If you are looking for a way to boost sexual desire as you try to get pregnant, you're likely to come across the purported aphrodisiac damiana. This herb also is called Turnera diffusa, herba de la pastora and old woman's broom. This herb has progesterone-binding activity that may cause pregnancy complications, including abortion, so consult a doctor before using it for fertility purposes.
Aphrodisiac Benefit
Damiana is native to South and Central America. Its leaves have been used by both men and women as an aphrodisiac for centuries. In theory, it increases both sexual performance and desire in women, notes "Fully Fertile" author Tami Quinn. However, no active constituents that would be responsible for this effect have ever been identified, according to "Tyler's Honest Herbal," by Steven Foster and Varro E. Tyler.
Progesterone Binding Action
Damiana binds to progesterone receptors in your body and may act as a progesterone antagonist, though the exact effect this produces remains undetermined, according to a 1998 study published in "Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine." The University of California-San Diego characterizes this binding action as "weak." However, anti-progesterone medications, or progesterone antagonists, are used to help induce abortion, according to "The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology." Just in case, you should not take damiana when you are pregnant, Quinn notes.
Female Health Problems
Because damiana is a progesterone antagonist, it theoretically may be helpful for some female health problems, such as treating estrogen-dependent conditions like endometriosis. However, no research has been conducted to study such uses, note the experts at University of California-San Diego.
Considerations
Damiana may cause side effects such as laxative action or allergic reactions. Until more is known about its effects on your hormonal system, you should seek medical advice before using it if you have a hormone-sensitive condition like breast cancer. Be especially sure to consult a doctor before use if you take diabetes medicines, have a psychiatric disorder like schizophrenia or mania, or have Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. It can be dangerous if you suffer any of these conditions, according to Drugs.com.
References
- "Fully Fertile"; Tami Quinn, et al.; 2010
- University of California-San Diego: Damiana; January 2009
- "Tyler's Honest Herbal," Steven Foster and Varro E. Tyler; 1999
- "Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine;" Estrogen and progestin bioactivity of foods, herbs, and spices; D.T. Zava; March, 1998
- "The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology"; Prostaglandins and Progesterone Receptor Antagonists in Human Fertility Regulation; D.L. Healy; 1994
- "Steroids"; Progesterone receptor modulators and progesterone antagonists in women's health; I.M. Spitz and K. Chwalisz; 2000
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