Damiana Plants

Characteristics

• Considered a shrub, the damiana plant possesses strong aromatic properties, according to the Monterey Bay Spice Company website. The damiana plant grows to a height of approximately 6 feet and thrives in hot, humid climates. Possessing green leaves, the damiana shrub produces little yellow flowers in the summer. Harvesting the leaves for herbal purposes is usually performed in the summer when the plant is blooming.

Properties

• Herbalists produce infusions or teas and capsules from the damiana leaves, according to the Tropical Plant Database website. Typical daily doses include 2 to 3 cups of tea, 2 to 4 milliliters of liquid extract or 3 to 4 grams in capsule format. Damiana's medicinal actions include an aphrodisiac, central nervous system depressant, antidepressant and anti-anxiety. Other medicinal actions include it being used as a tonic that balances, tones and strengthens overall body functions. Main uses of the damiana leaves, in either tea form or capsules, include the treatment of erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia or the absence of an orgasm during sex. Other uses include balancing hormone levels and for colic, nervous stomach or dyspepsia. Herbalists recommend the use of damiana to alleviate mood disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder, paranoia, hypochondria and neurosis.

Side Effects

• Due to usage as an abortive, damiana is contraindicated for pregnant women, according to the Tropical Plant Database website. Demonstrating mild hypoglycemic effects, use by persons with hypoglycemia and diabetes is cautioned. Damiana use reduces absorption of iron in some instances. As with all medications, consultation with a physician or professional health practitioner is advised.