Difference between revisions of "Damiana"

Revision as of 04:39, 31 December 2019

Turnera diffusa

Other Names: Damiana Aphrodisiaca, Damiana Herb, Damiana Leaf, Damiane, Feuille de Damiana, Feuille de Damiane, Herba de la Pastora, Houx Mexicain, Mexican Damiana, Mizibcoc, Old Woman's Broom, Oreganillo, Rosemary, Thé Bourrique, Turnera diffusa, Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca, Turnerae Diffusae Folium, Turnerae diffusae herba, Turnera microphyllia.
Damiana is a wild shrub that grows in Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. The leaf and stem are used to make medicine. Historically, it was used mostly to increase sexual desire (as an aphrodisiac). Damiana is also an ingredient in a traditional Mexican liqueur, which is sometimes used in lieu of triple sec in margaritas. If you are wondering why this essential oil is so costly here's the reasons we were given. The distiller pays hefty permit fees just to be able to use the raw botanical because the majority is destined as an ingredient in a Mexican liqueur that takes precedence over essential oil production. Finally, after the essential oil is distilled taxes and export permits add to the overall cost. Should you see Damiana essential oil offered for a cheap price, chances are it is an imitation, a tincture, or maceration and not 100% pure essential oil.

Special Precautions of Damiana

• There have been serious side effects. Convulsions and other symptoms similar to rabies or strychnine poisoning have been reported after taking 200 grams of damiana extract.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use in pregnancy because of the way that it alters your hormones please don't take the risk of using damiana during pregnancy. There is a risk for miscarriage. Likewise, do not use if you are breast feeding, as there is a chemical consituent present that can pass on cyanide poisoning to your infant.
• Diabetes : Damiana might affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia ) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use damiana.
• Although rare, allergic reactions to damiana may occur. Stop taking damiana and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face or hives.
• Damiana essential oil should be avoided for anyone with schizophrenia, bipolar or manic depression. Mild halucinations can become as extreme as feeling manic can all be examples of effects from overuse.
• Surgery: Since damiana seems to affect blood glucose levels, there is a concern that it might interfere with blood glucose control during and after surgery. Stop using damiana at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
• Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with DAMIANA
• Anaemia is also contraindicated as research has shown that iron absorbtion can be affected.

Health Benefits and Uses of Damiana

Damiana was used by the Aztecs for impotency and Mexican women were also known to use the fragrant leaves in a tea to stimulate love making. The Damiana plant is so important that it has been classified in Mexico as a “national treasure” and now a prohibited export as a live plant.

• Headaches.
• Bedwetting.
• Depression : Damiana essential oil brings about feeling of happiness, almost euphoric, which of course is very conducive to seduction.
• Mood disorders : especially ones where there is a strong nervous element, namely: Hypochondria, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Neurosis, Paranoia.
• Nervous upset stomach.
• Constipation.
• Sexual problems : Impotence, frigidity, reduced libido all are helped by damiana. This burst of energy combined with the way that the damiana works on the emotions is said to even be able to help some women to be able to reach orgasm. Research indicates Damiana can increase the flow of oxygen to genital areas.
• Boosting mental and physical stamina.
• It also raises testosterone in men so apart from impotence, it has also reported to be of help to premature ejaculation.
• Further research of Damiana herb revealed an increase in neurotransmitter production including serotonin and dopamine and is reliable in reducing pain, easing anxiety, soothing digestive troubles, and increasing pleasure.
• Aromatherapy : antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-asthmatic, anti-anxiety, aphrodisiac, astringent, depression, diuretic, emmenagogue, exhaustion, headache, impotence, immune stimulant, nervine, nervous system tonic, PMS, reproductive system tonic, sexual dysfunction