Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a type of low shrub with yellow flowers that originates from Mexico and Central America. The leaves of this plant have been used for centuries in traditional medicine of ancient people from Mexico, including the ancient Maya as a natural aphrodisiac, antidepressant, antiseptic, diuretic, against impotence and menstrual pain.
It contains many bioactive compounds: flavonoids, resins, tannin, damianin, essential oils, traces of phosphorus and etc. which stimulates numerous biological processes.
Damiana leaf is available in various forms, including capsules, liquid extract and herbal tea. Taken singly or in formulation with other herbs, it offers a number of benefits.
Powerful Aphrodisiac
Of all the known beneficial effects, the ability of this herb to strengthen and to stimulate the sexual function in men and women caused great interest among scientists worldwide. This herb is traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac. Modern research supports this use as well. It is shown to increase sperm count in males and the strength of eggs in females, help with erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia.
The leaf of damiana stimulates sexual energy in men and women in a natural way. This herb is an energy tonic that enhances libido and improves blood circulation in the penis, which is why it is recommended for men as healthy herbal substitute for Viagra, which does not cause any harmful side effects. It also increases women’s sexual power and pleasure and at the same time maintains the health of the female reproductive system.
Treats Stomach ulcers
Damiana has also been used to treat a number of gastric complaints including peptic ulcers. Its effect is likely due to the plant’s arbutin content and a study published in 2012 set out to evaluate its ability to treat two types of ulcer. The researchers concluded that Damiana possessed anti-ulcer activity which they attributed to the anti-oxidant effects of arbutin.
Aids in Weight loss
Like so many other herbal teas, there are claims that Damiana can help those of us that need to shed a few pounds or at least bring our weight under control. Some people suggest that it works as a mild laxative by loosening the stools and cleansing the system but there is some evidence that it is more effective when combined with other plants.
A Danish study published in 2001 combined Damiana with yerbe mate and guarana and discovered that this combination of herbs produced a thermogenic effect and also suppressed the appetite. The study examined the effect of this combination on 47 overweight patients to determine its weight loss effect at 10 days, 45 days and 12 months.
The patients who were given the combination of herbs in capsule form before their main meal lost significantly more weight than the placebo group for the first 45 days. The researchers concluded that the combination supplement significantly delayed gastric emptying which resulted in patients feeling full faster.
Medical Application of Damiana
This herb is traditionally used to treat many different conditions such as muscular dystrophy, emphysema, low estrogen levels, frigidity, impotence, infertility, menopause, Parkinson’s disease, PMS, depression, inflammation of the prostate. It is also used for:
- The leaf of damiana stimulates sexual energy in men and women in a natural way;
- Maintains the health of the female reproductive system, has aphrodisiac and diuretic effect;
- It is also used to eliminate the psycho-physical fatigue and has a balancing effect on the hormones, that is why it is recommended for the treatment of PMS and menopause at women in the reproductive period;
- It is also used to treat infertility in men (improves spermatogenesis) and women (stimulates ovulation) and improves the reproductive ability, mood and vitality of the body.
Via: HerbalSupplementResource | HealthyFocus
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