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Damiana is a small shrub that thrives in dry, rocky climates. The entire bush gives off an aromatic scent due to the essential oils present in all parts of the plant. It grows in South America, Mexico, the desert southwest of the United States and the West Indies.
Damiana has been used for thousands of years in Latin America and is often considered to be a good herbal alternative to Viagra. While there is no scientific study that we are aware of that currently confirms that Damiana enhances sexual performance, Damiana has long been used as a sex stimulator or aphrodisiac, hence the Latin name "Turnera aphrodisiaca".
Mexican Indian cultures have used Damiana as an aphrodisiac since ancient times. Other reports allege that Damiana has been used historically for frigidity in women and impotence in men. So taking it when you do not wish to conceive is probably not a good idea.
The pharmacology of the plant suggests that the alkaloids could have a testosterone-like actions. Interestingly, historical uses of Damiana also included women who were suffering from hormone-related deficiencies such as menopause and hot flashes. The ancient Mayans used Damiana for "giddiness and loss of balance" as well as for an aphrodisiac.
In Holland it is renowned for its sexual enhancing qualities and positive effect on the reproductive organs. The
pharmacology of the plant suggests that its alkaloids could have testosterone-like actions.
Damiana acts as an antidepressant, tonic, diuretic, to treat coughs and as a mild laxative. Damiana relieves headaches, controls bed-wetting, and stimulates muscular contractions of the intestinal tract and makes the comment that Damiana interferes with the absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally. too much of this herb may cause insomnia and headache and irritate the bladder, so beware of continued use.
The leaves are used in Germany to relieve excess mental activity and nervous debility. It has a tonic action on the hormonal and central nervous systems.
Damiana is a major component of countless herbal "Viagra alternative" remedies, aphrodisiacs, love potions and impotence cures.
It is also a pleasant mood enhancer that leaves many people with a feeling of happiness and well-being. 3 or 4 grams of powdered leaf consumed twice daily (in tea, in capsules or otherwise) is a recommended means of manifesting Damiana's aphrodisiac qualities.
Made into a tea or smoked it affects the nervous system, acting as an antidepressant. Soothing away tension, anxiety and mild depression, leaving the user with a heightened sense of well being, not unlike taking small amounts of cannabis.
The chemical composition of Damiana is complex and components have not been completely identified. However, the known make-up is 0.5-1% volatile oil, gonzalitosin (cyanogic glycoside), arbutin, tannin and damianin (a brown bitter substance). The leaf also contains beta-sitosterol, which may account for the stimulant effect on the sexual organs..
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