The herb damiana has been used in Mexico for some time as a male
aphrodisiac.
1
Classic herbal literature of the nineteenth century
describes it as a "tonic," or general body strengthener.
What Is Damiana Used for Today?
Damiana continues to be a popular aphrodisiac for males. However, if it works at all, the effect appears to be rather mild. No scientific trials have been reported.
Damiana is also sometimes said to be helpful for treating
asthma
and other respiratory diseases,
depression
, digestive problems, menstrual disorders, and various forms of
sexual dysfunction
—for example,
impotence
in men and inability to achieve orgasm in women.
2,3
However, again there is no real evidence that it works for any of these conditions.
Like the herb
uva ursi
, damiana contains arbutin, although at a concentration about 10 times lower. Arbutin is a urinary antiseptic, but the levels present in damiana are probably too small to make this herb a useful treatment for
bladder infections
.
The proper dosage of damiana is 2 to 4 g taken 2 to 3 times daily, or as
directed on the label.
Safety Issues
Damiana appears to be safe at the recommended dosages. It appears on the FDA's GRAS (generally recognized
as safe) list and is widely used as a food flavoring. However, because damiana
contains low levels of cyanide-like compounds, excessive doses may be dangerous.
Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver
or kidney disease is not established. The only common side effect of damiana is
occasional mild gastrointestinal distress.
References
1:
Willard T.
The Wild Rose Scientific Herbal
. Calgary, Canada: Wild Rose College of Natural Healing Ltd; 1991:104–105.
2:
Duke JA.
CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs
. Boca Raton, Fla: CRC Press; 1985:492.
3:
Newall C, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD.
Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals
. London, England: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996:94.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
