Damiana's therapeutic uses
Damiana, a herb native to Mexico, is primarily recognized for its proposed use as an aphrodisiac aimed at enhancing male sexual capacity. Historically, it has been cited in herbal literature as a tonic that may strengthen the body overall. Beyond its reputation as a male sexual enhancer, damiana is sometimes suggested for a variety of health concerns, including asthma, respiratory diseases, depression, digestive issues, menstrual disorders, and forms of sexual dysfunction such as impotence and difficulty achieving orgasm in women. The therapeutic dosage typically recommended ranges from 2 to 4 grams taken two to three times a day.
Despite its long history of use, scientific validation of these claims remains limited, with no conclusive trials confirming damiana's effectiveness for most of these conditions. While damiana is regarded as safe at recommended doses and is included on the US Food and Drug Administration's GRAS list, there are potential safety concerns with excessive use, particularly due to the presence of low levels of cyanide-like compounds. As a result, its safety in children, pregnant or nursing women, and individuals with severe liver or kidney issues has not been established. Overall, those considering damiana for therapeutic purposes are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals due to the need for further research to substantiate its health benefits.
Damiana's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Increase male sexual capacity
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Asthma, depression, difficulty achieving orgasm in women, digestive problems, impotence in men, menstrual disorders, respiratory diseases, anxiety
Overview
The herb damiana has been used in Mexico for some time as a male aphrodisiac. Classic herbal literature of the nineteenth century describes it as a tonic, or general body strengthener.
Therapeutic Dosages
The proper dosage of damiana is 2 to 4 grams, taken two to three times daily, or as directed on the label.
Therapeutic Uses
Damiana continues to be a popular aphrodisiac for males. However, if it does work, the effect is rather mild. No scientific trials have been reported.
Damiana is also sometimes said to help treat asthma and other respiratory diseases, depression, digestive problems, menstrual disorders, and various forms of sexual dysfunction, such as impotence in men and inability to achieve orgasm in women. Throughout its centuries-long use, damiana has also been used to treat anemia, pain, and skin conditions. However, there is no real evidence that it works for any of these conditions and high-quality human studies are needed to confirm any perceived health benefits.
Like the herb uva ursi, damiana contains arbutin, although at a concentration about ten 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.
Myriad other uses for damiana have been explored, including balancing mood, lessening anxiety, relieving headaches, preventing bed-wetting, and offering diabetes support. Only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can determine whether a substance can effectively treat a medical condition, and none of note have been performed on damiana.
Safety Issues
Damiana appears to be safe at the recommended dosages. It appears on the US Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list and is widely used as a food flavoring. The only common side effect of damiana is occasional mild gastrointestinal distress. 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.
Bibliography
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