DAMIANA Overview Information
Damiana is a wild shrub that grows in Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. The leaf and stem are used to make medicine. Historically, it was used mostly to increase sexual desire (as an aphrodisiac).
Damiana is used to treat headache, bedwetting, depression, nervous stomach, and constipation; for prevention and treatment of sexual problems; boosting and maintaining mental and physical stamina; and as an aphrodisiac.
Some people inhale damiana for a slight "high."
How does it work?
Damiana contains chemicals that may affect the brain and nervous system.
DAMIANA Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Headaches.
- Bedwetting.
- Depression.
- Nervous upset stomach.
- Constipation.
- Sexual problems.
- Boosting mental and physical stamina.
- Other conditions.
DAMIANA Side Effects & Safety
Damiana is LIKELY SAFE when taken in amounts commonly found in foods. Damiana is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in medicinal amounts, but there have been serious side effects. Convulsions and other symptoms similar to rabies or strychnine poisoning have been reported after taking 200 grams of damiana extract.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of damiana during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Diabetes: Damiana might affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use damiana.
Surgery: Since damiana seems to affect blood glucose levels, there is a concern that it might interfere with blood glucose control during and after surgery. Stop using damiana at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
DAMIANA Interactions
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with DAMIANA
Damiana might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking damiana along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
DAMIANA Dosing
The appropriate dose of damiana depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for damiana. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
