What is Damiana?
Damiana (Turnera diffusa, also known as Turnera aphrodisiaca) is a wild shrub native to Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and parts of southern Texas. The plant produces small, aromatic yellow flowers and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly by the Maya and Aztec civilizations.
Botanical Family: Passifloraceae (formerly Turneraceae)
Parts Used: Primarily the leaves and stems
Other Names: Mexican damiana, Old Woman's Broom, Herba de la Pastora, Mizibcoc (Mayan)
The plant has a distinctive spicy, chamomile-like aroma and produces fruit that tastes similar to figs.
Active Chemical Constituents
Damiana contains over 35 identified compounds, including:
Primary Active Compounds:
Flavonoids: Apigenin, acacetin, pinocembrin, naringenin, luteolin, genkwanin
Essential Oils (up to 1%): 1,8-cineole, p-cymene, thymol, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, alpha-copaene, calamenene
Phenolic Compounds: Arbutin, damianin, tannins
Terpenoids: Triterpenes, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes
Other Constituents: Beta-sitosterol, hexacosanol, cyanogenic glycosides, caffeine (small amounts)
Key Active Mechanisms:
Thymol: Stimulating and mood-enhancing effects
Arbutin: Anti-ulcer, gastroprotective, antioxidant properties
Apigenin/Acacetin: Antioxidant, anti-aromatase, potential estrogenic activity
Pinocembrin: Anti-aromatase activity, estrogenic effects
Primary Functions & Traditional Uses
Historical Uses:
Aphrodisiac: Most famous traditional use, dating back to pre-Columbian times
Mood Enhancement: Used for depression and anxiety
Tonic: General health and vitality enhancer
Digestive Aid: Treatment of stomach upset and constipation
Sexual Dysfunction: For both men and women
Modern Research-Supported Uses:
Sexual health and libido support (animal studies show promise)
Anxiety reduction and mood improvement
Blood sugar regulation (hypoglycemic effects)
Digestive health and ulcer prevention
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support
Health Benefits
Sexual Health:
For Men: May increase sexual stamina and help with sexual exhaustion (primarily based on animal studies)
For Women: May increase sexual arousal and help reach orgasm; affects hormonal balance
Mechanism: Works through the nitric oxide pathway for sexual function; anxiolytic properties may contribute to effects
Mental Health & Mood:
May help with mild to moderate depression
Anxiety reduction and nervous exhaustion relief
Adaptogenic properties for stress management
Calming yet simultaneously stimulating effects
Digestive System:
Facilitates breakdown of fats and sugars
Gastroprotective effects against ulcers
May help with constipation and bloating
Relieves nervous stomach and indigestion
Metabolic & Hormonal:
May help regulate blood sugar levels (hypoglycemic effect)
Anti-aromatase activity (affects estrogen metabolism)
May help with menstrual irregularities and menopause symptoms
Potential support for weight management (when combined with other herbs)
Other Benefits:
Respiratory health support (expectorant properties)
Antimicrobial effects for bladder and urinary tract
Anti-inflammatory properties for rheumatism
Antioxidant effects
Recommended Dosages
Important Note: There is no universally established "official" dosage for damiana due to limited clinical studies. Dosages vary based on form and intended use.
