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Damiana

Damiana is a wild bush that grows in Mexico and Central and South America and is traditionally used to stimulate the sex drive.

What is damiana used for?

There is limited evidence that damiana may affect sex drive in animals. Damiana was found to help rats that were impotent in one study. However, damiana had no effect on healthy rats. There have been no human studies with damiana to date. Other animal studies have found that damiana can relieve anxiety and lower blood sugar levels. Laboratory studies have shown that damiana may fight bacteria. A small study found that mixing damiana with other supplements - yerba mate and guarana - could help with fat loss. However, more research is needed to prove this.

As most of these studies have been conducted on animals or in test tubes, it is not really known whether taking damiana in humans will have the desired effect. In traditional medicine, damiana is used as a stimulant and to treat menstrual problems, constipation and kidney disease. However, there is no scientific data to support these types of use. In the sixties, some people used damiana as a party drug. It was said to cause a high comparable to marijuana. It is not clear whether damiana really has such an effect.

Recommended dosage

There is no standard dosage for damiana, so you should follow the instructions on the label or ask your doctor.

Can you take damiana naturally with food?

Many people take damiana in the form of tea. In Mexico, damiana is used as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages and food.

Risks and side effects

  • Side effects: Damiana is generally considered safe, but it can cause diarrhea, headaches, insomnia and hallucinations. Very high doses - 200 grams of damiana extract - can cause convulsions.
  • Risks: Damiana should not be taken if you suffer from diabetes, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease or breast cancer. It is not known whether damiana is safe for children or pregnant and breastfeeding women.
  • Interactions: If you are taking medication, you should consult your doctor before using damiana. Since damiana can affect blood sugar levels, it may interact with diabetes medications.