal and menopausal women. This makes it a valuable herbal remedy for alleviating night sweat and hot flashes. Damiana is also used by folk healers to alleviate painful menstruation.
Mood Enhancing Properties
Damiana has mood-elevating properties that make it beneficial for alleviating depression. It also can be useful for easing stress and decreasing anxiety. Its mood-enhancing properties may be particularly valuable when there is a sexual factor involved in the depression or anxiety.
Hypoglycemic Properties
Damiana has hypoglycemic properties, which can cause a reduction in blood glucose levels. In her book "Prescription for herbal healing," Phyllis A. Balch cautions that type 1 diabetics should use this herb with care. It should also be used with caution by people who are taking sulfonylureas, a class of drugs that are used to treat diabetes.
References
- "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine;" Jacqueline L. Longe; 2004
- HealthyNet: Herbal Medicine Materia Medica -- Damiana
- "The Health Professional's Guide to Dietary Supplements," by Shawn M. Talbott and Kerry Hughes; 2007
- http://www.toddcaldecott.com/damiana.html
- Prescription for herbal healing;" Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
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