Damiana

Damiana, scientifically called Turnera aphrodisiaca, is an herb known for its aphrodisiac properties, as its scientific name implies. Historically its roots are traced back to use by the Mayans and other natives of Mexico for thousands of years. It is usually consumed in the form of a tea and is fairly popular herb found in herbal teas in many supermarkets.

Damiana is known for two properties both attributed to a unique substance called damianin. The first common property of damianin is relaxation specifically focused on the central nervous system. This relaxation effect is fairly obvious, if you consume enough damianin. In fact this is one of the herbs commonly used in legal forms of “marijuana.” It is also the main reason why it is used in many herbal teas.

The second property of damiana is its undeniable aphrodisiac effects. Many male enhancement products include damiana in their formulas despite the lack of human clinical trials of this herb. There are a few clinical studies done on mice and the effects of damiana. Those studies concluded that sexual behavior was increased in mice when damiana was added to the diet, although little to no change was noticed in mice that had already been sexually active. There is a question as to why damiana has not been studied on humans as clinics do recommend damiana for sexual health problems. Male enhancement products report that damiana had the ability to enhance stamina, sexual desire and even increased pleasure from orgasm, however pending a formal study on damiana these effects remain hearsay.

Although a formal study has been yet to be done on damiana, clinics that recommend it to their clients claim no side effects. We say that this is likely true, especially if consumed as a tea, however damiana extract should be consumed with food; otherwise those with sensitive digestive systems are likely to experience an upset stomach.