What Is Damiana Used for?

Damiana is a small shrub native to Mexico, South and Central America, and the Caribbean; it is harvested for its medicinal properties. The leaves and other aerial parts of the Damiana plant are used in medicinal preparations. Known commonly as an aphrodisiac, Diamana treats a variety of other ailments as well.

Identification

• The Damiana shrub belongs to the Turneraceae family and the Turnera genus. It is the species Turnera diffusa or Turnera aphrodisiaca. It is also known as Tunera microphylla. Damiana is known by several other names, including old woman's broom, herba de la pastora, damiane, oreganillo, Mexican damiana, the bourrique, damiana de Guerrero, and Mexican holly.

Effects

• The properties of the Damiana herb is used to reduce spasms, increase libido, dry secretion, relieve depression, stimulate digestion, reduce blood sugar, increase urination, and to calm nerves. It also acts as a mild laxative.

Considerations

• It is usually recommended by natural health specialists that adults make an infusion with Damiana leaves and drink 1 cup of the tea. This should be done 2 to 3 times a day. If using Damiana in extract form, 2 to 4 ml is recommended to be taken two times a day. Capsules are prescribed 3 to 4 grams, two times a day.

History

• The use of Damiana had been recorded to date back to the ancient Mayan civilization, where it was used for its aphrodisiac properties. The United States National Formulary listed Damiana leaf and elixirs from the year 1888 to 1947.

Significance

• Today, Damiana is available at many health food stores, where it can be purchased as a tea, in tablet or capsule form, or even as extracts. When recommended by natural health specialists, it is usually taken in combination with other medicinal herbs to treat the different conditions and ailments mentioned previously.