Damiana

Turnera aphrodisiaca

Damiana affects primarily the urinary and reproductive systems and has an ancient reputation as an aphrodisiac.  It has been used to boost sexual potency by the native peoples of Mexico for thousands of years.
Native Brazilians used Damiana and there is early documentation of it’s use by the Mayan people.  It is said to act as a sexual stimulant and produce a feeling of general well being.

In the past 100 years, Damiana has shifted from being primarily a male sexual remedy to also being prescribed for women.  Women seemingly report an increase in sexual satisfaction and Damiana is also used to treat menopausal disorders, painful menstruation and headaches associated with menstruation.

Today both men and women may use Damiana to relieve anxiety, nervousness and mild depression, particularly if these symptoms have a sexual component.

The herb is also used as a general tonic to improve wellness and regulate hormonal activity. 
It has been used traditionally to improve digestion and to treat constipation, as in larger doses it has a mild laxative effect.

During the 1960s, Damiana was touted as a recreational drug.  Some users claimed that Damiana produced a mild ‘high’ or hallucinogenic effect similar to that of marijuana.

Despite its long history and frequent use in many different cultures, scientists have been unable to isolate any active ingredients that would account for Damiana's aphrodisiac and stimulant properties.  The herb contains a volatile oil that may mildly irritate the genitourinary system.  This volatile oil may be at the root of Damiana's reputation as an aphrodisiac.

In Italy in 1999 Arletti et al conducted a study on rats.  They found that extracts of Damiana had no effect on sexually potent rats, but did increase the performance of sexually sluggish or impotent rats.  There have been no clinical trials involving humans.

In the British herbal pharmacpoeia, Damiana is described as an ‘ Aphrodisiac and anti-depressant. Indicated for depression and coital inadequacy.’

The German Federal Health Agency's Commission E found no proof that Damiana acts as a sexual stimulant.  On the other hand, they also found no proof that Damiana was likely to cause harm.

Cautions and Contra-indications.

Scientific evidence indicates that Damiana is one of the safest substances commonly taken for sexual enhancement.  It has a long history of traditional medicinal and food use with no harmful consequences reported.  It is believed to be unlikely to cause harm or have negative side effects when taken in the designated doses.

Large doses of Damiana may cause loose stools of the herb's laxative properties.