Damiana Herb

Wednesday, April 12th 2006

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Damiana was recorded to be used as an aphrodisiac in the ancient Mayan civilization, as well as for "giddiness and loss of balance." A Spanish missionary first reported that the Mexican Indians made a drink from damiana leaves, added sugar, and drank it for its purported power to enhance lovemaking.

Damiana has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine throughout the world. Damiana first was recorded with aphrodisiac effects in scientific literature over 100 years ago.

From 1888 to 1947 damiana leaf and damiana elixirs were listed in the United States National Formulary. The leaves are used in Germany to relieve excess mental activity and nervous debility, and as a tonic for the hormonal and central nervous systems.

In the past 100 years, damiana has shifted from being primarily a male sexual remedy to also being prescribed for women. In women it is used to treat painful menstruation, menopause disorders, and headaches caused by menstruation.

With such an ancient history of traditional uses worldwide, it's not unusual that the plant appears in many books on herbal remedies published world wide.

Reproduced unabridged from the April - June 2006 issue of Health and Herbal News, with the kind permission of Health and Herbs International Ltd.

The following products are all useful for hormonal balancing :

Black Cohosh Standardised
Dim
EstroSoy Plus
Femaprin
Maca Gold
Man Power
St Johns Vitex
Tribulus 20,000
Wild Yam Gel

Related health information can be found here:

DIM Plus to assist in cancer prevention
Energy
Fatigue
Fatigued and stressed? Your adrenals may be the cause
Femitone - menopausal relief
Hormonal Changes
Infertility
Menopause
PMT, Menopause, and hormonal imbalance
Tired and lacking energy?

Related articles can be found here:

Balance your estrogen/ testosterone levels naturally with DIM (Dinndolylmethane)

Help for Men's Hormonal Power

Hormone Balancing

Hot flushes? An internationally recommended herb

Men's Health

The traditional balancing herb for women

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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