For centuries, damiana has been used by some cultures to make herbs that act as a sexual aphrodisiac. Damiana, or turnera diffusa, are small bushes native to Mexico and Central America. The herb is sold in health food stores in many different forms, such as capsules, teas, tablets and extracts. Some people also smoke the damiana leaves. Because of the side effects, damiana can be dangerous for people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other psychotic disorders.
Damiana
Damiana is traditionally used to treat male impotence and other sexual disorders. Small laboratory studies on animals have demonstrated that damiana may have the ability to widen blood vessels which could help with impotence. However, no clinical research supports that theory. Damiana is also used to treat mild depression and respiratory ailments, like asthma and bronchitis. According to Drug Digest, damiana has shown some promise in treating gastrointestinal conditions in laboratory conditions. However, more research is needed to replicate the results.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a severe and persistent psychotic disorder that affects one percent of the population worldwide, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. People with schizophrenia are disconnected from reality and can experience auditory or visual hallucinations, disorganized thinking and delusional thoughts. The exact cause of schizophrenia is not known, but there appears to be a genetic component. Schizophrenia often requires lifelong treatment and can usually be managed with anti-psychotic drugs. According to a research review published in the "Annals of Clinical Psychiatry," Omega-3 fatty acid also shows potential in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Relationship
Damiana is used to treat mild depression, but is not recommended for people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. A possible side effect of damiana is manic symptoms, which can exacerbate psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. The herb is also purported to create a stimulating effect and some users report hallucinations when taking damiana. These effects can be harmful and dangerous for people who have schizophrenia. Damiana also has the potential to interact with the anti-psychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia.
Precautions
Damiana is a herb and is not subject to any review by the Food and Drug Administration. Very little research exists about damiana and its potential harmful effects. Common side effects are insomnia and headaches. Damiana may cause a sudden change in blood sugar and should be avoided by diabetics. Large doses of damiana may cause diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Women with a history of breast cancer, are pregnant or are breast feeding are advised to not take this herb.
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