Ingredient Spotlight: Damiana the Natural Aphrodisiac
What is Damiana?
Damiana is a wild shrub with yellow flowers and fragrant leaves that grows in Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and also some of the southernmost states of the United States. It goes by other names such as Turnera diffusa, Mexican Damiana, old woman’s broom, and herba de la pastora. The fragrant plant contains rich volatile oils that are thought to be the source of the plant's stimulating properties. The leaves of Damiana have been used in earlier times for headaches, as a tonic to calm the nerves, as a digestive fix, and in some cases to soothe menstrual concerns. For all the benefits Damiana has to offer, the number one use for it is and always has been as a natural aphrodisiac. The Mayans and the Aztecs used the Damiana extract as a natural aphrodisiac and to boost libido and sexual potency.
What Does Damiana Do?
Damiana extract is ascribed the following properties: heightened feelings of sexuality, help maintain a healthy libido, supports a healthy circulatory system and helps maintain healthy sexual desire. Women's complaints and maintaining energy are some of the other top uses for Damiana. The essential oils from the leaves of Damiana stimulate the genital glands, which help to support a healthier libido. It is well known as a sexuality tonic and natural aphrodisiac and may help women achieve orgasm more easily. Another way Damiana may be used as an aphrodisiac is through its reported role in stimulating exotic dreams.
Aside from its role as an aphrodisiac, Damiana can also help with digestion by stimulating the intestinal tract, acting as a mild laxative. Due to its tonic effect on the nervous system, Damiana may also help soothe irritable bowels and nervous dyspepsia. Damiana's relaxing, gentle, and sense-enhancing effects on the body also make it a popular choice as a tonic for worn out nerves. Damiana can also be used for supporting a healthy circulatory system. By supporting healthy oxygen levels, Damiana helps in many different ways. Damiana's ability to support healthy circulation contributes to its use as a boon for intimacy problems, mood, anxiety and nervousness, digestion, stamina and in some cases menstrual concerns. Many women have noticed that some symptoms of PMS and menopause have disappeared with the regular use of the herb.
How Can You Use Damiana as a Natural Aphrodisiac?
Damiana can be taken as a tea, an extract, or in capsule form. The best ways to ingest Damiana are by drinking it or taking it in a pill, but the most popular way to ingest Damiana is by including it in your tea. Use Damiana in moderation, as ingesting large amounts may cause headaches. If you are taking Damiana in a capsule, make sure to take the pill with a full glass of water.
Considerations When Using Damiana
When taking Damiana, smaller doses are recommended. If the plant is ingested in too large of an amount, it could cause headaches or insomnia. Do not use Damiana if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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