Damiana Purchase & Information
Alternative Names
Damiane, Damiana Aphrodisiaca, Feuille de Damiane, Feuille de Damiana, Houx Mexicain, Herba de la Pastora, Mizibcoc, Mexican Damiana, Oreganillo, Old Woman's Broom, Turnerae Diffusae Folium, Turnerae Diffusae Herba, Thé Bourrique
Scientific Name
Turnera Diffusa
Why Do People Use Damiana?
Damiana powder is mostly used orally. Following diseases or conditions are treated with Turnera diffusa (Damiana):
• Damiana is used for the treatment of common headaches.
• Traditionally, damiana powder is used for the treatment of bedwetting.
• Turnera diffusa is also used for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses including depression.
• It is also used as a cure for nervous dyspepsia.
• Damiana is believed to help with a number of gut complications including constipation.
• Damiana powder is very popular for the treatment of sexual disturbances.
• Turnera diffusa is also used for stimulating and strengthening exertion (overwork).
• It is generally used as a tonic to boost mental and physical functions of the body.
• It is also believed to function as an aphrodisiac.
By inhalation, damiana is sometimes used for a subtle “high”
Is It Safe To Use?
Likely Safe - Damiana powder is likely safe to use as long as it is used orally in a dose commonly found in different food items. Turnera diffusa leaves are Generally Recognized as Safe Status (GRAS) for use in food items in the United States.
Possibly Safe - Damiana powder is safe to use when its oral preparations are used in an appropriate manner, in a dose equivalent to medicinal amounts.
Pregnancy & Lactation - There is lack of sufficient reliable information to declare Turnera diffusa safe for use during pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, females who are either pregnant or are lactating should consume this herb with caution.
How Effective Is Damiana?
There is lack of authentic information to rate the effectiveness of damiana powder. More research is warranted in this regard.
How Damiana Works?
Leaf and stem make up the applicable parts of damiana. Damiana powder contains as much as 35 active ingredients. These ingredients include terpenoids, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids and saccharides. Other active constituents of Turnera diffusa include arbutin, luteolin 8-C-E-propenoic acid, triacontane, hydroquinone glycosides, beta-sitosterol, resins, hexacosanol, tannins, 5-hydroxy-7, 3, 4-trimethoxyflavone and others.
The essential oil derived from damiana contains several active ingredients including limonene, caryophyllene, elemene, alpha and beta-pinene, cadinene, 1, 8-cineol and others. The results of studies conducted on animals have shown that damiana powder can suppress the activity of central nervous system (CNS). Moreover, results of laboratory investigations have unveiled the antibacterial potential of Turnera diffusa powder. In addition, damiana, in the form of leaves or damiana powder, is used to stimulate sexual activities and as an aphrodisiac. The results of some laboratory investigations have shown that Turnera diffusa leaf extracts can improve sexual motivation, sexual performance, and can help in the achievement of ejaculation in impotent rats. However, these effects of damiana have not been proven in any human investigations.
What Are The Side Effects /Adverse Reactions of Damiana?
There have been some reports where consumption of damiana powder has been linked with the development of serious adverse effects. It has been observed that consuming as much as 200 grams of Turnera diffusa extracts can trigger convulsions similar to those present in tetanus. It can also trigger paroxysms similar to poisoning due to strychnine or rabies.
How Damiana Interacts With Other Herbs and Supplements?
There is little authentic information to explain the interaction of damiana powder with different herbs and supplements.
How Damiana Interacts With Drugs?
Following is how damiana powder interacts with drugs:
Antidiabetic drugs this is a moderate interaction of Turnera diffusa with antidiabetic drugs. Caution must be observed while consuming this combination. Damiana can lower the level of glucose in blood. This may accentuate the effect of antidiabetic drugs and may lead to hypoglycemia.
How Damiana Interacts With Foods?
There is lack of reliable information regarding the interaction of Turnera diffusa with different food items.
How Damiana Interacts With Lab Tests?
There is no known interaction of damiana powder with different lab tests.
How Damiana Interacts With Diseases and Conditions?
Turnera diffusa has known interactions with following diseases or conditions:
Diabetes - Damiana can lower the level of glucose in the blood. Therefore, diabetic patients should consult with their health care provider before using this herb.
Surgery - As mentioned before, damiana powder has shown a potential to decrease the level of blood glucose. This ability of damiana may make it difficult to manage the level of blood glucose during or after any surgical procedure. Therefore, patients that have to undergo some major surgery should be asked at least 2 weeks before the surgical procedure to discontinue the use of damiana powder.
What Should Be the Dose/Administration of Damiana?
The oral dose of damiana comprises of 2-4 grams of dried leaves, or one cup of tea. Tea is made by adding 2-4 grams of these leaves in 150 ml of boiling water and heating it for 5-10 minutes. These preparations are used as many as three times a day. 2-4 ml of damiana liquid extract has also been used.
Comments
Damiana is a wild shrub that originates from West Indies, Mexico and Central America. It is very popularly used as an aphrodisiac. Damiana powder is also easily available.
General Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Specification sheet links below are a standard copy of the COA less the batch or lot number and manufactures dates. Specification sheet can be dated and should only be considered as a general information. Please contact and request an up to date COA if needed for specific updated information before placing order by filling out the contact form with product name and SKU number. If ordering quantities of twenty five kilos or more contact for availability.
