Damiana extract, derived from the turnera diffusa shrub, is used as an aphrodisiac and to ease digestion problems, depression, and anxiety. It may also relieve headaches, increase energy levels and metabolism, and improve sexual desire and performance. However, there is no medical evidence to support these claims. The extract can be taken in powder, pill, or liquid form, but caution should be taken with dosage and potential allergic reactions.
Damiana extract is taken from the turnera diffusa shrub common in Central and South America. The extract can come in powder and pill form or as a liquid tincture made from the extract added to water or alcohol. Damiana leaves have been used for a long time due to the positive stimulation they often have on the digestive and reproductive systems. The extract is perhaps the most popular as an aphrodisiac. It is also said to ease indigestion problems and boost mood.
The extract is believed to balance hormone levels, which could lead to several benefits. The plant can help kick depression and anxiety. As the extract often increases blood flow throughout the body, headaches may be relieved, while energy levels and metabolism may be increased. Damiana extract can be found in some energy drinks for this reason.
The effect of damiana extract on the digestive tract has been linked to the effect of parsley in some way. Damiana supplements generally boast the ability to cure constipation by acting as a diuretic and laxative. The extract, on the other hand, is also believed to stop diarrhea and dysentery.
Evidence suggests that the damiana plant was first used as an aphrodisiac by the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations, as recorded by Spanish missionaries. The leaves of the shrub were sometimes boiled into a tea with sugar and other ingredients. Due to the possible boost in general mood, as well as increased blood flow to the sexual organs as a result of relieving digestion problems, damiana extract is believed to improve sexual desire, performance, and arousal. Some women say that the extract can also ease the pain of menstrual cramps.
Some nutritionists point out that damiana has also long been used in various types of alcohol, some of the purported aphrodisiac qualities of the shrub may actually stem from the effects of alcohol. Similarly, the plant grows only in hot climates and usually in the summer season, and evidence suggests that sexual desire is often higher in the warmer months. There is no medical evidence that damiana extract improves sexual desire or performance.
If one chooses to take the extract in tincture form, it is best not to ingest the mixture directly due to its strong flavor and concentration. The recommended dose of drops can be dissolved in water or juice or on a piece of bread. As with most plant-based supplements, it is possible to have an allergic reaction as a result of taking the supplement. Damiana extract also has the ability to inhibit iron absorption and should not be taken by people prone to anemia.
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