This article explores the health benefits, dosage, and risks associated with damiana leaf. Keep reading. Damiana leaf tea is said to relieve mild depression, weakness, anxiety, fever, cough, skin disorders, dyspepsia, digestion, and hangover. Above all, it stimulates metabolism, menstruation, and sexual drive (1), (2). The leaves are also smoked for a narcotic effect, similar to marijuana. Damiana leaf has potent antinociceptive (pain-relieving) properties (2). Due to the powerful phytochemicals it contains, this leaf may help to heal a variety of ailments. Take a look.
What Are The Benefits Of Damiana Leaf?
1. Aphrodisiac: Improves Libido, Sexual Health, And Potency
A few rat studies demonstrated the positive effect of damiana on sexual performance. It was found that 80 mg/kg dose of damiana extract increased the number of males resuming a second ejaculatory series right after finishing the first one. The interval between the two rounds also reduced (3). Homeopathy recommends the use of damiana with zinc phosphide, arsenious acid, and cocaine in medicinal dosages to cure erectile dysfunction (4). Folklore has it that damiana leaf might treat spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, and several prostate complaints (5). Also, damiana leaf can boost sexual desire, stimulate arousal, and increase sexual drive/pleasure in women (6). This effect might involve the nitric oxide (NO) pathway. Regulating nitric oxide levels in the body has been shown to improve sex life in rats (7).
2. Anxiolytic: Controls Anxiety, Depression, And Nervousness
Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of damiana, also known as tinctures, have potent anti-anxiety properties. These formulations relieve depression and nervousness and improve blood circulation in men and women.
Damiana acts as an emmenagogue. This herbal extract can stimulate menstruation. It can relieve headaches, cramps, and other stresses caused due to menstruation and menopause (5). In Mexico, damiana is used to flavor teas, liquors, beverages, and many local foods (5).
It may also give a transient ‘high’ and hallucinations similar to marijuana while acting as a stimulant (5). Phytochemicals including flavonoids, alkaloids, and steroids are behind this property (8). Apigenin, one such flavonoid in the leaves of this plant, has a notable anxiolytic effect (9). All thanks to its biochemical composition, damiana leaf (predominantly, Turnera aphrodisiaca) can help address CNS disorders – in traditional medicine and as per The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (8).
3. Digestive And Anti-diabetic: Aids Digestion And Glycemic Control
Damiana plant is an excellent digestive aid. It has been used in digestive and weight loss formulations in folk and new-age medicine. These herbs trigger the secretion of gastric and bile juices (5), (10). The extract also has mild laxative effects. Damiana, in small doses, can stimulate the bowel movement and prevent spasms due to constipation (5). A capsule with yerba mate, guarana, and damiana leaves caused a delay in gastric emptying and increasing the time to feel gastric fullness. A 45-day course of this capsule brought about weight loss in overweight patients (11). What makes these wild leaves exceptionally beneficial for your sexual and digestive health? Check out the next section to find out.
What Are The Active Components Of Damiana Leaf?
Both the species of damiana have an abundance of flavonoids, hydrocarbons, alkaloids, oils, terpenes, etc. Tetraphyllin B, gonzalitosin I, caffeine, arbutin, damianin, tricosan-2-one, and hexacosanol are identified in the plant (12). The leaf contains up to 1% volatile oil rich in cineole, cymene, 𝛼- and ß-pinene, thymol, 𝛼-copaene, and calamene (12). Wondering how to and how much you should take? Keep reading!
How (Much) Do You Take Damiana Leaf?
Generally, damiana leaves are brewed to make slightly bitter and mild tea or infusion. And how do you make it? In three simple steps! Here you go! Step 1: Boil 1 cup (250 ml) water. Step 2: Add ½ cup (1 g) of dried damiana leaves. Step 3: Let it steep for 15 minutes. That’s it! Drink this infusion 2-3 times a day. Alternatively, you can try taking 1-3 ml of damiana tincture, two to three times a day. If you wish to try the capsules or tablets, 3-8 g, twice a day, is a safe dosage. You don’t have to worry about side effects (if used within the dosages provided) because there are none documented till date. This is also why the US FDA has approved the usage of damiana in foods (5). However, we recommend you to keep the following points in mind before trying damiana.
Are There Any Precautions Or Risks Associated With Damiana Leaf?
Scientific literature and research claim that damiana and its leaves are one of the safest supplements for enhancing sexual performance (5). There are almost no or minimal side effects reported against damiana. There are also no proven drug interactions with this herb (5). In case of an overdose, you might pass loose stools because of the herb’s laxative effect (5). Can you take ashwagandha and damiana together? If you are pregnant or planning on conception, stay away from damiana because it is a potent emmenagogue. Damiana can induce menstruation in women. It might result in abortion or a stillborn if you did not refrain from the supplementation. Please consult your doctor about taking this herbal medicine in any case. Learn from the infographic below more about the damiana leaf, how you can grow the shrub at home, and how you can use it to make the most of its benefits. Yes, ashwagandha can be taken with damiana. The two work as aphrodisiacs and improve libido. Are damiana and rosemary the same? No, damiana and rosemary are not the same. While rosemary is a fragrant herb, damiana is a medicinal shrub.
