In most cases, effective alternatives to conventional medicine exist. These often come without chemical additives and are less likely to cause side effects. For example, the leaves of damiana can be used as a natural aphrodisiac.
Occurrence and cultivation of damiana
Damiana prefers open places with abundant sunlight. In particular, the shrub can be increasingly localized in rocky locations and high altitudes. Damiana belongs to the genus of saffron mallow. Originally it comes from America. Here it grows from the southern part of North America to the areas of Argentina. Externally, the plant looks like a shrub with many branches. In total, the damiana reaches a height of about one to two meters. The leaves and branches have fine hairs or down. There is no uniform leaf shape and size. Instead, the leaves vary in appearance, but are all about 1 to 2 centimeters long. The edge of the leaves usually has indentations, and the surface has fine ridges. Leaf hairs can often be found, especially in the region of the leaf veins. The damiana has flowers. These are bright yellow and bloom throughout the summer. Only towards autumn the petals disappear. The total length of a flower is about four to eight centimeters. In its center it bears a fragrant capsule fruit. Its taste is reminiscent of figs. Damiana prefers open places with abundant sun. Especially in rocky locations and high altitudes, the shrub can be increasingly localized. Especially in northern Mexico are the largest populations of the plant, which is only slowly gaining popularity in Europe.
Effect and use
Damiana can be used for various ailments. Especially often, the plant is used as an aphrodisiac. In addition, however, the ingredients also have a mild laxative and mood-improving effect. They can relieve anxiety and induce relaxation. Already in the history of the Mayas the leaves were prepared in different ways and used medicinally by the population. In the meantime, it is possible within Europe to buy the dried components or to acquire one’s own Damiana bush. In most cases, the application takes place in the form of a tea. For this, about 2 to 4 grams of the dried leaves should be added to hot water. After a few minutes, the remaining ingredients can be removed. The tea should be drunk three times a day. According to experience, the effect sets in optimally only when the hot liquid has been taken daily for a week. Furthermore, it is possible to make an alcoholic tincture from the components of the plant. Self-made vodka is usually used. However, the alcoholic extracts can usually be purchased ready for use. Especially in the home countries of damiana, the leaves of the shrub are used to flavor alcoholic beverages, for example. In addition, the inhabitants smoke parts of the damiana. The forms of administration are thus very diverse. Decisive for the medicinal effect of the plant are its ingredients. These are mainly terpenes and essential oils. Among the terpenes are caffeine, tannin and thymol. Not all effects of damiana are based on scientific studies. Instead, the plant is used especially in the context of homeopathy or recommended based on experience. Most scientific experiments took place with animals.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Damiana can be used to treat physical and psychological ailments. Thus, the ingredients are effective against anxiety disorders and support the onset of a state of relaxation. However, the anti-anxiety property has been shown in experiments only with solutions produced with methanol. The preparation is supposed to cause moderate euphoria. It is used in this form mainly for existing menstrual problems, prostate disorders, tension, nervousness and insomnia. Especially in Mexico, damiana is also used for infectious diseases. The components are antibacterial and can thus be used for colds, inflammatory diseases, but also for infections of the respiratory and digestive organs.In addition, the treatment of diseases of the genitals, as well as kidney and bladder catarrh is not uncommon in the home countries. Decisive for the disinfecting effect is said to be the substance arbutin. The relaxing property of the leaves also reaches the smooth muscles in the area of the internal organs. In this way, the plant is able to relieve more severe abdominal pain. At the same time, the ingredients promote the subsiding of inflammatory diseases in the area of the stomach and intestines. In addition, damiana is used in some cases to stimulate appetite. As an aphrodisiac, damiana is used for treatment as well as prevention. Thus, it is supposed to prevent a loss of libido in men and women, but also to alleviate already existing sexual disorders. The effect is supposed to be based on an increased sensitivity of the skin and a better blood circulation in the abdomen. However, there is not yet enough data from scientific studies to clearly confirm the assumptions. According to experience, however, damiana is said to be an effective aphrodisiac, which was already used by the Maya. The aphrodisiac properties are said to go so far that they also have an effect on impotence. Thus, Damiana is a herbal remedy that can fulfill numerous medical purposes. Side effects are not known so far, but it is not recommended to exceed the recommended dosage. People with liver diseases, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid the components of the shrub.
