Damiana

Botanical name: Turnera diffusa

Parts used and where grown

The leaves of damiana were originally used as medicine by the indigenous cultures of Central America, particularly Mexico. Today the plant is found in hot, humid climates, including Mexico and parts of Texas, the Caribbean, and southern Africa.

Damiana has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Science Ratings

Health Concerns

Depression

Erectile dysfunction

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star

For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

Damiana has been hailed as an aphrodisiac since ancient times, particularly by the native peoples of Mexico.¹ Other folk uses have included asthma, bronchitis, neurosis, and various sexual disorders.² It has also been promoted as a euphoria-inducing substance.

Active constituents

Most research has been done on the volatile oil of damiana, which includes numerous small, fragrant substances called terpenes.³ As yet, it is unclear if the volatile oil is truly the main active constituent of damiana. Damiana extracts have been shown, in a test tube, to weakly bind to progesterone receptors.⁴ Thus, damiana may be a potentially useful herb for some female health problems. However, no human studies have investigated this possibility and it is not a primary traditional use.

How much is usually taken?

To make a tea, add 1 cup (250 ml) boiling water to 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) of dried leaves and allow to steep for ten to fifteen minutes. People can drink three cups (750 ml) per day. To use in tincture form, take 1/2–3/4 teaspoon (2–3 ml) three times daily. Tablets or capsules (400–800 mg three times per day) may also be used. Damiana is commonly used in herbal combinations. However, the authors of the German Commission E monographs do not feel that traditional use of this herb is justified by modern research.⁵

Are there any side effects or interactions?

The leaves have a minor laxative effect and may cause loosening of the stools at higher amounts. Until more is known about damiana’s effects on the female hormonal system, it should be avoided during pregnancy.⁶

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with damiana.

References
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1. Bradley PR (ed). British Herbal Compendium, vol 1. Bournemouth, Dorset, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992, 71–2.

2. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 492.

3. Bradley PR (ed). British Herbal Compendium, vol 1. Bournemouth, Dorset, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992, 71–2.

4. Zava DT, Dollbaum CM, Blen M. Estrogen and progestin bioactivity of foods, herbs, and spices. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1998;217:369–78.

5. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 325–6.

6. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Middlesex, UK: Viking Arkana, 1991, 516–7.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.