What is damiana ?

Damiana is a wild shrub that grows in Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. The leaf and stem are used to make medicine. People use damiana for a slight "high", as an aphrodisiac, to treat stomach complaints, and for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use. How does it work ? Damiana contains chemicals that may affect the brain and nervous system.

What are the uses & effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for Obesity. Sexual problems that prevent satisfaction during sexual activity. As an aphrodisiac. Athletic performance. Asthma. Diabetes. Headache. Bed-wetting. Depression. Nervous upset stomach. Constipation. Boosting mental and physical stamina. Symptoms of menopause. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For a "high", when inhaled. Other conditions. More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of damiana for these uses.

What are the side effects?

Damiana is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. Damiana is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts. But there have been serious side effects when taken in very high doses. Convulsions and other symptoms similar to rabies or strychnine poisoning have been reported after taking 200 grams of damiana extract.

What are the precautions and warnings?

Damiana is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. Damiana is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts. But there have been serious side effects when taken in very high doses. Convulsions and other symptoms similar to rabies or strychnine poisoning have been reported after taking 200 grams of damiana extract. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if damiana is safe to use when pregnant or 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.

What are the interactions?

Moderate InteractionBe 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 PresTabs, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

What is the 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.