General Guidelines:
Dried Leaf/Tea:
2-4 grams of dried leaves, up to 3 times daily
Tea: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried leaves per 1 cup boiling water, steep 10-15 minutes
Maximum: 2-3 cups daily
Capsules/Tablets:
400-800 mg per day, typically divided into 2-3 doses
Some sources recommend up to 800 mg per dose, 3 times daily
Tincture/Liquid Extract:
2-4 mL (40-80 drops) of liquid extract, 3 times daily
1 mL (20 drops) daily for more concentrated extracts
Powder:
1-3 grams up to twice daily
Treatment Cycles:
Recommended to use in 2-week cycles with breaks
Not recommended for continuous long-term use without medical supervision
Forms of Consumption
Herbal Tea: Most traditional and common method
Capsules/Tablets: Convenient, standardized dosing
Tinctures: Alcohol or glycerin-based extracts
Powder: Can be added to beverages or recipes
Smoking Blends: Used in some cultures (not recommended due to respiratory risks)
Liqueurs: Traditional Mexican damiana liqueur
Timing & Administration
Best Time to Take:
Morning/Early Afternoon: Preferred due to mild stimulant effects
Avoid taking late in the day if sensitive to sleep disturbances
With or Without Food:
Generally taken with meals to enhance absorption and reduce potential stomach upset
Can be taken on an empty stomach but may cause nausea in sensitive individuals
Duration:
Short-term use (2-4 weeks) appears safest
Long breaks between treatment cycles recommended
Avoid continuous use for extended periods
Synergistic Supplements & Combinations
Take WITH Damiana:
For Sexual Health:
Maca root
Tribulus terrestris
L-arginine (supports nitric oxide pathway)
Ginseng (Panax or Siberian)
For Mood/Anxiety:
Holy basil (Tulsi)
Ashwagandha
L-theanine
Magnesium
For Energy/Adaptogenic Effects:
Rhodiola
Guarana
Yerba mate (some weight loss formulas combine these)
For Digestive Support:
Ginger
Peppermint
Fennel
Historical Combinations:
Often combined with other herbs in traditional formulas
ArginMax (studied formula containing damiana for female sexual function)
What NOT to Take With Damiana
Medications - Use Extreme Caution:
Diabetes Medications (MAJOR INTERACTION):
Insulin
Metformin (Glucophage)
Glimepiride (Amaryl)
Glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase)
Pioglitazone
Risk: Damiana may lower blood sugar; combination can cause dangerous hypoglycemia
Other Herb/Supplement Interactions: Avoid combining with other blood sugar-lowering supplements:
Alpha-lipoic acid
Chromium
Fenugreek
Garlic (in large amounts)
Guar gum
Horse chestnut
Bitter melon
Other Considerations:
Iron supplements: Tannins in damiana may reduce iron absorption
Stimulants: May compound stimulant effects
Sedatives: May alter effectiveness
Who Should Take Damiana
Ideal Candidates:
Adults seeking natural support for sexual health issues
Individuals with mild to moderate depression or anxiety
Those experiencing stress-related fatigue
People with digestive issues (constipation, bloating)
Women with menstrual irregularities or menopause symptoms
Individuals seeking mood enhancement and stress relief
Those with mild blood sugar concerns (under medical supervision)
May Benefit From:
Men with sexual exhaustion or decreased libido
Women with sexual dysfunction or low desire
People with nervous stomach or stress-related digestive issues
Those needing mild adaptogenic support
Who Should AVOID or Use Extreme Caution
Absolute Contraindications:
Pregnant Women:
May affect estrogen levels
Insufficient safety data
Could potentially affect fetal development
Breastfeeding Women:
Lack of safety research
Unknown effects on milk production or infant
People with Diabetes:
Can significantly affect blood sugar levels
Risk of dangerous hypoglycemia when combined with medications
Requires close medical monitoring if used
Use With Extreme Caution:
Pre-Surgery Patients:
Stop use at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery
Can interfere with blood sugar control during/after surgery
Liver Disease:
High doses may affect liver function
Limited detoxification capacity
Kidney Disease:
Excessive use may stress kidneys
Diuretic effects
Hormone-Sensitive Conditions:
Breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer
Endometriosis, uterine fibroids
May have estrogenic effects
Children and Adolescents:
No safety data for pediatric use
Risk of misuse for psychoactive effects
Those Prone to Addiction:
Some reports of psychological dependence
Potential for abuse
Deficiency Symptoms
Note: Damiana is not an essential nutrient, so there are no true "deficiency symptoms." However, the conditions it traditionally treats may indicate potential benefit:
