Damiana

Damiana, Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca, is a medicinal plant of the Turneracee family. The plant is a remedy with tonic and stimulating properties and with an aphrodisiac action. Damiana, for these characteristics, is indicated in case of fatigue, general debilitation, stress, anxiety and depression, in situations that require more energy, in case of insomnia but also, as the name suggests, aphrodisiaca from Aphrodite, the goddess of love, in case of low libido in both man and woman and other problems related to the sexual sphere such as impotence but just if caused by psychological factors. This last feature of damiana has been proved by a 1999 study published on the Psychopharmacology magazine and performed on rats by a team of researchers from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. However, further studies will be required to show these effects also on humans, for the moment these are supported by the popular tradition that consider damiana an aphrodisiac remedy. Finally, damiana has also beneficial expectorant properties, helpful in case of cough and bronchitis, and a slight diuretic and antiseptic power for the urinary tract, very useful in case of cystitis. You can use damiana in mother tincture, 30-40 drops from one to three times a day in a little water. Alternatively, damiana can also be taken in the form of dry extract, 800 mg divided into two times a day for short periods. Excessive doses can cause insomnia. Do not use during pregnancy, if you are suffering from diabetes or if you are taking a treatment to lower blood glucose because damiana can interact with the medications.