{"id":9837,"date":"2023-06-27T18:52:20","date_gmt":"2023-06-27T17:52:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=9837"},"modified":"2025-08-28T15:48:09","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T14:48:09","slug":"damiana","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/damiana\/","title":{"rendered":"Damiana"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":9838,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"644caee1-a353-4fb4-acc1-d1493aa58995","beyondwords_preview_token":"39b993e3-4249-4f12-9c19-e5be74e0a240","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[644,1279,1280],"conditions":[696,698,697],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[17,31,18],"western_action":[988,1810,999,1000,1008,1016,1017,1018,1020,1829,1022,1023],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-9837","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-anxiolytic","tag-euphoric","tag-psychoactive","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-reproductive-system","conditions-urinary-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-astringent-taste","sense-bitter","western_action-adaptogen","western_action-antidepressant","western_action-aphrodisiac","western_action-astringent","western_action-diuretic","western_action-laxative","western_action-nervine","western_action-relaxant","western_action-stimulant","western_action-thymoleptic","western_action-trophorestorative","western_action-uterine-tonic","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20230627","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Damiana is used as a nervine, anxiolytic and mild antidepressant","latin_name":"Turnera diffusa<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Passifloraceae","herb_summary":"Damiana\u2019s is used primarily for conditions in the nervous, urinary and reproductive systems. It has been used as an aphrodisiac to boost sexual potency by the native peoples of Central and South America for thousands of years. Modern uses are more towards the neuroses- depression and anxiety.","key_benefits":"Nervous system trophorestorative \r\nAutonomic nervous system balancer\r\nCentral nervous system balancer\r\nAnxiolytic\r\nAnti-depressant\r\nMood enhancer\r\nMucous membrane tonic","how_does_it_feel":"Damiana is a beautifully aromatic, warm and uplifting medicine which tastes slightly bitter and has some spicy tones. The leaves have a strong resinous aroma when crushed.","hdif_image_1":9841,"hdif_image_2":9839,"hdif_image_3":9838,"hdif_video":"","sense":[17,31,18],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"\"damiana\"Damiana is a warming aromatic medicine with uplifting and mood enhancing qualities. It can be drank as a tea or taken as a tincture to help with mild anxiety or low mood. It may also be helpful for premenstrual syndrome, especially where accompanied by mood swings.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is a potent anxiolytic which is often used for stress relief, nervous tension and exhaustion via a neutralising effect on the nervous system. It works well in combination with adaptogenic herbs such as\u00a0<\/span>ashwaghanda<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>astragalus.<\/span><\/a>\r\n\r\nIt has also been used successfully for a long time for sexual debility, particularly in men. However, these type of reproductive problems would be best addressed by a trained medical herbalist who will be able to help identify and treat the root of the problem. It is however traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and sexual tonic for both men and women.<\/span>\r\n\r\nDamiana has decongesting properties. It may be used for catarrh, headaches, migraines and menopausal symptoms. It also has a mild laxative effect and can be used as an appetite enhancer.<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"\"damianaDamiana is a restorative and mucous membrane tonic which harmonises the tone of the soft tissue lining in our central organs. The organ systems most affected by damiana\u2019s restorative properties are the reproductive, urinary and digestive systems.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nDamiana is energetically warming due to its pungency and high volatile oil content. These stimulating qualities make it an excellent diffusive circulatory tonic, particularly for the pelvic region. Due to this action, damiana can be used to alleviate gynaecological problems such as pelvic stagnation, delayed menstruation (8) and for uterine cramps.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt has a harmonising and restorative action on a branch of the nervous system called the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It also effects the central nervous system (CNS) in a more stimulating way. It works best in depressed, debilitated and deficient conditions (6) where the tissue state is weak, atrophic and debilitated.