An aromatic shrub, damiana grows in subtropical climates such as Brazil, Mexico, Namibia and Texas. Early missionaries to South American document the Mayans' use of damiana to increase sexual desire. Other traditional uses include alleviating rheumatism, water retention, infertility and incontinence, according to naturopath Leslie Taylor, author of "The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs." Damiana leaf and stem SE refers to a standardized extract of the herb's aerial parts.
Botanical Facts
Damiana can grow up to 6 feet in height, and has sweet-smelling leaves and buttery-colored small flowers. The herb's medicinal parts are the leaves, which are harvested when it flowers in the summertime. Scientists are still analyzing damiana's intricate chemical configuration, although it is known that the plant contains saponins, alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids. Both Turnera aphrodisiaca and Turnera diffusa are sold as damiana, since they are closely related and have similar physiological mechanisms.
Standardized Extracts
In order to test herbs in a laboratory environment, scientists prefer using a consistent or standardized product. Licensed acupuncturist and clinical herbalist Michael Tierra, OMD, explains that one type of standardized extract is comprised of one or more concentrated active plant constituents. The result resembles a chemical isolate. It also means, however, that other naturally occurring plant chemicals are not included in the final herbal standardized extract. Scientists do not fully comprehend how the excluded phytochemicals interact with the isolated active ingredients, and whether this will affect the physiological action of the standardized extract.
Health Conditions
Damiana can be useful in treating urinary tract infections, depression, menopause symptoms and low sex drive, writes nutritionist Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Herbal Healing." According to Balch, damiana contains phytochemicals that are similar to monoamine oxidase inhibitors, a type of antidepressant medication. Additionally, the herb can be helpful in cases of urinary infections, such as cystitis, as it contains arbutin. The body converts arbutin to hydroquinone, a chemical compound with astringent properties that operates on the urinary tract, notes Balch.
Health Conditions
Damiana supplements can be bought as tinctures or liquid extracts and in tea and capsule form. The herb's high tannin count can inhibit absorption of iron and medications, and Balch recommends side-stepping this issue by adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to liquid damiana preparations. If you have diabetes, be aware that damiana can reduce blood glucose levels. Side effects other than indigestion and nausea are rare, unless very large amounts of the herb are consumed.
References
- East-West School of Herbology: Why Standardized Extracts?
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-To-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- "The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs"; Leslie Taylor; 2005
