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Benefits of Damiana
This articles provides detailes on the benefits of damiana
with scientific research studies. Short discussions are included on
each benefits of this herb.
For information on dosage, side effects and general facts on damiana
see our main article entitled Damiana.
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Erectile
Dysfunction (ED) / Impotence
T.
Ito et al. (1998) completed a clinical study in male subjects and it
showed that, "88.9% improved in ability to maintain erection during
sexual intercourse and 75.0% improved in satisfaction with their
overall sex life."
See our review of natural
remedies used
to treat ED.
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Aphrodisiac
/ Increase Libido in
Female
A recently study done in rats given this herb showed increased
their sexual activity as well as allowing them to better engage in
sexual activity a second time.
R.
Arletti et al. (March 1999) found that the herb has no effect on
sexually potent rats, but improved the performance of sexually
sluggish/impotent rats. The researchers concluded that, "These results
seem to support the folk reputation of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia
paniculata as sexual stimulants."
Research studies in humans
completed by T.Y. Ito et al. (2001) involved a multi-ingredient product
(ArginMax consisting of extracts of ginseng, ginkgo, damiana,
L-arginine, multivitamins and minerals). The results are positive as
human subjects, "observed [an increase] in sexual desire, reduction of
vaginal dryness, frequency of sexual intercourse and orgasm, and
clitoral sensation."
The same researchers later (2006) also
showed ArginMax to increase sexual desire in pre- and post-menopausal
females. They concluded that Arginmax, "may be desirable alternative
to hormone therapy for sexual concerns."
However, it is not
possible to say which (or more than one) of those ingredients in
ArginMax accounted for the aphrodisiac benefits seen.
See
our detailed review on natural
remedies used to boost sex drive.
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Weight
Loss
A
multi-ingredient product YGD (containing Yerbe mata leafs, guarana and
damiana) resulted in a small weight loss in 45 days.
It worked by
slowing the emptying of the stomach so you feel full quicker. However,
it only resulted in an additional 0.5 kg (1 lb) loss compared to the
group that took a placebo (sugar pill).
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Anxiety / Stress
A study conducted by S. Kumar et al. (2005) showed
that the herb have significant anxiolytic activity in mice.
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Substitute
for Marijuana (Smoking Damiana)
Anecdotal reports suggest that smoking this herb can give a person a
"high" similar to smoking marijuana. The evidence of the benefits of
damiana as a substitute for marijuana is weak.
This herb has been analyzed and it contains many active
chemicals including flavonoids,
tannins and beta-sitosterol.
Many
of these substances are known to help with anxiety, stress and can
promote a sense of well-being and create a euphoric hallucinogenic
state.
Another herb that is smoked for its ability to induce an euphoric state
is catnip.
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Antibacterial
Effect
The
herb showed antibacterial activity against 14 bacterial strains causing
the most common gastrointestinal diseases in Mexican population.
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Helpful |
Adaptogen
Brazil
is rich in plants with potential adaptogen-like effect, but most lacks
research studies to confirm this benefit.
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For information on damiana complete with dosage information and side
effects, see our main article entitled Damiana.
Related
Articles and Resources for Benefits of Damiana
Damiana facts, dosage to use and side
effects
Natural remedies to treat and
cure erectile dysfunction
Discover ways to boost sex drive
using herbal remedies
Return to Damiana
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