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DAMIANA

Latin name: Turnera diffusa (Turneraceae [damiana] family)

GENERAL DESCRITPION:

Damiana is an aromatic shrub of the hot and humid reaches of Texas, Mexico, Central America, and Namibia. Growing to a height of six feet (two meters), it bears upward-growing stems with pale, smooth, green leaves and small, yellow flowers. The leaves are harvested for medicinal use in summer, when the plant is in flower.

EVIDENCE OF BENEFIT

Damiana has been associated with improved sexual function for both men and women. It contains elements that directly stimulate the nerves, genitals, blood circulation, and metabolism. It has been reported to give a mild narcotic “high” that lasts for about an hour. Longer use of damiana increases its potency and helps to regulate sex hormones in women.

Damiana is used to treat sexual trauma, lack of sexual desire and pleasure, and impotence. However, it must be used consistently for several weeks before an effect is notice. It acts to clear the kidneys, help with digestion, relieve constipation, clear coughs, and help control bed-wetting.

Damiana is a stimulating nerve tonic used for debility, depression, and lethargy. It is used in Germany for its tonic action on the hormonal and central nervous systems.

Benefits of damiana for specific health conditions include the following:

• Impotency, menopause-related problems, and reduced sex drive. Damiana has been used as an aphrodisiac since the time of the Mayans. A clinical study involving 1,000 men in the United States and Europe indicated that the herb could relieve erectile failure in attempts at repeated intercourse after orgasm. A combination of damiana and muira puama is associated with an increased frequency of intercourse, morning erections, and stability of the erection during intercourse. In women, in addition to anecdotal reports of increased sex drive, damiana helps reduce hot flashes.
  

• Urinary tract infections. Damiana has been used to treat urinary infections such as cystitis due to its arbutin content. In the body, arbutin is converted into hydroquinone, a strong urinary antiseptic.
  

(Source: Prescription for Herbal Healing, Copyright 2002, Phyllis A. Balch.)

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