Damiana Herb
Benefits and Side Effects
Damiana herb is a shrub naive to central and South America. It is the leaves that are used medicinally, and they can be used dried or fresh. It can be administered in the form of damiana tea, an extract from the leaf, or a capsule.
Mexican damiana is often used to make liquor, and it is claimed that margaritas were first made with damiana.
Anyone taking a damiana extract supplement should ensure it contains standardized extract. Some do not because it is cheaper to produce it without, but these would not be as effective.
Damiana herb has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac. Some modern studies have been carried out which support this.
There is evidence to suggest that male sperm count can be improved by using damiana as well as strengthening of the reproductive organs in females. It has also been used to improve libido. Natives of central and Southern America have drunk damiana tea to help with all these issues.
Damiana can be used to fight the symptoms of depression and improve overall mood. It also has the ability to balance hormones and can help to ease the symptoms of menopause, PMS, and other menstrual disorders.
This also has a positive effect on the nervous system and can be used to treat the symptoms of stress, as it also has a calming effect. The herb is also believed to have a positive effect on memory function.
Damiana herb can be used to boost energy levels, helping sufferers of exhaustion, and is thought to be beneficial for respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughs.
It can also be beneficial for circulation and improving blood flow as well as having a positive effect on the digestive system, helping with constipation when it is an ongoing problem.
Damiana tea can have a strong taste, so it can be sweetened with honey if desired, and also be blended with other herbs such as lemon balm or mint.
Damiana Side Effects
It is recommended that pregnant women should not use damiana herb at all, and those on medication for diabetes or regulating blood sugar should also be careful and seek advice before use.
Anybody on a course of damiana should have their iron levels monitored, as it can affect the body’s ability to absorb the mineral. It is also possible that the herb may cause weight loss in some people.
It is not thought that damiana will have a negative effect on other herbal remedies or prescription medications, but anyone receiving treatment for another condition should seek medical advice before beginning to use damiana.
Using excessive amounts of the herb internally could cause organ damage, so it is important to consume only the recommended amounts. It is recommended to have only one cup of damiana tea each day or very small amounts of damiana extract.
Some mild damiana side effects include headache, insomnia, and hallucinations. If suffering from any of these side effects, a medical professional should be consulted right away.