The damiana shrub grows in abundance throughout Mexico, South America and parts of the southwest United States. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, or MSKCC, notes that animal studies have shown the tea possesses anti-anxiety, aphrodisiac and blood-sugar regulating properties. Other benefits of damiana have not been scientifically demonstrated in humans, however, and stem from anecdotal evidence based on the tea's traditional uses.
Aphrodisiac
Damiana tea as best known as a sexual stimulant, and is often suggested for low sex drive, particularly in women. Animal studies have shown it improved potency in impotent rats, but did nothing for rats that did not experience sexual dysfunction, notes alternative medicine expert and physician Dr. Ray Sahelian. Its use as an aphrodisiac dates back to the time of the ancient Mayan tribes in Mexico.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Animal studies show damiana might help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a potentially useful supplement for diabetics. Because of this possible effect, the MSKCC cautions against using the herb in combination with other drugs that regulate blood sugar levels, as this could lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar.
Headaches
Damiana also has a long history of traditional use to treat headaches. Drugs.com, a website that synthesizes information from the Physician's Desk Reference and other official medical texts, notes that people in the Caribbean inhale the vapors from damiana tea to treat headaches.
Other Uses
Damiana tea has also been used to cure bed wetting. Its diuretic properties might help with kidney disorders. The MSKCC explains that damiana tea has been used for anxiety, menstrual problems, constipation and sexually transmitted diseases.
Member Comments