General Description
Damiana is a small shrub native to Texas, Mexico, the West Indies,
and parts of South America. Reaching approximately 2 meters in height,
damiana has smooth straight stems, which may be yellow or reddish-brown
in color. The leaves, which grow alternately in clusters along the
stem, are oval in shape with toothed edges, olive-green on top,
with white hairs on the bottom. Small yellow flowers grow in the
upper leaf axils. The fruit is a small, many-seeded capsule, which
splits into three pieces. The leaves of the plant are used medicinally.
Health Applications
- Sexual performance
- Diuretic
History and Traditional Use
Damiana has a long history of use as an aphrodisiac, said to increase
sexual arousal in both men and women. It has also been used as
a purgative, diuretic, stimulant, and as a tonic for the reproductive
organs.1 There is no scientific evidence to
support these traditional uses.
Chemical Composition
Damiana contains between 0.2 and 0.9 percent volatile oil, along
with bitter principle, tannin, mucilage, and starch.2
Although compounds in damiana have been shown to bind to progesterone
receptors,3 no therapeutic effects have been
demonstrated for any of the herb's components.
Dosage/Toxicity
Dosage recommendations for damiana vary according to the method
of administration. Common recommendations include infusions using
1 tsp of dried leaves steeped in 1 cup of water, once or twice
daily, or 1 tsp of fluid extract three times per day before meals.4
The herb is also available in capsules with dosage suggestions
printed on the label. Damiana use has not been associated with
any known health hazards or side effects.5
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