Damiana Medical plant with a thousand virtues

In case of anxiety, stress and depression, damiana offers a euphoric effect for 1 to 2 hours, which makes it relaxing and antispasmodic.

Damiana is a bushy, aromatic perennial. Its woody stems have alternate, toothed leaves that are light green on top and pubescent on the reverse. They give off a pleasant scent. The tonic and aphrodisiac virtues of the aerial parts (leaves and stems) are what make diamana famous in phytotherapy. The Maya already used damiana as an aphrodisiac, but also for its relaxing
and antiasthmatic properties.
Later, Spanish missionaries reported the same aphrodisiac use among the Mexican Indians. This quality would be verified to remedy the decrease of libido in men (impotence, erection problems,
spermatorrhea, orchitis) as well as in women (anorgasmia, frigidity).
Damiana is often referred to as a woman’s plant because it calms painful periods, childbirth pains and menopausal discomfort (hot flushes, vaginal dryness, etc.). In case of anxiety, stress and depression,
damiana has a euphoric
effect for 1 to 2 hours, which makes it relaxing and antispasmodic.
Thanks to its arbutoside, damiana helps to fight urinary and urogenital infections related to incontinence. And by stimulating
liver functions, it tends to lower blood sugar levels. Finally, its astringent and expectorant properties are appreciated in cases of coughs, bronchitis, colds and asthma. Several studies have demonstrated the potential of damiana in the fight against cancer. Indeed, some of its compounds
have a cytotoxic effect on cancerous cells: they inhibit their development and can even destroy
them. Once again, apigenin is responsible for this activity. It can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and necrosis (death and decomposition) of certain cancer cells. This study from the National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico, conducted on tumour cell lines, demonstrates for the first time the cytotoxic effect of damiana on cancer cells in breast cancer.
Improves physical performance
Thanks to various active compounds,
damiana improves physical
performance. It is an excellent natural tonic that increases the energy and physical resistance of the body. It is an interesting plant in cases of fatigue, weakness, lethargy or in the context of sports activities. These properties
are partly due to the increase in the testosterone level in the blood via the flavonoids. After all, testosterone is not only a sex hormone. It is also the hormone of physical energy, strength and mass gain. In addition, this plant boosts the production of red blood cells, thus improving recovery, oxygen transport and muscle power. Finally, the apigenin
in damiana has an analgesic effect that reduces pain in the event of injuries, muscle tears, etc. Studies are still needed to evaluate the effectiveness of damiana
in improving physical performance.
In Mexico, damiana is used in the composition of a liqueur with which the Margarita cocktail can be prepared instead of the triple-sec. Damiana can be bought in parapharmacy, herbalist shops or in organic or natural shops. It is classified as a food supplement by the decree of 24 June 2014, which specifies that “The labelling must include a warning advising against use in women with a personal or family history of breast cancer”: so be vigilant for the presence of this mention to be reassured about its seriousness.