Damiana leaf has been used for medicinal purposes in Central and South America, including as an aphrodisiac and treatment for sexual dysfunction, menopause symptoms, and headaches. It is also used to make a liquor and added to beauty products. Damiana leaf is generally safe, but can cause nausea and should be avoided by diabetics and pregnant women.
Damiana leaf has a long history of medicinal use in the native cultures of the Caribbean, South America, Mexico, and other Central American countries. Typically brewed as a tea or made into incense, damiana leaf has been used as a treatment for many ailments, including impotence, infertility, PMS, depression, constipation, upper respiratory tract infections, fibromyalgia, and Lou Gehrig’s and Parkinson’s disease. In addition to its use as a medical treatment, damiana is made into a liquor in Mexico that is sometimes added to margaritas and has also been an ingredient in some beauty products. The US Food and Drug Administration lists damiana leaf as a food additive that is “generally recognized as safe.”
One of the main and most common uses for damiana leaf is as an aphrodisiac, and studies have confirmed its potency as a treatment for sexual dysfunction. It can be an especially effective treatment if anxiety and stress are suspected to be the causes of impotence. When treating impotence with damiana, a tea with sugar is usually drunk before bed.
Symptoms of menopause, such as night sweats and hot flashes, are often treated with damiana leaf by natural or alternative medicine practitioners. The leaf is believed to help the body regulate hormone production and levels. The herb has a calming effect on the central nervous system and as a result can relieve painful headaches.
In Mexico, the damiana leaf is used to make a liquor that is occasionally added to margaritas instead of tequila. The liqueur is a light golden color and can also be enjoyed on the rocks. It is said to have a slightly herbal and sweet taste.
As an herb, damiana leaf can be added to beauty products. Lavender soap bars may include some damiana tea as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. It is also sometimes added to perfumes, makeup, and lotions due to the leaf’s potency as an aphrodisiac.
Damiana leaf is sold in several different forms. Capsules, frankincense, powder, and loose dried leaves are commonly available. Damiana is usually prepared as a tea and consumed with sugar before bedtime or made into a tincture. The dried leaves can also be smoked, although this method of consumption has been associated with hallucinations and seizures.
There are few serious side effects associated with damiana leaf consumption. Nausea and indigestion are possible and in large doses the plant can induce manic behaviors. Damiana can significantly lower blood sugar and should therefore be avoided by diabetics. Pregnant women should also avoid this herb because it can contribute to miscarriage. People considering taking damiana leaf should consult with a medical professional to avoid unforeseen drug interactions.
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