All about Damiana HerbDamiana is a shrub that grows native to Central America, Southern Texas, Southern California, and Mexico. Primarily, the leaf -- which is highly aromatic -- is the part of the plant that is harvested for its therapeutic purposes. The plant also goes by some other monikers, including: oreganello, old woman's broom, and pastorata. It has a long history of use in Mexican folk medicine. Traditionally, damiana herb has been used as a treatment for impotence, as a sexual aphrodisiac, for diabetes, and as a relaxant. Nowadays, this herb has also been attributed a wide range of benefits specifically for women that include alleviating the various symptoms of menopause. Other noted benefits are mitigating depression and aleviating anxiety. Unfortunately, there are no clinical trials of damiana herb involving humans, so much of the benefits at this time are more anecdotal than scientific. This is not to say it doesn't work, just that further studies need to be carried out to confirm or dispel its purported benefits. However, a study in Italy did find that it boosted the sexual performance of rats that were lethargic or displayed signs of impotence. However, it did not have any effect on rats that had no existing sexual difficulties. One explanation sometimes offered for its efficacy as a libido enhancer is that its primary constituents include a wide range of essential oils that may induce a tingling and lubricating sensation, especially when applied topically. All-in-all, damiana herb has a colorful history of use, and you may want to give it or a product containing damiana a try. Fortunately, damiana herb appears to be a very safe herb with no serious adverse reactions reported. Because the herb has a laxative effect, however, some people report a loosening of stools. Don't use it if you are pregnant or nursing unless you speak with a health professional.
It also has a bitter taste to it, and is available in various forms: tincture, capsule, tablet, sublingual spray, or topical cream.
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