Signs You Might Benefit:
Persistent low libido or sexual dysfunction
Chronic mild depression or anxiety
Frequent stress and nervous exhaustion
Digestive sluggishness or constipation
Hormonal imbalances (irregular periods, menopausal symptoms)
Difficulty with mental focus and fatigue
Frequent headaches related to stress
Weakened immune function
Toxicity & Overdose Symptoms
Serious Toxicity (Rare but Documented):
Extreme Overdose (200+ grams):
Convulsions and seizures
Symptoms similar to strychnine or rabies poisoning
Neurological disturbances
Requires immediate medical attention
Cyanide Toxicity Risk:
Damiana contains cyanogenic glycosides
Very high doses could theoretically cause cyanide poisoning
Unlikely at normal therapeutic doses
Common Side Effects (Mild to Moderate):
From Excessive Use:
Insomnia and sleep disturbances
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness
Fatigue and lethargy
Liver and Kidney Effects:
Liver problems (rare, high doses)
Kidney stress
Prostate disorders (reported in some cases)
Metabolic Effects:
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Symptoms: shakiness, sweating, confusion, irritability, hunger
Gastrointestinal:
Laxative effect
Diuretic effect (increased urination)
Stomach upset
Psychological/Addiction Concerns:
Potential for dependence with regular long-term use
Mild psychoactive effects when smoked or used in high doses
Some users report mild euphoria
Psychological addiction possible, particularly in adolescents
Allergic Reactions:
Rare but possible
Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling (seek immediate help)
Special Considerations
Lack of Clinical Research:
Very limited human studies - most research is on animals
Effectiveness not scientifically proven for most traditional uses
Safety profile not fully established
Dosage recommendations based primarily on traditional use
Quality and Purity Concerns:
Not FDA regulated as a dietary supplement
Risk of contamination or misidentification
"False Damiana" (Turnera ulmifolia) often sold instead of true damiana
Purchase from reputable sources only
Gender-Specific Effects:
In Women:
May increase testosterone
May decrease estrogen
Helps with arousal and orgasm
Used for menstrual regulation
In Men:
Works via nitric oxide pathway for sexual function
May help with sexual exhaustion
No effect on already sexually healthy males in studies
Drug Testing:
Damiana itself is legal in most jurisdictions
Has been used in "legal high" smoking blends
May appear in some herbal "spice" mixtures
Check local regulations
Preparation Methods Matter:
Traditional hot water extraction (tea) appears more effective for blood sugar effects
Alcohol extracts may not capture same compounds
Different preparations may have different effects
Evidence Quality
Strong Animal Evidence:
Sexual function improvement in sexually impaired rats
Blood sugar reduction in diabetic mice
Anxiety reduction in animal models
Anti-ulcer effects
Limited Human Evidence:
One study on ArginMax (multi-ingredient formula) showed benefit for female sexual dysfunction
Insufficient evidence for most other claims
Traditional use spanning centuries
Anecdotal reports widespread
Areas Needing More Research:
Optimal dosing in humans
Long-term safety
Effectiveness compared to placebo
Mechanism of action in humans
Interaction profiles
Summary & Key Takeaways
Damiana is a traditional medicinal herb with a long history of use as an aphrodisiac, mood enhancer, and general tonic. While it shows promise in animal studies and has extensive traditional use, scientific evidence in humans is limited.
Safety Profile:
Generally safe at recommended doses (400-800 mg capsules, 2-4g dried leaf)
Serious toxicity rare but documented at very high doses (200g+)
Most concerning interaction: Blood sugar-lowering effects with diabetes medications
Best Practices:
Start low, go slow with dosing
Use in cycles (2 weeks on, break periods)
Take with food, preferably morning/early afternoon
Monitor blood sugar if diabetic or at risk
Stop 2 weeks before surgery
Avoid if pregnant/breastfeeding
Purchase from reputable sources due to misidentification issues
Bottom Line:
Damiana may offer benefits for sexual health, mood, and digestion, but should be approached with caution due to limited human research. Those with diabetes, liver/kidney disease, or hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid it. Always consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if taking medications.