Damiana: what is it for and how to prepare it

La damiana is a medicinal plant also known as hierba del venado, which is used mainly as a sexual stimulant, as it has aphrodisiac properties, being able to increase sexual desire. In addition, this plant can be used to help in the treatment of digestive problems and those related to the menstrual cycle, for example.

The scientific name of damiana is turnera diffuse You can buy them in pharmacies and in some stores of natural products. It is important that its use is carried out under medical or phytotherapist guidance, as studies are needed to indicate a sufficient dose for the plant to have benefits and no secondary effects.

what is it for

La damiana is a very medicinal plant used mainly for its aphrodisiac properties, being able to increase the sexual appetite and help in the treatment of male impotence, for example. In addition to its aphrodisiac properties, damiana also has antibacterial, astringent, emollient, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, tonic, purgative, antidepressant and stimulant action. Asimismo, damiana can be used to help in the treatment of:

• bronchitiswhich has an expectorant action, helping to relieve them;
• digestive problemsis able to improve digestion, helping to prevent stress;
• Rheumatismwhich has anti-inflammatory properties;
• menstrual crampschanges in the menstrual cycle and vaginal dryness, for example, which have effects similar to female hormones;
• Bladder infections and urinary tract infectionsdue to its antimicrobial properties;
• lack of sexual desireas it is considered an aphrodisiac;
• Anxiety and depression.

In addition, damiana has an antihyperglycemic effect, that is, it prevents blood sugar levels from being too high, and can be used as a complement in the treatment of diabetes, however, the studies carried out show contradictory results.

In this way, it is important that damiana continues to be studied, to obtain greater scientific evidence on its effects and the ideal daily dose to obtain its benefits.

te de damiana

La damiana, in general, is consumed in infusion, which is where the hojas of this plant are used. To do so, just put 2 drops of damiana in 200 ml of water and leave it for 10 minutes. Luego, necklace and drink.

It is recommended that the consumption of this plant be carried out according to the indications of the doctor or of the phytotherapist, to avoid the secondary effects, being in general, recommended the consumption of up to 2 cups a day.

Side effects and contraindications

The secondary effects of damiana are related to the excessive consumption of this plant, which can cause problems in the liver and in the kidneys, in addition to having a laxative and diuretic effect. The use of this medicinal plant in large numbers can also cause insomnia, headache, nausea and vomiting, for example.

As more studies are needed to prove the effects of this plant on the organism, as well as the toxic dose, it is recommended to use in embarassed women what they are breastfeeding.