Turnera diffusa, more commonly called damiana, is a flowering shrub native to Central and South America. The leaves are harvested during the spring for medicinal purposes. According to "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines," damiana leaves can treat a variety of conditions, especially hormone imbalances resulting in decreased libido, inflammatory issues and weight loss.
Consult your health-care provider before taking any herbal supplement.
Boosts Sex Drive
Ground damiana leaves increase libido and relieve depression, according to an article in the "Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics." The herb has been shown to provide relief to sufferers of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, or HSDD, which is characterized by a severe lack of sexual desire that results in distress.
An article in "Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics" indicates that damiana also facilitates genital smooth muscle relaxation when combined with ginseng, L-arginine, ginkgo and multivitamins.
Aids in Weight Loss
Damiana leaves prolong gastric emptying time and reduce body weight, according to a study of 44 obese patients in the "Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics." Along with yerba maté --- a Portuguese plant known for its antioxidant potential and caffeine-like effects --- damiana produces weight loss because of its ability to induce feelings of stomach fullness.
Anti-Ulcer Effects
According to "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines," damiana leaves protect against gastric ulcer formation. These protective effects are believed to be due to damiana's ability to cause increases in stomach mucous secretion as well as its anti-inflammatory properties. However, damiana's anti-ulcer properties do not prevent ulcers caused by stress.
References
- "Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics"; Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals in the Management of Andrologic Disorders; Ronald Tamler, M.D., Ph.D. and Jeffrey Mechanick, M.D.; June 2007
- "Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics"; Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction; Dorothy Kammerer-Doak, M.D. and Rebecca Rogers, M.D.; June 2008
- "Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics"; Weight Loss and Delayed Gastric Emptying Following a South American Herbal Preparation in Overweight Patients; T. Andersen, M.D. and J. Fogh, M.D.; June 2001
- "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines" 4th ed.; Christof Jaenicke, M.D. and Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D.; 2007
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