Damiana Plant Benefits

Damiana, a small shrub native to Mexico and Central and South America, has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries. Its use dates back to the Mayan civilization, where it was used as an aphrodisiac to heighten sexual desire. Today, damiana is still used as an herbal remedy for a range of health concerns. In this article, we’ll explore the five main benefits of damiana plant and answer some frequently asked questions about it.

Damiana Plant Benefits

May Help With Anxiety and Stress

Studies suggest that damiana may help reduce anxiety and stress. One study found that a combination of damiana and passionflower extract reduced symptoms of stress in rats compared to a control group. Another study found that damiana extract reduced anxiety-like behavior in mice.

May Help With Sexual Health

Damiana is often used as an aphrodisiac to help increase libido and improve sexual performance. A study found that taking damiana daily for 2 weeks increased sexual desire in healthy women aged 20–49 years old. Another study found that taking damiana daily improved sexual performance in men with erectile dysfunction.

May Help With Digestion

Damiana is known to help with digestion. It has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues, including constipation, indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). One study found that taking damiana extract significantly improved symptoms of IBS compared to a placebo.

May Help With Menstrual Pain

Traditionally, damiana has been used to ease menstrual cramps and pain. A study found that taking a combination of damiana, passionflower, valerian, skullcap, and hops significantly reduced menstrual cramps compared to a placebo.

May Have Antioxidant Properties

Damiana contains antioxidants which can help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules which can cause oxidative stress in the body and lead to diseases such as cancer and heart disease. A study found that taking damiana extract had antioxidant effects on cells and reduced oxidative stress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Damiana Plants

What Are the Side Effects Of Damiana?

Generally, damiana is considered safe when taken by mouth in appropriate amounts for limited periods of time. However, it may cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, and insomnia in some people.

Is Damiana Safe To Take With Other Medications?

It is best to talk to your doctor before taking damiana if you are taking any medications or have any health conditions. Some medications and supplements may interact with damiana and cause dangerous side effects or decrease its effectiveness.

How Much Damiana Should I Take?

The amount of damiana you should take will depend on your age, health condition, and the form of supplement you are taking. Generally, it is recommended to start with a lower dose (200-400mg per day) and gradually increase as tolerated. Speak with your doctor first before taking any kind of supplement.

Where Can I Buy Damiana?

Damiana supplements are widely available in health food stores or online retailers such as Amazon or iHerb. You can also buy dried leaves or tinctures from some herb stores or online retailers such as Mountain Rose Herbs or Starwest Botanicals.

Can I Make Tea With Damiana?

Yes. To make a cup of damiana tea, add 1 teaspoon of dried leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 10 minutes then strain the leaves before drinking. You can sweeten the tea with honey if desired.

Conclusion

Damiana has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for a variety of health conditions such as anxiety and stress, sexual health, digestion issues, menstrual pain, and more. It may also have antioxidant properties which may help protect against damage caused by free radicals in the body. When taken by mouth in appropriate amounts for limited periods of time, damiana is generally safe though it may cause some side effects in some people. Before taking any kind of supplement or herbal remedy it’s best to consult your doctor first for advice on dosage and safety precautions.