What Is Damiana?
Damiana leaves have been used as an aphrodisiac and to boost sexual potency by the native peoples of Mexico, including the Mayan Indians and is used for both male and female sexual stimulation, increased energy, asthma, depression, impotence and menstrual problems.
Damiana is a small shrub with aromatic leaves found on dry, sunny, rocky hillsides in south Texas, Southern California, Mexico, and Central America. Damiana leaves have been used as an aphrodisiac and to boost sexual potency by the native peoples of Mexico, including the Mayan Indians.
Historically damiana has been used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and mild depression, especially if these symptoms have a sexual component. The herb is also used as a general tonic to improve wellness.
Damiana has also been used traditionally to improve digestion and to treat constipation, as in larger doses it is thought to have a mild laxative effect.
It is well known in southwestern cultures as a sexuality tonic and is recommended by many top herbalists. It stimulates the intestinal tract and brings oxygen to the genital area. It also increases energy levels which does a lot to restore libido and desire. In women, Damiana often restores the ability to achieve orgasm. Damiana is used primarily as an energy tonic and an aphrodisiac for both men and women.
Damiana has a dual effect. It can work quickly to stimulate the genital area by enriching the oxygen supply. Longer term use can improve sexual fitness and performance.
The libido-boosting power of damiana hasn’t been tested in humans, although a liquor made from the leaves has long been used as an aphrodisiac in Mexico.
The chemical composition of damiana is complex and all of the components have not been completely identified. However, the known make-up is 0.5-1% volatile oil, flavonoids, gonzalitosin, arbutin, tannin and damianin (a brown bitter substance). It also contains essential oils (containing cineol, cymol, pinene), cyanogenic glycosides, thymol and trace amounts of phosphorus.
Damiana is commonly drank in the form of a tea and it is notorious for its relaxing effects. It can also be consumed in capsule form as well as extract.
Benefits
- Physical Benefits
It has been shown to increase sperm count in males and the strength of eggs in females, help with erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia. It has also been shown to help increase blood flow and stimulation in sexual organs.
It also helps aid the endocrine system and also is used for stimulating immunity and circulation.
Damiana essential oil is also beneficial for the urinary and reproductive systems. It is also useful as an antiseptic and can helps with respiratory issues as well as digestive issues.
- Mind and Spirit
Damiana has anti-depressant properties and helps to boost the overall mood and bring about a general feeling of well-being. It is also used for treating mood disorders and helps level hormonal responses.
As an aphrodisiac, this helps men and women to increase their desire and also increases testosterone in males. Additionally, damiana oils can help a woman reach orgasm and even fight off breast cancer or reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or menopause.
Taking a bath with a few droplets of damiana essential oils added to the steamy waters can send a person to a deep sea of tranquility and serenity and can also help lift a person out of a slight depression, increase energy, calm nerves and increase sexual desires.
Side effects
Damiana is relatively safe in regular doses, although the long term effects of damiana use have not been tested.
People who have problems regulating blood sugar, particularly are hypoglycemic, should also avoid the use of this herbal remedy for relaxation.
Damiana can also effect the absorption of iron in the body, so if a person is anemic, it is advised to not use these products either.
If women are pregnant, they are advised to absolutely not use damiana oil at all due to their altering affects on hormones that could result in miscarriage.
Likewise, breast feeding mothers should also not risk passing on the chemicals found in damiana essential oil to their babies.
Sources:
http://www.herbwisdom.com/
