Damiana is a medicinal shrub of the Turneraceae plant family that is native to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The leaves of this herb are used for therapeutic purposes, usually in the form of tea blends, fluid extracts or supplement capsules. Damiana leaf has a number of medicinal properties that make it a valuable remedy.
Sexual Stimulant
In Mexican folk medicine, damiana is considered to have potent aphrodisiac properties. As its botanical name Turnera aphrodisiaca suggests, it has traditionally been held in high esteem as a sexually stimulating herb. Damiana boosts low sex drive in both men and women and enhances sexual pleasure. It also promotes male sexual functioning and is used as a remedy for premature ejaculation and impotence.
Tonic
Damiana has a tonic action on the reproductive, hormonal and central nervous systems. It strengthens and supports the body's processes and the healthy functioning of its various organs. The herb has also been used traditionally as a general tonic to promote an overall feeling of well-being. Some alternative medicine practitioners use it as a diuretic, an agent that increases the flow of urine.
Antidiabetic
Taking damiana can cause a reduction in levels of blood glucose. This can be beneficial for type 2 diabetics, who usually have abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood. Citing a 1984 study by Mexican researchers, Rain Tree Nutrition reports that a damiana leaf infusion helped reduce blood sugar levels.
Hormone Regulator
Damiana helps to correct the hormonal imbalances that are common in women who are perimenopausal and menopausal. By regulating hormonal levels, damiana helps to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. It is also used for other female disorders, such as painful menstruation and irregular menstrual periods.
Antidepressant
When damiana leaf is drunk as a tea or smoked, it stimulates the nervous system, producing an uplifting effect on mood. This has made it useful as a remedy for people suffering from mild to moderate depression. Damiana is also used to relieve stress and anxiety.
Digestive Aid
Mexican folk healers value damiana as a remedy for gastrointestinal disorders. In a monograph on Damiana, Clinical herbalist Todd Caldecott notes that as a bitter herb, damiana leaf helps to improve digestion, particularly when an emotional component such as anxiety is involved. Damiana also has laxative properties.
References
- "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2004
- "Duke's Handbook of Medicinal Plants of Latin America"; James A. Duke; 2008
- Rain Tree Nutrition: Database entry for Damiana
- Todd Caldecott: Damiana Monogragh
