DAMIANA - From aphrodisiac to anti-depressant, diuretic to laxative, Damiana does it all…

the Passifloraceae family of flowering plants. It is a native shrub of Mexico, Central and South America, the Carribbean and regions of southern California and southwestern Texas. It grows wild in the inherently hot and humid climates of these areas and blooms in the summer, when cultivators harvest the leaves.
 
Damiana is believed to be an aphrodisiac as well as a mood enhancer. The aromatic herb is said to calm performance anxiety and quell agitation. It’s alleged to be particularly beneficial to men who suffer from erectile dysfunction that is caused by anxiety attacks, depression, mood swings, and other psychological factors. It is taken to boost a low sex drive, as well. Supporting this action is the fact that the extract from damiana and its two isolated compounds - pinocembrin and acacetin - significantly suppress estrogen synthesis, thus preventing testosterone depletion.
 
Dating back to ancient Mayan civilization, the damiana herb was recognized as a traditional aphrodisiac. Its tonic property is the product of the chemical constituent thymol, a compound that has an antiseptic and tonic effect on the body. Today, in what is now Central America, the herb is still commonly used in such capacities. It’s not unusual for it to be taken as a sex enhancer or an herbal tonic. It is prized for the stimulation it induces, and is even used to treat depression (usually in synergy with other herbs). It acts on the human nervous system as a restorative agent. Its effects are thylomeptic; they favorably modify mood. It is also said to revitalize the psyches of those suffering from prolonged nervous exhaustion.
 
When one has endured long-term stress combined with anxiety and depression, the herbal remedies containing damiana are considered ideal. They can restore mental balance, calm nerves and stimulate mood. As a natural nerve tonic, damiana uplifts the spirit, and is especially appreciated by those who let themselves become overly worried and are prone to negativity.
 
Primarily, damiana is associated with male disorders, as it has a profound testosterogenic action and is often used to treat conditions such as premature ejaculation and impotence. Still, both sexes may actually benefit from the herb, as it can restore optimal health of male and female reproductive organs. Women may even find relief from painful periods and menstruation-related headaches.
 
The aforementioned antiseptic action also comes into play when damiana is utilized as a diuretic. Damiana is often used to treat urinary infections such as cystitis and urethritis. It’s the chemically converted compound called hydroquinone that allows it to alleviate painful symptoms by working internally along the urinary tract. As a laxative, damiana provides mild relief from chronic constipation.
 
A pungently aromatic herb with a bitter taste, damiana’s leaves are used in a variety of methods; as an herbal tea; smoked like tobacco; chewed like gum; prepared in tinctures. Apparently, any method may promote the affiliated feelings of ease. Its potency can be geared toward specific dysfunctions when found in any number of popular remedies, such as the Botanical Solution for Erectile Dysfunction and the Jurassic Elixir of Life.
 
And of course, damiana has recently achieved a level of infamy as a drug akin to marijuana. It stirred controversy because it’s become readily available, often marketed as incense and sold in tobacco shops. Though the ‘high’ is said not to be as strong as that of its illegal counterpart, it is supposed to provide mild euphoria as well as relief from headaches.
 
Whichever ailment mentioned here one might have, damiana has a centuries-long track record for treating them, and that’s pretty impressive. Whenever possible, it would always be preferable to put trust in a proven natural herb before ingesting the latest pharmaceutical pill.