Damiana is also known as hierba de la pastora. It is herb that belongs to the Turneraceae plant family. The damiana originates from Central and South America. It grows as high as 2 – 6 feet. It is characterized by its olive green serrated leaves and vibrant yellow flowers. It is considered that the leaves damiana are the most important part of this plant, due to their various homeopathic uses, such as for anxiety and as a tincture for the nervous system disorders.
There are many studies in which are shown that the leaves of damiana have different compounds, like tannins, alkaloids and flavonoids, which are explaining how this herb can positively affect the human body. It is known for its nerve – tonic, aphrodisiac and stimulant properties. Also, in some studies are shown that the damiana can be used as a potential stress aid for people who suffer from depression and anxiety. It is famous for its aphrodisiac properties, which is a reason why one of its scientific names specifically focuses on this characteristic.
Generally, damiana is safe, but the high consumption of it can make serious adverse reactions, like convulsions and symptoms similar to rabies or strychnine poisoning after taking 200 g of damiana extract. Also, this plant can lower the blood sugar, so people who suffer from diabetes need to take it with caution. it can cause a problem during surgery, so you should not take it two weeks prior the surgery. Also, pregnant and breastfeeding women need to avoid it, because the safety of this natural cure is not sure for them.
You can find it in liquid extracts, capsule form, as tea, as well as in supplement form. The damiana tea has a bitter taste and many people find it as unpleasant. You can mix this tea, with other herbal teas, like blackberry or ginger tea. Here are some health benefits of damiana:
Damiana help in eases urinary tract infections
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It has both antiseptic and diuretic properties, which can help to combat the urinary tract infections, like cystitis and urethritis. Also, it has arbutin, which is transformed into hydroquinone in the body. This component acts as antiseptic in the body.
May help improve metabolism and digestion
This plant has tonic properties, which are acting as an appetite – stimulant agent. This can help to improve the digestion, so you can add the damiana in your diet.
Regulates menstruation
There are many studies in which are recommended that damiana can help to ease the delayed menstruation, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea. Also, it can help with the usual symptoms which accompany menstruation, such as headaches and acne breakouts.
Damiana help ease mild depression and anxiety
this is not the first home remedy which people are using for the treatment of depression and anxiety. But, there are some studies in which are shown that it can help to improve the emotional state of people that are affected by this condition. In one study done in 2008, was found that the damiana has high levels of apigenin, which is a compound that can help to reduce the anxiety.
Helps inhibit stress and anxiety
The damina plant is functioning as a nervous – system relaxant, which can help to improve the nervous system function. You can use this natural cure as a tonic to restore the nervous system, mostly due to its thymol content, which has both restorative and antiseptic properties.
Helps in weight loss
There are some studies in which are shown that the damiana can be used as home remedy for the weight loss in people who are overweight. Also, it has appetite – suppressant properties, which mean that you will not eat a lot, so you can easily lose those extra pounds.
Improved sexual function
This is well – known for its stimulant and aphrodisiac properties. This home remedy is not just good for men, but it is good for women too. There are some studies in which are found that herbal preparation containing damiana has helped to improve the overall satisfaction of women with their sexual life.