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe ANS is a <\/span>component of the peripheral <\/span>nervous system<\/span> that <\/span>regulates involuntary and automatic physiological processes such as; heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and digestion. The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. Many of the systems that damiana effects and which are discussed in this monograph are innovated by the ANS (i.e. reproductive, digestive, urinary).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThere are two branches of the ANS- parasympathetic and sympathetic. Put simply their roles are as follow. The parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) regulates the \u2018rest and digest\u2019 functions such as sleep, digestion, slowing down the heart and breath rate. Whereas the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) essentially controls the stress response i.e. the fight or flight- such as to increase strength and power - elevating blood pressure and speeding up the heart and breath rate.<\/span>\r\n\r\nProlonged exposure to high stress hormones can create disharmony in the ANS which often defaults to excess in the SNS (fight or flight). A herbalist will often address the ANS with use of adaptogens, nervines and ANS balancers due to the prevalence of high stress hormones in our modern culture.<\/span>\r\n\r\nDamiana has many properties which make it specific for nervous disorders, debility, convalescence and stress tension. It works well alongside classic adaptogens such as <\/span>ashwaghanda <\/span>or <\/span>astragalus<\/span> which can support the adrenal glands and support the systems most affected by stress. Damiana may also be combined with other nervous system restoratives such as <\/span>oat straw<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>vervain<\/span><\/a>. Damiana works to restore balance in the nervous system as a nervous trophorestorative (6).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"Damiana\u2019a use as medicine dates back many thousands of years. It was beloved by the Aztecs and Mayans who used it to treat impotency, increase sexual drive in both men and women, as well as to stimulate the nervous system. The Mayans would use damiana for \u2018giddiness, and loss of balance\u2019 (2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nTraditionally in central America the fragrant leaves were brewed into a tisane (tea) love potion as an infusion sweetened with honey. It has also been used as a mood enhancer recreationally in liquor or smoking pipes which was used to reduce anxiety.<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"damiana<\/strong>Nervous system<\/h3>\r\nDamiana has a number of desirable therapeutic actions which can be applied in both the neuroses and the neuralgias. It has some interesting effects in the nervous system due to its ability to stimulate the central nervous system (CNS) as well as harmonise the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This gives damiana a mood enhancing and uplifting action yet it is also a relaxant and anxiolytic which makes it useful for conditions involving stress and anxiety (2, 3, 6).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe mood enhancing and uplifting effects of damiana for lower mood or depressive states are most commonly referenced in papers and articles. It may however be less desirable for hyperactive or excitable presentations of anxiety due to the possible overstimulation. Damiana is often used by herbalists for fatigue, malaise, and to counter the effects of nervous exhaustion and stress.<\/span>\r\n\r\nDamiana is traditionally used as an ANS balancer (2, 4). It also innovates the CNS- particularly through sacral nerve pathways which may explain some of its direct stimulating actions in the pelvic region (4).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe British Herbal Pharmacopoeia cites indications for damiana's use for anxiety neurosis and depression (2, 5). It is indicated where coital inadequacy is linked to psychological or emotional factors (3, 5) and is most referenced for use in male cases of this circumstance.<\/span>\r\n\r\nDamiana combines well with passionflower and skullcap for nervous system disorders such as anxiety and depression.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe combined actions of damiana\u2019s complex phytocompounds are likely to exert a synergistic effect. Apigenin, a flavone compound in damiana was found to have a number of nervous system actions. Studies found that apigenin is antinociceptive (sensory system involved in pain recognition) (9) and that it is also anxiolytic (10).<\/span>\r\n\r\nOther compounds called cyanogenic glycosides in damiana also contribute to the relaxing influence of damiana on the nervous system. Damiana is also thought to work via a GABA moderating effect (2). GABA is known for inducing a calming action and is thought to play a major role in controlling anxiety, stress and fear (2). Additionally, a constituent thymol found in damiana has psychoactive properties (8).<\/span>\r\n

Reproductive system<\/h3>\r\nDamiana is perhaps one of the most well referenced herbs for the use as an aphrodisiac for both men and women. It works directly as a reproductive\/ pelvic tonic to increase circulation to the sexual organs. It is thought to increase the libido and improve stamina (4).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nDamiana is specific for sexual or reproductive problems in men (2). It is sometimes used by herbalists to treat spermatorrhoea, premature ejaculation, sexual sluggishness, impotency and prostate complaints (2) depending on the cause of the problem. Sometimes these problems may be caused by endocrine issues or secondary health problems.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nDamiana stimulates the pelvic region and improves innovation to the male reproductive system. The alkaloids in damiana are also thought to have a testosterimimetic effect (mimicking the effects of testosterone) (3). Other male reproductive tonics such as saw palmetto or goji berry may also be used in combination with damiana.<\/span>\r\n\r\nDamiana is sometimes used for the menopause. It is a choice herb for its nervine and mood enhancing properties but it also has some oestrogenic activity that may explain its use in helping with vaginal dryness (8).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nTwo isolated compounds pinocembrin and acacetin have been found to significantly suppress aromatase activity. Aromatase is an enzyme responsible for a key step in the biosynthesis of oestrogens. Damiana also contains flavone compounds which are shown to produce oestrogenic effects (11). This may suggest a regulatory action on oestrogen although the implications of this research are not yet clear in terms of possible application for hormonal imbalance.<\/span>\r\n

Urinary system<\/h3>\r\nAs damiana improves the circulation in the pelvic region, it is also often used for conditions in the urinary system. It is a mild diuretic effect as well as being a mucous membrane tonic to the urinary tract.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nHerbalists may use damiana in combination with other urinary tonics to help support tissue health and reduce inflammation in the urinary system (4). This may be suitable during the recovery phase of a urinary tract infection or for other irritation and inflammation in the bladder.\u00a0<\/span>","research":"\"damianaVery little research has been carried out around the effects of this damiana on human subjects. However, there are a number of in vivo\/ in vitro studies that focus on some of its active compounds. A small number of in vitro and in vivo have been included below to demonstrate the mechanism of action for some of the uses of damiana that have been discussed in this monograph, however there is a lack of available human studies.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAnimal studies are not condoned by herbal reality, however for the purpose of including research from which some understanding of therapeutic actions can be confirmed, some animal studies have been included herein.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Nervous system<\/h3>\r\nAn in vivo study was carried out to investigate the antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of an aqueous extract of damiana on adult male mice. Additional analysis on spermatic quality and testes morphology during a complete spermatogenesis cycle was carried out. Plus-maze, forced swimming and open field tests were used to identify the possible anxiolytic, antidepressant and stimulant effects.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe study results showed a remarkable anxiolytic and antidepressant effect without affecting locomotor activity which is relevant as often times anxiolytic medicines reduces one\u2019s ability to move freely. Additionally, the highest dose improved cellular turnover in the testes of mature mice.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe study concludes that clinical potential of damiana in the treatment of depression can be supported by its efficacy to positively modulate behavior. The study also concludes that damiana is safe in a wide range of doses (12).<\/span>","did_you_know":"Damiana is a wild flowering shrub that grows in South and Central America. Historically, damiana tea was used mostly as a love potion to induce aphrodisia.","additional_information_right":{"illustration":9843},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Damiana is a relatively small, woody shrub that produces small, yellow five petalled aromatic flowers. It blossoms in early to late summer and is followed by fruits that taste similar to figs. \r\n\r\nDamiana usually grows to a height of about 1 metre. Its pale green leaves are 0.5\u20131 in (15\u201325 mm) long are arranged alternately, up to 3 cm in length, oblanceolate with a pair of glands at the leaf base. The leaf has a scalloped margin and an acute leaf apex. The abaxial surface of the leaves is pubescent. The foliage is pungent.\r\n\r\nThe complete flowers are arranged solitarily in leaf axils. The flowers are subtended by 3 bracts. The calyx has 5 fused green sepals and the corolla has 5 unfused yellow petals. There are 5 stamens, each fused to the base of a petal. The ovary is superior with a single locule and many seeds. The fruit is a capsule at maturity.","common_names":"